What the Pittsburgh Steelers have done thus far in 2023 free agency has been rather impressive. They are filling multiple holes all around the defense while also bolstering the offensive line. None of the cap charges look to be too egregious as far as 2023 goes and general manager, Omar Khan has done a solid job navigating the first spending period of his tenure. It hasn't just been who the organization has decided to spend money on, but also, who was shown the door based on the 2022 season and team's current needs.
Steelers former linebacker, Devin Bush (#55) gets hype on the field prior to a 2021 regular season game against the Buffalo Bills. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
For starters, let's state the obvious. It was clear that Pittsburgh wasn't going to try and bring back Devin Bush after he didn't come close to meeting expectations in his four years with the team. News broke late early Friday morning that he would be moving across the country and playing on a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks.
Another internal option that the Steelers let move on is Robert Spillane, who is headed to play for the Las Vegas Raiders after signing a two-year contract. It was clear that the franchise planned a different direction to go in after a couple of free agent signings to start the NFL's new league year.
Before diving into that, Pittsburgh wasn't just letting guys walk in free agency. Myles Jack, who was decent in his first year with the team, but did not perform as well as expected, was released as a cap casualty, saving the team $8 million in 2023 cap space. The top three inside linebackers from 2022... all gone.
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker, Myles Jack (#51) smiles during 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Sending Clear Message When It Comes To Interior Linebackers And The 2023 Defense
The lone linebacker from a season ago is 2022 seventh round pick, Mark Robinson. During his rookie season, he did not get much action, but in the pre-season turned heads due to his explosiveness and hard-hitting ability. Fans wanted him to get more time than he did due to the underperformance of those in front of him, but it never really materialized.
Pittsburgh is bringing in thumpers, Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts in free agency and will most likely throw them right into starting roles. The complete change of pace in type of linebacker, combined with the release of Jack is no coincidence. Guys like Bush, Jack and Spillane are all sideline-to-sideline, quick moving linebackers who are known for versatility and speed.
Add another thumper to the linebacker room for the Steelers. Pretty clear they’d finally had enough getting gashed through the middle because linebackers can’t get off blocks and meet the back in the hole. Not a “wow” signing, but a solid football player. https://t.co/bKDySgYrht
— Kevin Adams (@KevinAdams26) March 16, 2023
The front office and coaching staff are, indirectly, sending a strong message to the Steelers defense ahead of the 2023 season. The goal is to set the tone in the trenches and not allow teams to even get to the second level of the defense when it comes to running the ball. Roberts had a career-high, 107 tackles in 2022 while before his foot injury, Holcomb was on pace for 167.
Former Washington Commanders and expected Steelers new linebacker, Cole Holcomb. | Photo Credit: washingtoncommanders.com
This complete mix up in the linebackers' room is a nice change of pace, play and hopefully overall success. The team is bringing in some bruisers and it may hurt the defense against the pass, but the clear indication is that head coach, Mike Tomlin and his staff are looking for guys that are going to attack the line of scrimmage with aggression. Holcomb should wear the green dot and hopefully his tough nature rubs off on the entire defense.
What do you think about the almost complete 180 in regards to the Steelers' inside linebackers so far this off-season? Let us know in the comments below!
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