Neal made the announcement on Instagram. The 29-year-old was released by the Steelers in March of 2024 and didn’t play during the previous season. A 2016 first-round selection, Neal was a Pro Bowler in 2017, but injuries caused him to miss the majority of the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The product of Florida was able to put together a couple decent campaigns after, but never quite at the same level. He ends his career with 361 tackles, four interceptions and eight forced fumbles.

Neal spent one season with the Steelers and has now played for four different teams over the last four years. After totaling 50 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble for the Steelers over nine games, Neal was released with a failed physical designation. Set to turn 29 before the start of the 2024 campaign; Neal should eventually land elsewhere on a one-year deal but shouldn’t be counted on as a key contributor.

The longtime Falcon has become something of a journeyman, as Pittsburgh will be his fourth team in four years. A hybrid safety/linebacker, Neal's versatility is the main thing keeping him around at this point, though he spent nearly all of his 2022 playing safety. He seems like a good bet to make the Steelers' 53-man roster.  

Neal, 27 in July, was the 17th overall pick in the 2016 draft by the Falcons and spent five years in Atlanta before following Dan Quinn to Dallas last offseason where he played linebacker. Neal is expected to move back to safety under coach Todd Bowles in Tampa Bay, but he can function at both positions. He'll likely slide in at strong safety next to Antoine Winfield.