Desperate For An ILB Steelers Nearly Signed Leighton Vander Esch

The Pittsburgh Steelers nearly got their guy at inside linebacker in Leighton Vander Esch. According to an NFL Network Reporter, Jane Slater, the Steelers attempted to sign Vander Esch before he ultimately chose to remain with the Dallas Cowboys on a reported two-year deal worth $11 million. An unfortunate series of events for the Steelers as they are desperately searching for a veteran inside linebacker to fill the void left behind with Robert Spillane signing a two-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders and Devin Bush wanting a fresh start elsewhere. The search continues. 

What Is the Steelers' Plan At ILB? 

Leighton Vander Esch would have been a welcome addition to the Steelers' defense. He is an immensely talented off-ball linebacker who can play on all three downs. He has also done a much better job these past two seasons of remaining on the field, only missing three games. The report that the Steelers had an interest in bringing him in should serve as no surprise. The team has an obvious need for the position and has shown interest in the former Boise State Bronco ever since he declared for the 2018 NFL Draft. 

While the decision to remain with the Cowboys makes sense from a schematic and financial point of view, it is still painful to think of what could have been. He would have served as an immediate upgrade over the play over both Spillane and Bush. As of now, the only two inside linebackers currently under contract for the Steelers who have legitimate chances of cracking the 53-man roster are Myles Jack and Mark Robinson. Needless to say, not exactly a position group General Manager Omar Khan should feel particularly confident in. 

Vander Esch is only the latest inside linebacker who has chosen not to sign with Pittsburgh. Since the NFL legal tampering period has opened, players such as David Long, Germaine Pratt, Tremaine Edmunds, TJ Edwards, Eric Kendricks and Kyzir White have all signed new contracts. Apart from Edmunds, who got absolutely paid in the form of $18 million a year, each player mentioned signed deals at less than $10 million in annual salary. A very reasonable price for an extremely valuable position.

Do the Steelers have another veteran ILB in mind such as Lavonte David or Rashaan Evans? Are they planning on selecting an ILB with one of their first two picks in the 2023 NFL Draft in the form of Iowa's Jack Campbell or Arkansas' Drew Sanders? Both of these questions, for now, will remain unanswered. However, at one point or another, the Steelers will have to face the task of finding a quality inside linebacker to play alongside Myles Jack and Mark Robinson. 

Final Thoughts

While the Steelers, as of now, have not addressed their plan at ILB, they have done a nice job of re-signing some key free agents such as Damontae Kazee and Larry Ogunjobi as well as adding in a few new players in Patrick Peterson and Nate Herbig. However, one may argue that addressing the depth at inside linebacker is the biggest concern the team has this offseason. Without two quality players in the middle of your defense in a 3-4 defensive scheme, it is difficult to achieve success. Myles Jack, in all likelihood, will comprise one-half of this duo. The other half could come in the form of Mark Robinson, a rookie, or perhaps even a veteran inside linebacker who remains unsigned. 

One thing is for sure, Leighton Vander Esch would have filled in as the other half rather nicely. His ability to perform well in pass coverage would have complemented the skill set of Myles Jack incredibly well. Unfortunately, he will not be a Steeler in 2023. However, Steelers fans must remain patient. There have been numerous times in the past when the Steelers unexpectedly sign a free agent who ends up contributing in a major way the following season. In Omar, we trust, Steeler Nation. 

What are your thoughts on the Steelers nearly landing Vander Esch? Is there a particular ILB you would the team to target in the impending days of free agency? Do you feel as if looking toward the 2023 NFL Draft is the best plan of action at this point? Let's hear it in the comments! 

#SteelerNation