Since the Pittsburgh Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs, much of the discussion has centered on how the team will address offensive position groups such as wide receiver and quarterback this offseason. However, Pittsburgh is also likely to address the defensive side of the ball, as the secondary showed clear struggles in 2025.
“The Steelers struggled in coverage in 2025, particularly at safety. Pittsburgh ranked 30th in passing yardage allowed and surrendered the second-most receptions of 15 or more yards this season,” wrote Mason Cameron of PFF.
Cameron recently pegged the Steelers as the “best landing spot” for Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Curl.
Curl, 26, is set to be a free agent in the 2026 offseason, and the Steelers have a need at the safety position, making for a realistic match.
GettyCurl is set to be a free agent in the offseason.
The Shula Factor in a Potential Kamren Curl Move
Notably, Curl is playing under Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, who is among the leading candidates to be the Steelers’ head coach next season. If Shula lands the job in Pittsburgh, acquiring Curl would make even more sense.
“Shula brought out the best in Curl, elevating the safety to a high-level player in 2025. Curl flew around the field in Shula’s defense, posting a career-best PFF run-defense grade (87.5) this season, in addition to an 87.6 PFF coverage grade at free safety over his two seasons in Los Angeles,” wrote Cameron.
At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Curl brings good size to the safety position and has shown how productive he can be in important games. Out of all players in the 2026 playoffs, Curl is tied for the most tackles with 23. He also totaled 122 tackles during the regular season, which ranked tied for 25th among all NFL players, per ESPN.
Curl plays under defensive coordinator Chris Shula, who is in the mix for the Steelers’ head coaching job.
The Potential Impact of Kamren Curl on the Steelers’ Defense
There is no doubt that if the Steelers acquired Curl in the offseason, the secondary would be immediately upgraded.
Curl brings a strong presence on the field. His 122 total tackles in the 2025 regular season would have ranked second overall on Pittsburgh’s defense this past season, behind only linebacker Payton Wilson (126) and Curl had more solo tackles (79) than any Steelers player in the regular season, per ESPN.
Pittsburgh could also move Jalen Ramsey back to his natural cornerback position, after he spent much of the season playing safety.
“The unit was forced to play Jalen Ramsey at safety for the majority of the season, due to a lack of other viable options. Adding Curl would let the Steelers move Ramsey back to outside cornerback, where he has been a force,” wrote Cameron.
Curl will be highly sought after this offseason, and it makes too much sense for the Steelers not to be in the mix for the veteran safety.
GettyCurl is projected to be heavily targeted this offseason.
Steelers Pegged as Best Fit for Star Rams Safety This Offseason