Writer suggests signing Super Bowl champion if Steelers blockbuster trade doesn’t happen

The Pittsburgh Steelers look to improve after making the NFL Playoffs during the 2025 season. While Pittsburgh has Aaron Rodgers back at the helm of the offense, one sportswriter is arguing the Steelers should make a change on defense. Sports Illustrated writer Jacob Punturi thinks the team should add another defensive back ahead of the campaign.

Punturi writes that the team should look to add at least one safety in a trade.

“That’s certainly possible, if the Steelers want to put their defense over the top. Some players, like Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, stand out as a potential option to shift the defense in Pittsburgh and the NFL landscape,” the writer wrote.

If the Steelers can’t pull off a trade, then the SI writer suggests taking a different tack.

“Outside of this hypothetical monumental deal, there is one real option on the table. The team could double down on the veteran free agent additions and target 28-year-old Taylor Rapp. The former Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills safety is not a starter anymore, but he’s a Super Bowl winner with plenty of experience. Having him as the team’s number four safety would be a huge upgrade over where things currently stand,” Punturi wrote.

The writer argues this is needed because the Steelers don’t have much experience at safety.

“The safety group currently consists of starters DeShon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker, plus recently signed Darnell Savage and second-year player Sebastian Castro. Players like Jalen Ramsey and Daylen Everette have the chance to shift to safety at some point, but for now, they are part of the cornerback room,” Punturi wrote.

Pittsburgh has a new head coach this season in Mike McCarthy. McCarthy replaces Mike Tomlin, who stepped down following the 2025 season.

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