Steelers: 3 worst moves of the 2023 offseason

Worst offseason moves for the Steelers: 2. Signing Keanu Neal

Supporters of the Steelers signing Neal will accurately point out that it’s relatively low-risk since it’s only a two-year deal for a maximum of $4.25 million. That doesn’t change the fact that expecting him to be a starting safety at this stage of his career is a poor decision for any team with playoff aspirations.

The former first-round pick has always struggled in deep coverage and that problem has only intensified as he’s suffered injuries during his NFL career. The Steelers secondary struggled to cover anyone last season and playing Neal meaningful naps at strong safety will only exacerbate that issue.

Neal can only be a reasonably effective player when he’s deployed near the line of scrimmage. A big issue is that’s where Minkah Fitzpatrick can really wreak havoc. Playing the pair together will force Fitzpatrick to roam the deep third of the field far too often. That’s a job he can execute but it will blunt his ability to make plays.

The Steelers should have invested a reasonable draft pick on a strong safety capable of coming in and playing right away. Gambling on Neal is a poor use of a roster spot. Don’t be surprised if he’s nailed to the bench by the end of the regular season.