According to former Packers receiver and current NFL Network analyst James Jones, free-agent defensive back Morgan Burnett is expected to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers
The 29-year-old safety was a third-round draft pick of the Packers in 2010. He played eight seasons in Green Bay, tallying 699 tackles, 7.5 sacks, nine interceptions and eight forced fumbles in 102 starts.
The Packers drafted safety Josh Jones in the second round last year.
Burnett developed into one of the NFL’s most versatile defensive backs, having played both safety positions, inside linebacker and slot cornerback in recent seasons. He was the centerpiece of Dom Capers’ “Nitro” package, which installed Burnett as an inside linebacker.
The Steelers needed help at safety after releasing veteran Mike Mitchell. Robert Golden is currently a free agent.
While not unexpected, Burnett’s departure leaves another hole in a Packers secondary already riddled with issues. Jones struggled mightily at times as a true safety in 2017.
The deal, announced Tuesday, is pending Burnett passing a physical.
Burnett brings experience and versatility to the Steelers defense, making all the defensive calls in Green Bay last season and handling multiple responsibilities. Besides playing the safety position, he also played as a slot cornerback in the nickel alignment, and as a linebacker in the dime package.
Injuries would become a common occurrence in Burnett’s career as he’s only played two full seasons and has missed at least one game a season since 2012. With that being said, Burnett still racked up 102 career games and has started in each. In those 102 career games, Burnett has 699 career tackles, 7.5 sacks, and nine interceptions.
Burnett will join former Yellow Jacket, Justin Thomas on the Steelers roster. The Steelers moved the former Tech quarterback to wide receiver. He failed to record any stats last season. Both Burnett and Thomas will look to help lead the Steelers to their seventh Super Bowl next season.
