Fitzpatrick has the ability to play in the slot and did so at times for the Steelers last season. Kazee also played in the slot earlier in his career. But Porter is an outside cornerback, while Jackson rarely played just 173 career snaps in the slot compared to nearly 3,700 on the outside in his previous six seasons in Carolina.
The addition of Elliott could free Fitzpatrick up to play more in the slot in 2024. Elliott, who began his career with the Ravens before playing with the Lions and Dolphins the past two seasons, has largely played free safety in his career, but has experience as the strong safety, as well, giving the Steelers flexibility with both he and Kazee.
“I’m really excited that he’s here. He is a really good tackler. He’s a really good communicator. He has some natural traits that I think really makes you excited about adding to your defense from a safety perspective,” Tomlin said. “And he’s not a newbie by any stretch. He’s been in the league. We’re familiar with him. He’s familiar with us, and I just think that makes me really excited.”
But the Steelers might prefer to utilize Fitzpatrick, one of the NFL’s best playmakers in the secondary, in different ways. Fitzpatrick missed seven games due to injury in 2023, but played 223 snaps aligned in the deep middle of the field, 149 in the box and 134 in the slot.
He had 64 tackles last season, but failed to force a turnover for the first time in his six NFL seasons. In 2022, he led the NFL with six interceptions.
Tomlin has no concerns about Fitzpatrick getting back to his playmaking ability in 2024.
“I don’t,” Tomlin said. “To me, it’s about availability. If he’s available, he’s going to be making plays.”
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