Steelers Insider Detailed Why The Team Brought In Kwon Alexander For A Visit

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently hosted veteran inside linebacker, Kwon Alexander for a visit, without a reported deal in place. While the team already has the presumptive starters in place with Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts, there are still questions to be answered in regards to who will be the primary backup players at the position. While second-year player, Mark Robinson, may be the favorite to occupy the role, the Alexander visit may lend some clarity as to how the organization feels about their depth at off-ball linebacker. 

During a recent edition of the North Shore Drive Podcast hosted by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Christopher Carter and featuring fellow insider, Ray Fittipaldo, the two discussed the possible motivation behind why the Steelers chose to bring in Alexander as a possible veteran addition and detailed whether or not the Steelers may opt to fill one of their last remaining roster spots with an inside linebacker. 

"I do think [inside linebacker] is a priority for them. I think they will have another veteran in here before the season starts and I think there are some guys still out there who might be worth investigating," answered Fittipaldo in regards to the Steelers' current depth at the position. 

Carter and Fittipaldo certainly raise valid points regarding the Steelers' current state at inside linebacker. While Holcomb has proven his ability to be an effective player, his offseason foot surgery is something to keep in mind as the team has already stated their intentions of bringing him along slowly during offseason workouts. With Holcomb most likely limited at certain points of OTA's and training camp, the team would likely call upon Robinson and Tae Crowder to play alongside Roberts as starters, as described by Carter and Fittipaldo. 

Both Robinson and Crowder are viable options, but are far from a sure thing to be impactful players for the defense in 2023. Carter and Fittipaldo would most likely agree, as they listed off a number of different free agent inside linebackers such as Anthony Barr, Jaylon Smith, Rashaan Evans, Zach Cunningham, and Kyle Van Noy who the Steelers could potentially look into. 

Ultimately, Fittipaldo points out that at this point in the offseason, the most effective way to land veteran free agents is to find players who are willing to play on cheap contracts. 

"It's a brutal business. A lot of these guys enter free agency thinking they're going to make a lot of coin, and then it doesn't work out that way. Sometimes these guys just have to come to terms of what they're going to play for if they want to continue playing in the NFL," described Fittipaldo about free agent contracts at this point in the offseason.

Steelers May Be Able To Land A Starting-Caliber Inside Linebacker At A Bargain

The modernization of NFL offenses has led to decreased demand for impactful off-ball linebackers and has instead shifted the free agency market to have an increased focus on cornerbacks and edge rushers, as pointed out by Fittipaldo. As a result, the Steelers may not need to feel rushed in adding an inside linebacker, as there will most likely be quality players available as late as July. 

While many fans are clamoring for the Steelers to add a player such as Alexander or any of the other names mentioned, it is important to keep in mind that the team has plenty of time to answer their questions with depth at various positions such as inside linebacker. Optimistically speaking, Holcomb will be ready to roll by the time training camp starts. Be patient, Steeler Nation. The Steelers may be just fine at inside linebacker for the time being. 

What are your thoughts on the Steelers' current depth at inside linebacker? Would you like to see the team add a veteran to the mix? What is your opinion on Alexander leaving Pittsburgh without a deal in place? Leave a comment below! 

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