Steelers News

Steelers Bring Back Former Safety for Tryout

The Pittsburgh Steelers could look to reunite with a defender with championship-caliber to bolster their secondary.

Published

1 day ago

November 12, 2024

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Eric Rowe returns an interception against the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 23, 2023. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

PITTSBURGH – Despite the NFL trade deadline coming and going, the Pittsburgh Steelers remain active in finding ways to improve their roster. On Tuesday, the Steelers worked out veteran safety Eric Rowe, according to Aaron Wilson of Houston’s KPRC2.

Rowe signed with Pittsburgh late last season after the team had suffered several injuries to its secondary, and he filled in nicely, recording 29 tackles (22 solo), one forced fumble, one interception and two passes defensed in three games.

Pittsburgh Steelers Eric Rowe in a game against the Buffalo Bills on Jan. 15, 2024 – Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

The 32-year-old’s contract expired following the 2023 season and he has been searching for his next opportunity since. That could come with the Steelers after they made the surprising release of safety Terrell Edmunds last week.

Parting ways with Edmunds was likely a result of the reinstatement of cornerback Cameron Sutton, who played well in his return from his eight-game suspension.

“I thought he was Cam Sutton, man,” Tomlin said. “I thought he was versatile. We moved him around some. He did a nice job communicating. He was engaged. He was a component of defense and special teams. He’s a good teammate.”

That doesn’t mean the Steelers shouldn’t be interested in reuniting with Rowe, who would start on the practice squad, anyway.

Rowe’s best football is behind him, but he would provide even more experience to Pittsburgh’s safety room, which already includes Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee and Miles Killebrew.

Before joining the Steelers, Rowe spent time with the Carolina Panther (2023), Miami Dolphins (2019-22), New England Patriots (2016-18) and Philadelphia Eagles (2015). During that span, he helped the Patriots win Super Bowls LI and LIII.

He has 411 tackles (295 solo), two sacks, seven forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, six interceptions, 42 passes defensed and one touchdown in his nine-year NFL career.

Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.