ESPN Analyst eyes versatile defender for Steelers
Pittsburgh can become better at defending the pass with one signing this offseason.
One area the Pittsburgh Steelers can surely improve at is linebacker play.
Scratch that, they need to improve their linebacker play.
Former first-round pick Devin Bush is entering free agency after not living up to his draft billing. Myles Jack is here for another go, and there's not much left to go along beside him other than Robert Spillane.
When free agency rolls around next week, the Steel Curtain will be looking for any and all help at the position, so why not go with one of the better options?
Football Outsiders' Aaron Schatz pegged an ideal free agent signing for all 32 NFL teams for ESPN, and slotted Philadelphia Eagles linebacker T.J. Edwards for the Steelers.
As Schatz notes, Edwards is still very much at his peak playing ability, and can provide a boost to Pittsburgh's pass defense like he did in Philly.
Originally we planned to suggest 33-year-old Lavonte David for the Steelers, as he's still playing at a high level. However, signing a veteran doesn't really seem like the Steelers' way. They're more likely to sign a younger player still in his prime. So how about the 27-year-old Edwards, who started for Philadelphia for the past three years? Edwards is not a supreme run-stopper, but he's excellent against the pass. He allowed just 3.6 yards per pass in coverage with a 74% success rate last season.
Edwards is coming off of a career year with the NFC Champions, posting a 78.4 coverage grade per Pro Football Focus. Opposing quarterbacks had a rating of just 79.9 when targeting him in coverage.
Having second-level defenders apt in coverage is vital when playing against the likes of Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson for a quarter of the season. But dropping back against the pass isn't all Edwards can do, he can rush forwards as well.
The former Wisconsin Badger registered 11 pressures and two sacks on just 28 pass-rushing snaps last year, per PFF.
Passing downs is Edwards' forte. He can immediately come in and replace Bush to give the Steelers what they've been lacking at linebacker.
