The Pittsburgh Steelers brought linebacker Kwon Alexander in for a visit with the team. The Steelers did not shore up the inside linebacker position during the draft but did sign Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb and Tanner Muse during free agency.
Maddie Meyer | Credit: Getty Images
No deal has been signed with Alexander yet and it has both fans and insiders speculating about what the hold-up is. This includes two former Steelers linebackers, Arthur Moats and Terrence Garvin, who talked about Alexander on Moats' show The Arthur Moats Experience. They speculated with Moats' co-host Deke about the pros and cons of bringing Alexander on board for one of the remaining roster spots.
Alexander was drafted in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round. He has proven to be versatile with a wide range of skills. However, there are concerns about his health so a medical evaluation could be part of the delay. He received a Pro Bowl nod in 2017 and during his eight seasons in the NFL he has 590 tackles, with 49 being for a loss with 12.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, 33 passes defended and eight interceptions.
What Would It Take For Kwon Alexander To Join The Steelers?
Moats and Garvin discussed what they think it would take to get Alexander to come to the Steelers. Garvin believes that Alexander would need to see a contract of around $2 million a year but is concerned that he sees himself as more valuable.
"I think Kwon thinks he's like a $5 million guy," Garvin said. "He might wait and think. 'Let me see what I can do.' Kwon's probably like, let me wait it out and see what I can do. It's different when you've been a paid guy and now people tell you to come compete. I think it's humbling."
Both Moats and Garvin feel that if Alexander were able to work out contract details and pass medical, he would see playing time in Pittsburgh. It is an unfortunate fact in football that players get hurt, especially in the linebacker position. Those injuries are one player's demise while they might be another player's opportunity.
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Veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander would provide a huge boost to the Steelers' lack of depth at the linebacker position.
They also feel that Alexander has the skills needed to be of assistance in a position that has been a dicey one for the Steelers in the past.
"Kwon plays outside his body like Kwon plays like he's 290 (pounds)," Garvin said. "He's super physical, he plays super hard and fast. He's a really good player. Just he's physically not 100 percent, like his body wears down from how hard he plays."
Alexander will be turning 29 at the start of the NFL season and Moats and Garvin both agree that his age works in his favor. Garvin says there is always a possibility that Alexander will hold out preseason. He will bide his time and see what happens and who needs people once the season starts. Sometimes players can maximize their potential earnings by holding out. But Moats points out that sometimes that blows up in your face.
"I think Kwon is doing good business work though, like that's a good business model. You shouldn't just sign nowhere right now even with his style of play," Garvin said.
By waiting, Alexander is hoping in part that someone gets hurt whether it is in the preseason or early in the season according to Moats.
"Every time somebody gets hurt. Somebody in training camp, preseason, gonna go down. You just be ready and I think he'll come in there, walk in and play. But he's still not gonna get that money he's thinking about."
Garvin feels that Alexander does offer something that the Steelers are lacking. He calls him "Shazier-like" and says he is the linebacker you are using in a "dime package." Moats agrees and says that when the opponent has a kind of "unicorn" player, Alexander is the guy you use to match against them.
Jack Dempsey | Associated Press
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game in Denver.
It is interesting to mull over how the Steelers can fit Alexander into their defense schemes but it is pointless until the two sides agree on something. The real question is, will Garvin be right or wrong and will Alexander's ego get in the way of a solid signing?
What do you think about the potential addition of Alexander? How do you think he fits into our defense? What do you think is a fair and reasonable contract for a player like him? Do you think he will agree to "fair and reasonable?" Is there another inside linebacker out there you'd rather see the Steelers sign? Comment below.
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