Could The Steelers Add 1 Of These Free Agents to Bolster Their Scarce ILB Group?

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2023 off-season with Myles Jack as their number one rostered inside linebacker. Devin Bush and Robert Spillane are both free agents, but even re-signed would be a lackluster group, as shown this past year. Jack has played fine, but with an $11.25 million cap hit this year, Pittsburgh has some choices to make at the inside linebacker position. There are some good players in the upcoming draft, but the Steelers might elect to address ILB in free agency.

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Why the Steelers Need an Upgrade 

Jack will be back with the team next year after a decent season in 2022. He would benefit nicely with a number one ILB to take some responsibility away from him. The Steelers struggled in coverage over the middle, which a better ILB would help in. Spillane was decent down the stretch, but could Pittsburgh use that money to target someone better?  

Leighton Vander Esch

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The Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker would be a great add to Pittsburgh’s roster after a great year in 2022. The former 19th overall pick in the 2018 draft struggled with injuries early on, but has really come along to be a great ILB for Dallas. Vander Esch has a big frame at 6’4”, 256lbs, but still does great in coverage and is a sure tackler. Vander Esch signed a one-year, $2 million contract this past year, but will be seeking more money after playing some good football. If Dallas doesn’t re-sign Vander Esch, he should be on the Steelers’ radar.  

Quincy Williams 

Quincy Williams, not to be confused with his brother Quinnen Williams, is a free agent going into the off-season. The New York Jets will likely re-sign him to keep that pair together, but could they let him walk to save cap space? Quincy would be great to have in black and gold based off of his electric play-style. While he leaves a little to be desired in coverage, he makes up for in pure speed and violent hits. Steeler fans would love to watch him fly around the field attacking ball carriers.  

Tremaine Edmunds

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes

Staying on topic of brothers, Tremaine Edmunds is a free agent, and would obviously be a great addition. Terrell Edmunds is also a free agent, but has said he would love to come back to Pittsburgh and bring his younger brother as a "package deal." This could certainly entice the Bills’ linebacker to come and play alongside his brother. Tremaine will be looking for more money than the previous players mentioned, but it would be worth it if Pittsburgh elects to sign him. Edmunds is great in coverage and hasn’t finished a year under 100 total tackles. Having the Edmunds brothers in black and gold would be a great move heading into next season. 

Kyzir White

Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Helping the Philadelphia Eagles get to the Super Bowl this past year, Kyzir White would also be a solid addition to the Steelers’ defense. White racked up over 100 tackles in each of the past two years, one with the Los Angeles Chargers and one with Philadelphia. He can do a little of everything. White has shown to be a proven tackler and can really hold his own in coverage. White has flown under the radar the past couple of years, but would be a welcomed signee by Pittsburgh. 

Who would you like to see the Steelers go after to fill their ILB group? Let us know in the comments below.

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