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The Steelers entered Thursday with 4 former first-round picks on their protection, and it appears to be like like that quantity is about to extend. That quantity has now elevated to 5 after the Steelers signed former Pro Bowl security Keanu Neal to a two-year deal, his agent confirmed late Thursday afternoon.
The seventeenth total choose within the 2016 NFL Draft, Neal compelled 5 fumbles as a rookie whereas serving to the Falcons attain the Super Bowl that season. He was named to his first Pro Bowl the next season after forcing three fumbles and making 116 tackles. Neal spent the primary 5 seasons of his profession in Atlanta earlier than spending one 12 months apiece in Dallas and Tampa. A component-time starter with the Buccaneers, Neal had one interception and 63 tackles throughout his solely season with Tampa Bay.
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Neal joins a Steelers secondary that can look considerably totally different in 2023 than it did in 2022. Pittsburgh parted with Cam Sutton this offseason and changed him with eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson. Peterson, nevertheless, could also be moved from cornerback to free security whereas permitting Minkah Fitzpatrick to maneuver to sturdy security, the place that was previously manned by former first-round choose Terrell Edmunds. Edmunds signed with the Eagles this month after turning down Pittsburgh’s supply.
It’s been a busy month for the Steelers, who for a second straight offseason have used free company to bolster an ever-improving offensive line. One of this 12 months’s free agent signings, former Eagle Isaac Seumalo, is anticipated to compete for Pittsburgh’s beginning left guard place towards Kevin Dotson.
The Steelers additionally aggressively addressed inside linebacker by signing veterans Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts. Pittsburgh made a splash by signing Peterson, because the Steelers’ protection now has 4 former first-round picks in its beginning lineup. Among the crew’s higher in-house free company signings was defensive finish Larry Ogunjobi, who performed properly below a one-year deal final season.
Nose sort out and receiver are nonetheless areas the Steelers want to handle this offseason. Bud Dupree, who visited the Steelers on Thursday, will fill Pittsburgh’s present void at backup move rusher if the previous first-round choose re-signs with the Steelers.
