Steelers signing ex-Pro Bowl defender
Aug 30, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers have found their replacement for longtime starting safety Terrell Edmunds.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on Thursday that the Steelers are closing in on a deal with Keanu Neal. The former first-round pick Neal became a free agent after spending last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Neal, a seven-year NFL veteran with three different teams, began his career as a strong safety and made a Pro Bowl with the Atlanta Falcons in 2017. He transitioned into other roles, including free safety and weakside linebacker, before becoming a strong safety again last season with the Buccaneers.
Still only 27, Neal will help the Steelers recoup some of the production of Edmunds, who left for a top NFC team after spending the last five years as Pittsburgh’s starting SS. Neal has good instincts and a physical style of play.
The Chiefs trick play turns into a Keanu Neal INT 😱 #RiseUpATL
📺: #ATLvsKC on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/IFHvVPw7XT pic.twitter.com/2MMdck5AAh— NFL (@NFL) December 27, 2020
That hit last season by Keanu Neal on Taysom Hill #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/vjD9tdYd1i
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) March 30, 2023
When we signed Keanu Neal this play is the first thing that came to my head pic.twitter.com/731mKsv0S1
— 𝗗𝗝 (@DJBucsFan) April 7, 2022
After finishing just 19th in passing yards allowed per game last season, the Steelers have a new-look secondary. Neal joins this multi-time Pro Bowl cornerback as the notable additions.