Steelers Linebacker Tanner Muse Is Emerging As A Viable Candidate To Play A Significant Role For The Team's Defense In 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers' new look inside linebacker room has been the subject of much debate this offseason, as the question remains of whether or not the group will be more effective than the 2022 unit. In all likelihood, Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts will handle a bulk of the responsibilities at the position with second-year player, Mark Robinson in line to be the primary backup. With that being said, there may be another inside linebacker who could see playing time on a rotational basis, Tanner Muse. 

Originally a third-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, Muse failed to ever play a regular season snap with the team after being released prior to the start of the 2021 season. He was subsequently picked up by the Seattle Seahawks, where he appeared in 23 total games over the past two seasons, almost exclusively on special teams. 

A former safety during his time at Clemson, Muse has little experience in playing a multitude of snaps at inside linebacker, at least during the regular season. Interestingly enough, the former third-round pick had a unique opportunity this past season to play a significant amount of snaps at inside linebacker in the Seahawks' Wild Card Playoff Game against the San Francisco 49ers. Even more interesting is the fact that Muse was the team's highest-graded defensive player, according to PFF metrics.  

What Role Will Muse Play On The Steelers' Defense In 2023?

Fans should not expect Muse to be a three-down linebacker for the Steelers in 2023, as this role will almost certainly be delegated between Holcomb and Roberts. However, if he can remain healthy over the course of this offseason, the team may consider playing him in certain situations. Muse may be a liability against the run, but has the necessary athleticism to cover receivers in space and is intelligent enough to command the middle of the defense on critical third-down plays. He reportedly had an interception during OTAs this week. If the former Clemson star continues to make big plays during training camp and preseason, he may find himself in serious consideration to receive playing time in 2023. 

With Holcomb, Roberts, Robinson, and Muse set to occupy the first four spots at inside linebacker, there have been many fans who believe the Steelers are still in need of an additional difference-maker at the position. With training camp still weeks away, this is certainly a possibility as the team has already hosted veteran free agent, Kwon Alexander for a visit. However, Alexander left Pittsburgh without a contract in place. Does this mean the Steelers feel comfortable with their current crop of inside linebackers? Certainly possible, but not definite. 

For Muse, his chances of playing snaps on the defensive side of the ball increase dramatically if the Steelers elect not to bring in another player to the group. If the Steelers do decide to sign a player such as Alexander, Muse will likely be used only on special teams this upcoming season, barring injury. With that being said, he should feel relatively comfortable with his spot on the 53-man roster, as the Steelers are in desperate need of "core-four" special teams players. With players such as Derek Watt, Marcus Allen, and Benny Snell Jr. yet to be re-signed, Muse will undoubtedly be called upon to be a leader of Danny Smith's unit in 2023. 

Final Thoughts

It is difficult to determine what exactly the Steelers had in mind for Muse when they signed him this offseason. Is he simply viewed as a special teams ace? Does the team think of him as a legitimate candidate to help the defense? At this juncture, impossible to say. However, with the current construction of the inside linebacker room, there is undoubtedly a clear shot for Muse to get on the field in 2023. Along with Holcomb, he is an off-ball linebacker who possesses the necessary speed to be effective in pass coverage. 

While he lacks experience and ideal size for the position, he may be an intriguing option for the defense to help defend the opposing team's running backs and tight ends in space. Robinson is in the driver's seat to be the primary backup, but a strong performance from Muse during the preseason may present an interesting proposition for the coaching staff to decipher prior to the start of the regular season. 

How do Yinz feel about Muse? Do you think he will play many defensive snaps in 2023? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

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