Steelers officially sign young star “Top 10 breakout safeties” following DeShon Elliott’s injury – a move head coach Mike Tomlin believes will be the key to reviving Pittsburgh’s legendary defense.

Steelers officially sign young star “Top 10 breakout safeties” following DeShon Elliott’s injury – a move head coach Mike Tomlin believes will be the key to reviving Pittsburgh’s legendary defense.

October 30, 2025 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH – After a 35–25 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 8 and the unfortunate injury to DeShon Elliott, the Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time reinforcing their defense. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the team has signed safety Darrick Forrest, a former Washington Commanders standout, to the practice squad—a move viewed as both strategic and timely amid the team’s growing defensive concerns.

Forrest, 26, was originally drafted by the Commanders in the 5th round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Cincinnati, where he captained the defense and earned a reputation for toughness, discipline, and high football IQ. Over his NFL career, Forrest has appeared in 35 games, recording 112 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 forced fumble—a testament to his consistency and playmaking ability during his 2022–2024 stretch with Washington.

His 2022 season was widely recognized as a breakout year, posting 4 interceptions and 1 forced fumble, earning him a spot on Bleacher Report’s “Top 10 Breakout Safeties” list. Known for his physicality and instincts, Forrest has proven versatile enough to contribute as both a nickel safety and a special teams weapon, bringing valuable depth and aggression to any secondary he joins.

“Forrest is the kind of player who attacks the ball and never shies away from contact,” head coach Mike Tomlin said. “He carries himself like a leader, with the true DNA of a Pittsburgh Steeler—tough, focused, and fearless. Darrick knows how to bring energy to a defense, and I believe that presence will spread through the locker room immediately.”

Forrest, visibly emotional after officially joining the team he grew up admiring, expressed how meaningful this opportunity is for him:

“I’ve always dreamed of playing for the Steelers,” Forrest admitted. “I still remember sitting with my dad as a kid, watching Pittsburgh games on TV—it’s something that’s stuck with me all these years. To finally be part of this organization, under Coach Tomlin, it feels like a dream come true.”

Sources within the organization describe the signing as more than just a roster move—it’s also a morale boost for a defense searching for identity and leadership. With an estimated $5 million annual contract, the signing has minimal salary cap impact but carries significant upside in experience, toughness, and locker-room influence.

If Forrest performs well during upcoming practices, he could soon be promoted to the active roster, especially with the Steelers preparing for a crucial stretch in the AFC North. And perhaps, this quiet signing could mark the moment Pittsburgh’s “Steel Curtain” begins to rise again, reigniting the fierce Black and Gold spirit that once defined an era of dominance in the NFL.