Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety DeShon Elliott released a statement on his Instagram story after reaching a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension with the Steelers late Monday night. Elliott expressed nothing but gratitude.
“Grateful to the Rooney family, Omar Khan and Coach Tomlin for bringing me to Pittsburgh and giving me a home. Thankful to be extended for two more years to play for the best organization and in front of the best fans in the NFL,’ Elliott wrote.
“Also want to thank CJ LaBoy, Quincy Peyton and Wasserman NFL for getting this done. They’ve changed my life in the last four months more than any representation has previously, through business and building relationship.”
Elliott had been set to enter the final season of a two-year, $6 million contract that he signed with the Steelers ahead of the 2024 season, so his next deal represents a significant pay increase.
Elliott earned that raise with stellar performance on the field during his first season with the Steelers. He played in 15 games and finished second on the team with 108 tackles. Elliott also had four tackles for loss, six passes defended, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and one interception.
Elliott made 108 of 111 tackle opportunities in 2024 – a 97.3% tackle efficiency rating – the highest rating in Next Gen Stats history (since 2018 and minimum 100 tackle opportunities).
Elliott’s performance represented a breakout from his previous six seasons, setting or tying career highs in multiple statistical categories.
“I think I was probably born to be a Steeler,” Elliott said to Steelers Now in November. “I think I was. I love it here. I love the guys in the locker room. There’ s a lot of guys who care about each other — a lot of God-fearing men — a coach that preaches a culture of winning, and a tradition of championship football.”
Elliot has played for the Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins in his career, but nothing compares to Pittsburgh. Elliott credits Mike Tomlin for creating a family-like atmosphere.
“All I can do is thank God for the position that Mike [Tomlin] has given me, the opportunity to play the game,” Elliott said in May, via the Steelers’ website. “Because ‘I’ve been to a lot of places but it’s the only place where I feel like home, so I appreciate them so much for the opportunity.”
Tomlin’s ability to relate to players might be his best attribute has a coach. Elliott appreciates Tomlin’s authenticity and sincerity.
“You walk in the building, and honestly, it’s hard to describe the feeling,” Elliott said. “Just knowing that when a coach talks to you, he’s not talking to you just to check a box. He’s talking to you because he actually cares.
“If I’m talking to Mike T, it’s about my family or the things I have going on at home, like my dad. They’ve reached out to try to help me with that. It feels like something different for me....
