Steelers May Be Turning To A Familiar Face At Inside Linebacker After Their Failure To Find Viable Option In NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have done exceedingly well during the 2023 NFL Draft by not only adding starting-caliber prospects but also players who help fill positions of need with the current construction of the roster. With that being said, there is perhaps one position group that needs to be further addressed, inside linebacker. 

The inside linebacker room has been completely flipped this offseason by Omar Khan. Free agent additions, Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts will more than likely serve as the starters next season and have 2022 seventh-round pick, Mark Robinson serves as the primary backup. Apart from these three players, there is a serious need for an off-ball linebacker who can provide meaningful snaps on defense in 2023. Tanner Muse, who also signed with the Steelers this offseason, will primarily be a special teams player who should not be counted on to play much defense. 

With the Steelers opting to not add an inside linebacker in the first three rounds, it may be time to reevaluate the free agency market with the position. At this stage in the offseason, there are very few players who would be worth looking into. However, if Khan does decide to add a veteran free agent, the most logical candidate is former Steelers linebacker, Myles Jack. 

Jack's departure from the Steelers this offseason had little to do with his level of play, but rather his significant cap hit of over $11 million for the 2023 season. He played well last season, compiling over 100 total tackles to lead the team. However, his lack of big-time plays made him a cap casualty. Jack is still only 27 years old and still has plenty of high-level football left in him. Should he choose to come back to Pittsburgh, he would not only provide much-needed depth at inside linebacker but may also have the ability to challenge Holcomb and Roberts for a starting spot. 

Is Myles Jack Destined To Return To The Steelers?

During his lone season in Pittsburgh, Jack was well-liked by the coaching staff and voiced his desire at the end of last season to be back with the Steelers in 2023. He is still solid in both pass coverage and possesses the necessary physicality to be effective against the run. A reunion between the two parties would allow for competition within the inside linebacker room, which may help increase the overall level of play. Jack is far from the type of player he was during his early seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars but is still a solid option at ILB3. 

Earlier this month, Dejan Kovacevic from DK Pittsburgh Sports had this to offer regarding a possible reunion between Jack and the Steelers.

"Do not rule out a return for Myles Jack at some markedly lower price," Kovacevic wrote. "Management loved him, and he fit well with the defense. The only non-fit was the $11.25 million cap hit. It only makes sense that the Steelers would want to wait to see how the draft unfolds before revisiting Jack."

Could the Steelers' decision not to draft an off-the-ball linebacker with any of their first four picks indicate that they are content with Holcomb, Roberts, Robinson and Muse going into next season? Certainly possible. However, if Jack is willing to return on a team-friendly deal, the Steelers would be wise to bring him back to reinforce the depth at such a critical position. Veteran depth is never a bad thing. If things continue to trend in this direction, Myles Jack may be a Pittsburgh Steeler once again in the days following the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation? 

Is Jack returning to the Steelers a good idea? Would you rather the team rolls the dice with an inside linebacker on Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft? How confident are you in Holcomb and Roberts? Let us know in the comments! 

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