Countdown to kickoff: 25 days until Pittsburgh faces the Jets at MetLife and the No. 25 jersey sits at the center of the spotlight. DeShon Elliott is the current No. 25 wearer for the Steelers, signed on a two-year deal in 2024 and already making an impact as one of the team's top tacklers on run defense. The No. 25 lineage on Pittsburgh runs back to a handful of notable safeties since 2020: Elliott (2024–present), Desmond King (2023), Eric Rowe (2023), Ahkello Witherspoon (2021–2022), and Antoine Brooks Jr. (2020).

Arguably the most storied No. 25 in Steelers lore is Ryan Clark, whose hard-hitting eight-year run helped anchor a feared defense that celebrated a Super Bowl XLIII victory. Clark earned a lone Pro Bowl nod in 2011 and remains a touchstone for the franchise’s identity in this jersey’s history. The piece ties the No. 25 thread to the present day, underscoring Elliott’s role as a potential catalyst for a defense aiming at a deep playoff run in 2025.

For fantasy anglers, Elliott’s presence bolsters the Steelers’ safety floor, with upside for tackles and occasional big plays in a defense that thrives on pressure and turnover opportunities. The No. 25 history also hints at burst potential from other safeties who wore the number in shorter stints, reminding managers to monitor back-end depth that can create weekly streaming options.

As the Jets game nears, the No. 25 tradition is more than a backstory; it signals a defense built on physical play and versatility at safety. That legacy could translate to meaningful fantasy signals in the right matchups, especially against teams that deploy heavy run games or frequent deep shots, making the No. 25 lineage a quiet edge for savvy rosters.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a significant move during a typically quiet period of the NFL offseason by signing veteran safety DeShon Elliott to a three-year contract. Details from NFL Media indicate that the deal is valued at $12.5 million, with approximately $9.21 million guaranteed. This contract extends Elliott’s tenure with the Steelers, securing him into the 2025 season, ensuring he won't enter the final year of his previous deal without long-term job security.

Elliott has been a key player for the Steelers' defense, setting career highs in tackles and fumble recoveries during his first season with the team. His performance includes impressive stats like 108 tackles, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles, highlighting his impact on the field.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant move on Monday night by extending strong safety DeShon Elliott with a two-year, $12.5 million contract, which includes $9.21 million guaranteed. Elliott's impressive performance in the previous season helped him secure this deal; he accumulated 108 total tackles, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one interception, and six passes defended. Originally signed to a two-year contract, Elliott's successful integration into the Steelers' defensive unit alongside free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has proven vital for the team's defensive strategy.

Both players have established a formidable partnership in the secondary, with Elliott thriving in his role since joining the Steelers in 2024. His ability to disrupt plays and contribute to turnovers has made him an invaluable asset to the team's defense. This extension not only solidifies Elliott's place in Pittsburgh but also signals the Steelers' commitment to maintaining a strong defensive front moving forward.