Pittsburgh Steelers: Morgan Burnett signing fills major need

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed former Packers safety Morgan Burnett in a deal not many predicted happening. How does he fit with the new team?

The Pittsburgh Steelers went from the second to last team in the NFL to sign a free agent, to securing two players that will fill starting needs immediately in a 48 hour time span. Over the weekend, the Steelers announced the signing of linebacker Jon Bostic. Bostic arrives to Pittsburgh as the expected replacement of Ryan Shazier for the 2018 season.

Late Monday night, the Steelers again made a move to satisfy a position in dire need of a starter.. They landed former Green Bay Packers safety Morgan Burnett, per James Jones of NFL Network.

Burnett, the 71st overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, played with Green Bay for eight seasons and played on the Packers Super Bowl team that defeated Pittsburgh during the 2010-11 season. Before changing from green and gold to black and gold, Burnett accumulated 699 tackles, 7.5 sacks and nine interceptions.

So how does Burnett fit with the Steelers?

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Burnett will be starting at one of the safety spots when Pittsburgh lines up for opening day. Which of the spots has yet to be seen. Burnett can play either two positions but naturally is considered a “box” safety, a player who spends much of his time closer to the line of scrimmage to help in run support and roams all over the field in coverage.

Sean Davis, safety that will be opposite of Burnett, plays more to this style but has shown weaknesses when in coverage. A change for Davis to move from strong safety to free safety is extremely possible, but don’t be surprised should Burnett take this role in 2018.

One of the highest praises sung about Burnett is his football IQ. Burnett has often been compared to a defensive coordinator when on the field, and has experience calling plays for the Packers defense. Burnett’s high football IQ and communication skills will be welcomed to a Steelers defense that seemingly lacked both last season, especially after losing a huge defensive leader in Shazier.

As great of a player Burnett can be made out to be, he also brings baggage with him that may be concerning for Steelers fans. Burnett, an eight-year veteran, has played a full regular season just twice due to injuries in the 2011 and 2012 season. This will come as a change as he replaces Mike Mitchell, the now free agent safety who remained healthy through most of his tenure with the Steelers.

According to Pro Football Focus, Burnett ranked as the number two safety in run-stop percentage from 2012-16 and graded out 2017 as the 51st ranked safety, whereas Mitchell was 11 spots below him at No. 62. As good as Burnett is against the run, he’s also shown his own in pass coverage.

If Burnett remains healthy, this can pan out to be a real steal for the Steelers. However, the “if” game is usually a bad one to play, especially with a player who has been nagged by the injury bug for seemingly his whole career.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Post-free agency 3 rounds

Overall, Burnett’s leadership and ability to play all over the field should benefit a defense that is just a few pieces away from solidifying a championship run. After a quiet start to free agency, the Steelers grabbed one of those defensive pieces just how the organization planned it: Unexpectedly and under the radar.