Steelers sign Jabrill Peppers to bolster secondary after DeShon Elliott's injury

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers emerged from their season opener against the New York Jets unbeaten but not unscathed.

Enter Jabrill Peppers .

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday the Steelers are signing the veteran safety while starter DeShon Elliott recovers from a knee injury suffered in the first half against the Jets.

Peppers, 29, became a free agent when he was cut by New England last month. Pittsburgh will be Peppers’ fourth NFL stop following stints with Cleveland (2017-18), the New York Giants (2019-21) and the Patriots (2022-24).

Tomlin pointed to Peppers’ versatility in the secondary and his ability to be a difference-maker on special teams as major factors in the signing.

“He’s a football player first, a positional player second,” Tomlin said.

Peppers could get an