Breaking News: Steelers Set to Announce the Re-Signing of Veteran Safety Rowe From….see more

Breaking News: Steelers Set to Announce the Re-Signing of Veteran Safety Rowe From….see more

As the Pittsburgh Steelers look to solidify their playoff chances and navigate the rigors of a long season, the team’s next move seems clear: they should re-sign veteran safety Eric Rowe. While the team’s front office constantly evaluates free agents for potential upgrades, this decision isn’t about finding a starter — it’s about securing a reliable, experienced depth piece who can step in when needed. And with Rowe’s history with the team, it makes perfect sense.

Last season, Rowe came out of relative obscurity to play a pivotal role in Pittsburgh’s defense during a late-season surge. Called in as a temporary solution after a series of injuries in the secondary, Rowe quickly proved his value. The 32-year-old safety played in three games, registering impressive stats — including an interception, a forced fumble, two pass breakups, and 29 tackles (one for a loss). His leadership and adaptability helped stabilize the back end of the defense, and it was clear he had earned the trust of his teammates and coaches.

But despite his strong performance, the Steelers chose not to bring Rowe back for 2024, leaving many to wonder if the veteran could still offer something to a defense in need of experience. Now, with Pittsburgh dealing with ongoing injuries in the secondary and the midseason grind in full swing, they have brought Rowe in for a workout. Given the current roster dynamics, the smartest decision would be to sign him to the practice squad.

Rowe wouldn’t take up a spot on the 53-man roster, which is a significant advantage as the Steelers look to manage their cap space and depth. His signing would be a low-risk move with high upside. He could spend the remainder of the season getting reacquainted with the defensive scheme and be available to step in for an emergency situation, just as he did last year. This strategy wouldn’t hinder the active roster but would provide valuable depth if another injury occurs.

In many ways, this is exactly the kind of pragmatic move the Steelers front office has made before. They’ve already bolstered their roster with smart depth signings like the addition of former Steeler Terrell Edmunds and the recent move to bring in return specialist Jamal Agnew. They’ve also signed key veterans like Cam Sutton and Preston Smith, demonstrating a commitment to having strong, experienced players ready to contribute to a championship-level team.

Rowe fits perfectly into that mold. While he’s not a player the Steelers would need to start, he’s a trusted veteran who can step in seamlessly, making him an invaluable asset in the event of another injury or unexpected setback. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Steelers should make this no-brainer move and bring Rowe back into the fold.