Steelers Secondary Rebuild Under DC Patrick Graham
Key Questions
Who are the key additions to the Steelers secondary?
The team added Jamel Dean, Jaquan Brisker, Darnell Savage, and Daylen Everette under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
What concerns exist about Patrick Queen?
Queen posted a 21% missed tackle rate and carries a $17.1M cap hit in a contract year, though recent reports dismiss trade rumors.
How is the defense projected to perform in 2026?
Analysts rank the defense as a potential top-five unit, with the secondary and edge rotation expected to be key strengths.
Article recaps 2025 struggles and aggressive 2026 moves under Omar Khan. Graham's track record offers hope. Key additions: Dean (CB), Brisker (S), Savage (S), Everette (CB). Jalen Ramsey named #82 on NFL Top 100, now confirmed as a versatile chess piece. Analytics validate Jamel Dean's elite DVOA. Insider hints Asante Samuel Jr. could be trade bait if Daylen Everette continues to impress. Safety depth remains a major concern. A local insider notes a forgotten name in the secondary could be key depth. A new article critiques Mike Tomlin's defensive predictability in playoffs. ESPN ranks Steelers roster 19th, highlighting EDGE strength but off-ball LB weakness. However, a recent article notes the ILB concern may be overblown given DC Graham's single-LB scheme. Cornerbacks named biggest X-factor for 2026. Patrick Queen's 31 missed tackles and 21% miss rate, with $17.1M cap hit in contract year, raises serious concerns, but a recent article dismisses Queen trade rumors. Payton Wilson named biggest bust potential for 2026 by Bleacher Report, citing coverage concerns (104.7 passer rating allowed) and Queen's inconsistencies creating a weak ILB duo. DeFabo's review reinforces Wilson's bust-watch label and Dean's boom-or-bust signing. Another article ranks Steelers CBs among NFL's best. A recent article suggests Echols could be a trade piece. Joe Whitt Jr. and Jason Simmons introduced to coaching staff. Brisker trained with Aaron Donald this offseason. A comprehensive defensive preview under new DC Graham and HC McCarthy highlights scheme shift to cerebral but physical play, plus-sized corners, and deep edge rotation. Confirms Herbig's $100M deal as co-starter, Watt embracing new alignments, and Queen/Wilson speed at ILB. ESPN ranks Steelers 19th, noting defense must carry early. A bold predictions article predicts a top 5 defense. Analyst names Pittman and Dean as most highly anticipated Week 1 debuts, reinforcing their roles.