The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed security Makari Paige to a one-year free agent contract, the staff introduced on Wednesday.
Paige, 24, is a 6-foot-3, 208-pound defensive again He was signed as an undrafted free agent of the New York Giants out of Michigan in 2025. He was launched by the Giants final August and didn’t signal with one other staff.
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A local of West Bloomfield, Michigan, Paige spent 5 seasons with the Wolverines from 2020-24. He bought his begin on particular groups earlier than turning into a part-time starter in 2022 after which a full-time starter for his ultimate two seasons, serving to Michigan to a nationwide championship in 2023.
His greatest statistical season got here as a redshirt senior in 2024, when he recorded 45 tackles, one for a loss, 4 go defenses and two interceptions in 12 video games.
At Michigan, Paige was a two-time All-Big Ten choice and was named a captain by his teammates. He grew a repute as a tough hitter, together with a shot that briefly knocked present Steelers quarterback Will Howard out of the sport in 2024.
Paige performed principally away from the field in his time at Michigan, however projected to play robust security on the NFL stage for many groups due to his dimension and tackling potential. Paige had simply 22 missed tackles over his five-year school profession, per Pro Football Focus.
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In pre-draft testing, Paige ran a formidable 4.52-second 40-yard sprint, however posted a 4.44-second shuttle and 32.5-inch vertical to provide him an total Relative Athletic Score of 6.73.
In three preseason recreation with the Giants final season, Paige had eight tackles, one for loss, one interception and one go defended. In addition to enjoying security, he labored on 4 particular groups phases for the Giants.
The Steelers are comparatively skinny at robust security, with simply 2025 UDFA Sebastian Castro on the depth chart behind starter DeShon Elliott. Darnell Savage, who reportedly agreed to a contract with the Steelers again in March, nonetheless has not formally signed.
This article initially appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Sign Hard-Hitting, National Champion Strong Safety
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