The Steelers have been looking to address safety with Terrell Edmunds moving on to Philadelphia, and they didn't wait until the draft to do so.
The Steelers are expected to sign Keanu Neal to address their depth at safety, a source confirmed with DK Pittsburgh Sports. The contract is for two years, according to Neal's agent, David Canter.
Neal, 27, is a former first-round pick of the Falcons in 2016. The former Florida Gator racked up 222 tackles, one interception and 14 passes defended over his first two seasons, and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2017. After spending the first five seasons of his career with the Falcons, he spent one season each with the Cowboys and Buccaneers.
Neal is a similar type of player to Edmunds, though he has some more skins on the wall. His game revolves around what he can do in the box, and he's been known to lay some big hits all over the field. Neal tore his ACL in the opener of the 2018 season, and then missed the bulk of the 2019 campaign after suffering an achilles injury. Neal bounced back in 2020 with a solid performance, recording 100 tackles, two passes defended and one fumble recovery.
Last season, Neal played in all 17 games with Tampa Bay, starting eight of them, recording 63 tackles and four passes defended.
Neal is being added as a depth option behind Minkah Fitzpatrick and Damontae Kazee. But, he brings some much needed experience behind them. And, it shores up the position ahead of the NFL Draft in April.
There's also nothing new to report on Bud Dupree's visit to the Steelers' facility, per source. No contract has been agreed to, but Dupree underwent a physical while visiting with Steelers officials on the South Side.
In addition to the Neal signing, the Steelers are signing another one of Canter's clients. According to Canter, the Steelers have agreed to terms with nose tackle Breiden Fehoko. The LSU product signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chargers in 2020. During his three-year career, Fehoko has appeared in 19 games, recording 36 tackles and one tackle for loss.
