The Pittsburgh Steelers signed safety Makari Paige on Wednesday, filing the roster spot that opened when they waived defensive back Cory Trice.
Trice, a seventh-round pick in 2023, showed promise at times over his tenure with the Steelers but suffered myriad injuries. Trice appeared in just six regular-season games for the Steelers (all in 2024) and missed all of last season because of two separate ailments.
In Paige, the Steelers are bringing aboard a 6-foot-4, 208-pound safety who was a 2 1/2-year starter in college at Michigan. Part of the Wolverines’ 2023 national championship team, Paige went undrafted last year. Paige spent all of the summer and training camp with the New York Giants but was released before the regular season began.
For Michigan, Paige accumulated 135 tackles (64 solo, two for loss), 11 passes defensed, three interceptions, a sack and a fumble recovery. He showed versatility in college, according to Pro Football Focus, playing extensively as a slot/nickel cornerback, free safety and strong safety.
Paige lined up at all three spots during preseason games for the Giants last year.