Steelers: Latest news proves more defensive help could be on the way
While the strength of the Pittsburgh Steelers is their defense, it doesn't mean they can't add to it. Two positions that could use either upgrades or more depth are inside linebacker and edge defender. It turns out Pittsburgh agrees, having held two veterans at these exact spots on recent visits. While the draft may be […]
While the strength of the Pittsburgh Steelers is their defense, it doesn't mean they can't add to it.
Two positions that could use either upgrades or more depth are inside linebacker and edge defender.
It turns out Pittsburgh agrees, having held two veterans at these exact spots on recent visits.
While the draft may be over and free agency long ago, it doesn't mean that the team-building process stops, as roster construction will take place all the way up to the last weekend before kickoff in September. So let's take a look at the two veterans that recently took a trip to the 412:
Kwon Alexander, Linebacker
Alexander was drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, spending the duration of his rookie contract with the team and outperforming his draft positioning with a Pro Bowl nod in 2017.
Still only 28 years old, Alexander has bounced around a bit the last few seasons but he presents a coverage ability that evades Pittsburgh's current linebacker room, making him an excellent depth piece as a sub-package player.
Alexander had multiple stints with the Saints, last playing for them in 2021. I reached out to Adam Holt who covers New Orleans @ A to Z Sports for an opinion on Alexander:
During his time in New Orleans, Alexander was an emotional cornerstone for the Saints. His athleticism showed up consistently on film when he was healthy. His processing skills have always been the stepping stone to improve upon, and that’s still the case. For depth, he makes plenty of sense for the Steelers. Pittsburgh cannot afford to trust him with a starting role, though.
The context is what matters here, with Holt's opinion on Alexander's potential role lending him a short-term deal that suits both parties. If the price is right, Pittsburgh should strongly consider adding the veteran backer.
Markus Golden, Edge
Golden is a little longer in the tooth than Alexander, but the 32-year-old edge defender has been productive past age 30 and still has some snaps left as a designated pass rusher toward the end of his prime.
The veteran has experience playing as both a defensive end and on-ball linebacker, making him a versatile package player that can spell T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith as needed.
And while Golden may no longer be the double-digit sack artist he once was, the wily pass rusher played in all 17 games last season for the Cardinals, proving he's a durable commodity even in the latter stages of his career.
So when you consider the recent releases at linebacker, and the money saved against the 2023 cap with the Trubisky extension, it's feasible that Pittsburgh signs either one of these players if not both. And the visits are likely far from over as well, with another veteran presence potentially stopping by Primanti Bros soon.
