Steelers cut former Pro Bowl defender after failed physical

Keanu Neal Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers surprisingly cut former first-round pick/Pro Bowl defender after failed physical

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated 3/8/24

On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced they released a veteran safety following a failed physical. The Steelers are set to shuffle around their roster before and during the free-agency period next week.

The Pittsburgh Steelers released a starting safety

Per a statement by the Steelers, the team released Keanu Neal:

“The Steelers released safety Keanu Neal with the designation of Failed Physical on Thursday.

"Neal was placed on the Reserve/Injured List on Nov. 18 and stayed on it for the remainder of the season.

"Neal played in nine games in 2023, starting eight of them. He recorded 50 tackles, 33 of them solo stops, and had one interception.”

Keanu Neal had a two-year contract with the Steelers

The Steelers signed Neal to a two-year contract last offseason. The Atlanta Falcons selected Neal with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2016 draft. Neal was selected for the 2017 Pro Bowl.

According to Pro Football Focus, Neal earned a 59.6 overall grade for his play last season. Neal earned the PFWA’s All-Rookie Team honors in 2016. Per PFF, his best play in the league came during his first two seasons with the Falcons.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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