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Steelers Again Linked to Legend’s Nephew With Trade Deadline Approaching
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- Steelers Again Linked to Legend’s Nephew With Trade Deadline Approaching
With the NFL trade deadline quickly approaching, the buzz surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers isn't going to stop . Although wide receiver and cornerback have been the most frequently discussed positions, another position has entered the conversation: safety. This time, the connection involves the nephew of Steelers legend Troy Polamalu .
Bill Barnwell of ESPN outlined a scenario in which the Steelers could acquire Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao . The obvious connection is his familiarity with Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Patrick Graham 's scheme, along with the potential need for additional insurance at free safety.
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"Pola-Mao started at free safety for the Raiders in 2024 and 2025 under then-coordinator Patrick Graham. Pola-Mao isn't a great player, but he's a viable safety in a pinch. And the Steelers seem to be in a pinch for safety help around this time every year. The Steelers are using Jaquan Brisker and rookie seventh-round pick Robert Spears-Jennings at safety, with Jalen Ramsey playing in a hybrid slot/safety role. Brisker's injury history and Spears-Jennings' inexperience would suggest that the Steelers would be wise to at least add a veteran safety as depth," Barnwell wrote.
What Role Could Pola-Mao Have With the Steelers in 2026?
Nov 30, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) scores a touchdown against Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Pola-Mao hasn't been particularly impressive this season and endured a rough Week 3 performance that saw him relegated to special teams. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) tracking, he allowed three touchdowns in coverage during that game . The past couple of seasons haven't been his strongest, either. If the Steelers acquired him, he would likely serve as a depth option rather than an immediate solution.
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Beyond his connection to Steelers legend Polamalu, Pola-Mao's familiarity with Graham's defensive system represents the clearest benefit of a potential trade.
Graham served as Pola-Mao's defensive coordinator in Las Vegas through the 2025 season. Pola-Mao had some solid seasons under Graham and even earned a contract extension near the end of his rookie deal. However, he has generally been a stronger run defender than coverage safety throughout his career.
Although Pola-Mao has primarily played in a free safety alignment, the biggest question is whether acquiring him would make sense for Pittsburgh.
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Steelers Could Pass on Trade in Favor of Promising Safety on Roster
Oct 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) attempts to make catch over safety Robert Spears-Jennings (28) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Daylen Everette (23) in the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Barring an unforeseen development on the injury front, the Steelers have one potential reason to avoid making this move: Robert Spears-Jennings .
Despite his limited playing time this season, the rookie has impressed Pittsburgh's coaching staff. His closing speed, which stood out during the NFL Scouting Combine, is evident on film. Like Pola-Mao, Spears-Jennings has taken most of his snaps at free safety.
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That isn't to say the Steelers should dismiss the idea of adding insurance at the position. However, if the team viewed veteran depth as an immediate priority, it could have pursued another option before releasing Rayshawn Jenkins .
Ultimately, time will tell whether Pittsburgh makes a move before the trade deadline. For now, the Steelers appear comfortable giving their promising rookie an opportunity rather than trading for another veteran safety.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
