Steelers Should View Former "Mr. Irrelevant" As A Legitimate Candidate To Help The Defense Succeed In 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers are well-equipped to have one of the NFL's best defensive units next season. All-Pro-caliber players such as T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cam Heyward are primed to lead the unit, and the team has done well this offseason in adding depth at various positions via free agency, as well as the 2023 NFL Draft. One group that has been the subject of much discussion this offseason is inside linebacker, a position that is in desperate need of difference-makers. 

With the Steelers still searching for depth at off-ball linebacker, many fans are clamoring for the return of Myles Jack, who led the defense in tackles in 2022. However, there have been numerous reports of the team showing no interest in re-signing him and have recently given away his #51 jersey to rookie linebacker, Nick Herbig. 

The Steelers will most likely keep either four or five inside linebackers on the roster in 2023. As of now, Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Mark Robinson, and Tanner Muse are the favorites to occupy the first four spots. While the team will certainly keep an eye out for free agent linebackers, there may be a player who is already on the roster who is a viable option for the role, former New York Giants' linebacker and the last pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, Tae Crowder. 

Crowder was signed to the Steelers' active roster late last season from the Giants' practice squad to replace the injured Marcus Allen. While he didn't receive any playing time for the Steelers last year, Crowder has plenty of experience as a starter. Over the course of his three seasons in New York, he started in 31 career games, and amassed over 230 total tackles to go along with nine tackles for loss and two interceptions. 

Should The Steelers Feel Confident In Crowder?

Barring an injury to Holcomb or Roberts, Crowder would not be needed as a starter in 2023. However, this does not mean he is not capable of being an effective player on the defensive side of the ball. With Muse projected to be more of a special teams player, Crowder may have the opportunity to challenge Robinson for the primary backup role at inside linebacker next season. Interestingly enough, both Crowder and Robinson are former college running backs.  

Robinson has a very good chance of making the team this upcoming season as the Steelers seem to view him as an ascending talent. The same can not be said for Crowder, however. Even if the team does decide to keep five inside linebackers next year, there have already been reports of coaches viewing Herbig as a player who has the potential to play both edge and off-ball linebacker. With that being said, Crowder has already done well in exceeding expectations thus far in his young career and has the opportunity to do so once again over the next few months. 

Whether or not the Steelers view Crowder as a long-term player is yet to be answered, but his starting experience, combined with impressive athleticism, is an intriguing option for the defense. His name is often forgotten about when fans talk about possible options at inside linebacker, but that may not be for much longer. If the former "Mr. Irrelevant" impresses in training camp, he has a legitimate chance of cracking the 53-man roster. 

Thoughts On Crowder? 

Alright, Steeler Nation. What are Yinz thoughts on Crowder possibly making the team this upcoming season? Do you view him as a difference maker at inside linebacker? What are your expectations for Robinson in 2023? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

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