The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly added special teams ace and inside linebacker, Tanner Muse, on Friday morning. A third-round pick out of Clemson in 2020, Muse will most likely be a core special teams player for Danny Smith in 2023 and play sparingly on defense at inside linebacker. With Muse coming to Pittsburgh, this likely means the end of the road for the Steelers' fifth-round pick in 2018 and current free agent, Marcus Allen.
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New Steelers' ILB, Tanner Muse.
Originally drafted as a safety out of Penn State during the 2018 NFL Draft, Allen was seen as a long-term developmental pick who had the capabilities of possibly being a starter for the Steelers. However, he struggled to find the field during his first two seasons in the NFL, only playing in three total games during 2018 and 2019. This all changed when Allen made the transition to inside linebacker during the 2020 season. From there, he would go on to play in 45 total games over the course of 2020-2022, and quickly made himself valuable as a four-phase special teams player. He also played some on defense, making three career starts at inside linebacker.
During his past three seasons in Pittsburgh, Allen would occasionally show glimpses of perhaps being a meaningful contributor on the defensive side of the ball. Unfortunately, he was never able to consistently prove he was capable of being a three-down linebacker for the black and gold. He was almost exclusively limited to special teams' play during the past two seasons, only registering 62 total snaps on defense in 2021 and zero in 2022.
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Steelers' ILB, Marcus Allen
Is Muse An Upgrade Over Allen Heading In To 2023 For The Steelers?
Both Muse and Allen play very similar roles. They are core special teams' players who can occasionally add value to a defense, depending on the situation. While Allen performed admirably for Danny Smith during his time in Pittsburgh, Muse has the ability to serve as an upgrade, both on special teams as well as on defense. He will join fellow free agent signings Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts, as well as 2022 seventh-round pick, Mark Robinson at inside linebacker next season.
Also a former safety, Muse had the opportunity to play extensively at inside linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks during their Wild Card Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers this past season, where he recorded a PFF grade of 89.0, the highest among any Seahawks' defensive players in the contest. He totaled four tackles as well as a pass defense. This may be a small sample size for Muse at linebacker, but it is certainly encouraging that he was able to play significant snaps defensively in a playoff game. If he is able to perform well during Training Camp as well as the Preseason, Muse may carve out a role for himself in particular defensive schemes in 2023.
Steelers are indeed planning to sign S Tanner Muse to a one-year deal, per source.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) April 14, 2023
Muse, a Clemson product drafted in the third round by the Raiders in 2020, played 70% of special teams snaps for Seattle last season.
A Reunion With Former Seahawks' Defensive Assistant, Aaron Curry
Aaron Curry, the new Steelers' inside linebacker coach, most likely played a critical component in Muse joining the Pittsburgh defense. Curry served as a Defensive Assistant for the Seahawks from 2020-2022, which overlaps with Muse's time in Seattle. The two will once again have the opportunity to work together with the Steelers.
Furthermore, the familiarity between Muse and Curry may improve the chances of the former third-round pick playing on defense in 2023. While Holcomb and Roberts are the favorites to start, do not be surprised if Muse gives them a run for their money. He is an ascending talent who is still new at learning the complexities of inside linebacker. If given the right opportunity, he may end up being more than simply a replacement for Marcus Allen.
Ted S. Warren / AP
Steelers' new inside linebackers coach Aaron Curry at a practice with his former employer the Seattle Seahawks.
Thoughts On The Signing Of Tanner Muse?
What does the signing of Muse mean for the chances of the Steelers bringing back players such as Marcus Allen, Derek Watt, Benny Snell, and Miles Boykin? Do you think he has a chance of playing snaps at inside linebacker in 2023? Let us know in the comments!
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