The Pittsburgh Steelers are riding high after punching a ticket to the 2025 NFL Playoffs, and bringing back Aaron Rodgers under center only adds to the optimism. But with a new head coach—Mike McCarthy replacing the departed Mike Tomlin—the defensive side of the ball is drawing scrutiny. One NFL writer believes the secondary could be the unit that makes or breaks Pittsburgh’s season.
The Case for a Safety Upgrade
Writing for Sports Illustrated, Jacob Punturi argues the Steelers need another body in the defensive backfield. Ideally, he says, they’d swing a trade to bring in a proven difference-maker. The name he floats? Arizona Cardinals star Budda Baker, a six-time Pro Bowl safety who could instantly elevate Pittsburgh’s defense to elite status.
“That’s certainly possible, if the Steelers want to put their defense over the top,” Punturi wrote. “Some players, like Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, stand out as a potential option to shift the defense in Pittsburgh and the NFL landscape.”
But pulling off a blockbuster deal for Baker would require significant draft capital and salary cap maneuvering—a gamble the front office might not be ready to take.
The Fallback Plan: A Veteran Super Bowl Champion
If the trade market doesn’t cooperate, Punturi suggests a far more practical route: signing veteran free agent Taylor Rapp. The 28-year-old safety won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams and spent the last few seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He’s not a starter anymore, but that’s exactly the point.
“Outside of this hypothetical monumental deal, there is one real option on the table,” Punturi wrote. “The team could double down on the veteran free agent additions and target 28-year-old Taylor Rapp… Having him as the team’s number four safety would be a huge upgrade over where things currently stand.”
Rapp would provide a steady, experienced presence behind a safety group that leans heavily on youth and unproven depth. The Steelers currently have starters DeShon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker, along with newly signed Darnell Savage and second-year man Sebastian Castro. Cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Daylen Everette could eventually shift to safety, the writer notes, but for now they’re strictly in the corner room.
Why It Matters for Pittsburgh’s 2025 Run
With Rodgers leading the offense, the Steelers can put up points. But the AFC is loaded with explosive quarterbacks and high-powered attacks. A secondary without reliable depth could be exploited in January. Adding a seasoned veteran like Rapp wouldn’t require big money or a trade—just a phone call and a contract. It’s the kind of low-risk, high-reward move that contenders make in the offseason, especially under a new coaching staff still shaping its identity.
The team has not confirmed any interest in either Baker or Rapp, and no trade talks involving the Cardinals star have been reported. But for a Steelers squad looking to build on last year’s playoff appearance, the conversation itself signals a front office that isn’t satisfied with standing pat.
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