The Steelers New Look Outside Linebacker Room Will Help Fix The Team's Biggest Defensive Issue In 2022

The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 2022 regular season red hot, winning seven of their final nine games and nearly sneaking in to the playoffs. Not coincidentally, the team was much improved over the second half of this past season due to the return of All-Pro outside linebacker, T.J. Watt, who suffered a pectoral injury during a Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. 

There is no denying that the Steelers are a vastly different team with and without Watt in the lineup. His unrelenting ability to put pressure on the quarterback changes the entire dynamic of the defense and allows other players to shine. While the team is undoubtedly counting on Watt to play more than 10 games in 2023, they also have in place a much better rotation of outside linebackers this upcoming season than they did in 2022. 

Steelers Have A "Golden" Opportunity At Outside Linebacker In 2023

The lack of quality depth at outside linebacker was exposed in a horrendous fashion for the Steelers in 2022. During Watt's absence, the team called upon the likes of Malik Reed, Jamir Jones, and Ryan Anderson to help the cause, but to no avail. Collectively, the trio combined for one total sack and two tackles for loss. An absolutely abysmal performance. Thankfully, fellow outside linebacker, Alex Highsmith, had his best season in 2022, totaling 14.5 sacks to go along with 12 tackles for loss.  

Going in to the 2023 campaign, the front office of the Steelers realized the need for an insurgence of talent at the position behind Watt and Highsmith. They did so by spending a fourth-round draft pick on Wisconsin standout, Nick Herbig, and signing veteran free agent, Markus Golden. While Herbig still needs development as a pass rusher and Golden is far from his prime at age 32, the two will almost certainly serve as an upgrade over Reed, Jones, and Anderson. 

The Steelers Should Be Confident In Their Pass Rushers In 2023

Apart from quarterback, there is perhaps no more important position for an NFL team than pass rusher. For the Steelers, they are fortunate to have one of the best starting duos in the entire league with Watt and Highsmith. Furthermore, with the additions of Herbig and Golden, the team is poised to create sacks even when their stars are out of the game. 

While Herbig may prove to be more of a long-term answer at outside linebacker for the Steelers, it will most likely be Golden who will serve as the primary backup to Watt and Highsmith in 2023. The former Arizona Cardinals linebacker has 47 career sacks to go along with 62 tackles for loss. During a recent interview, Golden explained his reasoning behind signing with the Steelers as well his unique relationship with the team's outside linebacker coach, Denzel Martin. 

During most previous seasons, the Steelers have kept four outside linebackers on their 53-man roster. Barring an unforeseen injury, the group of Watt, Highsmith, Golden, and Herbig will occupy the spots. However, if the team does elect to carry an extra player at the position, be sure to keep an eye out on Quincy Roche, who returned to the Steelers this offseason after a two-year stint with the New York Giants. If he does fail to make the active roster, he will be a strong candidate to land on the practice squad. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation?

How do Yinz feel about the Steelers' depth at OLB? Do you think Golden will be content with being a backup? What are your expectations for Herbig during his rookie season? Leave a comment! 

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