Steelers Work Out Three Safeties Amid Injury Crisis: Beau Brade, Austin Brown, Dan Jackson Get Tryouts

With the 2026 NFL season in full swing, the Pittsburgh Steelers are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to shore up a depleted safety room. According to the NFL transaction page and reported by Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders, the team brought in three defensive backs for tryouts on Tuesday at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex: Beau Brade, Austin Brown, and Dan Jackson. The workouts come as the Steelers grapple with the absence of DeShon Elliott, who remains on injured reserve, and the loss of Bishop Fitzgerald, who was poached off the practice squad by another team. As of Tuesday evening, no signings had been announced, but the tryouts signal Pittsburgh’s urgency to add depth before their next matchup.

Beau Brade Brings Experience and Special Teams Value

Among the trio, Beau Brade stands out as the most seasoned candidate. The former Maryland standout went undrafted in 2024 and has since spent time with the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants. Over 26 career games, Brade has yet to make a start, but he has carved out a niche on special teams, logging 400 snaps in that phase while seeing just 12 defensive snaps. His familiarity with AFC North football—having been with the Ravens—could give him a slight edge if the Steelers prioritize scheme fit. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Brade’s workout focused on his coverage skills and ability to contribute immediately on kick coverage units, areas where Pittsburgh has struggled early this season.

Austin Brown: A Fresh Face with Upside

Austin Brown, an undrafted free agent in 2026, initially signed with the Indianapolis Colts but was waived during final cuts. At Wisconsin, Brown tallied 40 total tackles and three passes defensed in his final collegiate season, showcasing a physical style of play that could translate to the NFL. While he lacks professional experience, his youth and potential make him an intriguing developmental prospect. The Steelers, known for their defensive pedigree, may view Brown as a long-term project who can learn behind veterans. As highlighted on Vulius, Brown’s tryout included drills emphasizing his tackling technique and instincts in zone coverage, areas that need refinement but show promise.

Dan Jackson: A Former Draft Pick Seeking a Fresh Start

Dan Jackson, a seventh-round pick by the Detroit Lions in 2025, never saw regular-season action as a rookie after landing on injured reserve. At Georgia, he was a key contributor on a national championship defense, recording 64 total tackles, three passes defensed, and two interceptions in his final season. Jackson’s college tape is impressive, but his transition to the pros has been stalled by injuries. The Steelers are likely evaluating whether he can stay healthy and recapture the form that made him a draftable talent. With the safety market thin, Jackson could be a low-risk, high-reward addition if he proves his health.

Steelers’ Safety Situation: A Race Against Time

Pittsburgh’s safety depth has been tested early in the 2026 campaign. DeShon Elliott’s absence has forced the team to rely on younger, less experienced players, and Bishop Fitzgerald’s departure to another team’s active roster further thinned the ranks. The Steelers have traditionally valued versatility in their defensive backs, and all three tryout candidates offer special teams ability—a critical factor in roster decisions. Head coach Mike Tomlin has often emphasized the importance of depth in the secondary, especially in a division featuring dynamic passing attacks. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk observes, the team may wait until after Week 3 to make a move, allowing them to evaluate their current options before committing to a signing.

What’s Next for Pittsburgh?

The Steelers have not signed any of the three safeties as of Tuesday night, but that could change quickly. With injuries mounting across the league, players like Brade, Brown, and Jackson could find themselves on a roster sooner rather than later. Pittsburgh’s front office is known for its thorough evaluation process, and these workouts are just one step in that journey. Fans should keep an eye on the transaction wire in the coming days. For now, the Steelers remain in wait-and-see mode, but their proactive approach underscores a clear message: they are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of a championship-caliber roster.