NFL Trade Rumors Swirl as Seahawks Target Steelers Safety DeShon Elliott
With the 2026 NFL Draft drawing closer each day, excitement is building among analysts who are busy proposing trades for franchises in urgent need of talent and draft picks. In this speculative atmosphere, Bleacher Report's Moe Monton has floated the idea that the Seattle Seahawks could pursue a deal to acquire Pittsburgh Steelers veteran safety DeShon Elliott, aiming to upgrade their safety position.
Seahawks' Defensive Needs and Elliott's Potential Fit
The Seahawks have faced significant losses in their secondary recently, with safety Coby Bryant and cornerback Riq Woolen departing within two weeks of free agency. While Seattle did sign Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney Thomas II, his experience has been largely limited to special teams over the past two seasons. This gap presents an opportunity for Seahawks GM John Schneider to bring in veteran insurance, with Elliott emerging as a prime candidate.
According to The Sporting News' Mike Moraitis, Elliott is an ideal fit for Seattle due to his starting-caliber abilities. He is versatile enough to line up in the slot, in the box, or at free safety, offering flexibility to the Seahawks' defensive schemes. However, the Steelers' intentions remain unclear. Pittsburgh has added safeties Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage Jr., but Savage was reportedly brought in as depth rather than a starter. Speculation has been further fueled by the Steelers' addition of Jamel Dean to pair with Joey Porter Jr., potentially moving Jalen Ramsey back to the slot role.
Factors Influencing a Potential Trade
The likelihood of Elliott's trade hinges on several key factors within the Steelers' roster dynamics:
- If Ramsey remains at free safety, the safety room could become overcrowded with recent additions like Brisker and Savage, possibly prompting Elliott's departure.
- Conversely, if Pittsburgh moves Ramsey to his slot cornerback role, Elliott might be retained for depth purposes.
- Elliott's connection to Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald adds another layer to the rumor. Both were part of the Baltimore Ravens organization in 2018, when Macdonald served as linebackers coach, fostering a familiarity that could facilitate a reunion.
Elliott's recent performance and health are also critical considerations. In 2024, he posted impressive numbers: 108 tackles (73 solo), two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and six pass breakups in 15 games. However, a knee injury limited him to only five games in 2025, where he still managed 38 total tackles (20 solo), 1.0 sack, one forced fumble, and two pass breakups. He suffered a season-ending hyperextension of the knee in Week 8 of 2025, but Steelers GM Omar Khan provided a positive update during the 2026 NFL Combine, stating Elliott is on track with no expected limitations by opening day.
Contract Details and Financial Implications
From a financial perspective, Elliott signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract with the Steelers in June 2025, including a $6 million signing bonus and $7.1 million in guaranteed money. For the 2026 season, he is scheduled to earn a base salary of $2.04 million and a roster bonus of $2.04 million, resulting in a cap hit of $6.08 million and a dead cap value of $6.04 million. Over his eight-year career, Elliott has accumulated total earnings of approximately $17 million.
As the trade rumors persist, the ultimate decision rests with the Steelers' front office. Will Pittsburgh part ways with Elliott to address other needs, or will they keep him as a valuable asset in their secondary? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the NFL offseason is never short on drama and speculation.
