Steelers look to Notre Dame safety Brauntae Johnson for 2027 draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers are considering targeting Notre Dame safety Brauntae Johnson with their first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Analysts suggest the team might bypass a quarterback selection if development expectations for current backup Drew Allar are met. Johnson, a standout for the Fighting Irish, recorded 48 tackles and four interceptions during his 2025 campaign. The potential addition addresses a need for secondary depth, as current safety Jaquan Brisker is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. While the organization continues to evaluate its long-term quarterback plan following the retirement of Aaron Rodgers, the front office faces a decision between prioritizing the safety position or seeking a new signal-caller. The final approach will depend on the evaluation of Allar throughout his developmental year.

• 6:40 AMYahoo Sports — Steelers Linked to 6-Foot-2 ‘Impact Playmaker’ to Replace $5M Free Agent