Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex has identified the safety position as the team's most uncertain area heading into the 2026 season.
Essex made the comments recently on his Snap Count podcast. He noted the group includes returning players Jalen Ramsey and DeShon Elliott along with new additions Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage.
"The one that I have the most concern about and the one that raises the most questions is safety," Essex said. He added that Brisker and Savage are expected to compete for starting roles rather than serve as backups.
The Steelers enter the offseason after a 2025 campaign in which they won their division but missed the playoffs. Essex said Ramsey and Elliott are projected starters for now, yet the new coaching staff must determine how to distribute playing time among the four players.
