Steelers Could Find The Final Piece To Their 2023 Defense With Explosive Former 2nd Round Pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping to see much more production from their inside linebacker unit in 2023. With Myles Jack, Devin Bush and Robert Spillane gone, the team will call upon players such as Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Mark Robinson and Tanner Muse to fill the void. While the Steelers may feel confident in this group, it is possible that there may be at least one more addition to the room prior to the start of training camp. 

The Steelers have already shown interest in signing a veteran free agent linebacker, as they recently hosted Kwon Alexander for a visit. Alexander, who left Pittsburgh without inking a deal, may still be on the table. However, the team may also consider alternative options at off-ball linebacker. If they do decide to look elsewhere, there is perhaps no better inside linebacker available than former Atlanta Falcons' star, Deion Jones. 

Jones, who spent part of 2022 with the Cleveland Browns following a midseason trade with the Falcons, is an intriguing option to consider at due to his impressive playmaking abilities. Over the course of his seven-year career, the former second-round pick has amassed nearly 700 total tackles to go along with 12 interceptions, 11 sacks and 46 tackles for loss. Considering how little the Steelers got out of their off-ball linebacker group in 2022 regarding splash plays, Jones would be a welcome addition to join the likes of Holcomb, Roberts, Robinson and Muse. 

Where Would Jones Fit In With The Steelers? 

Most signs would indicate that Holcomb and Roberts will be the starters at inside linebacker in 2023. Would Jones really want to sign with the Steelers knowing he will not be a starter? That's difficult to answer. However, there is no denying that he would immediately improve the level of talent at off-ball linebacker and would likely be the team's most athletic player at the position. Jones is far from the prime of his career, but still possesses the ability to cover receivers in space and be serviceable in the run game. 

Ultimately, Jones may be out of the range for what the Steelers are willing to pay for an inside linebacker at this point in the offseason. At only 28 years old, the former Pro Bowler may argue that he is still capable of being a three-down linebacker and thus carry a hefty price tag. Additionally, it may be possible that Jones is waiting until injuries occur during training camp to choose his next destination. All things considered, if the Steelers are indeed interested, it may be at least another month until he is brought in. 

A Reunion With Former Falcons' Teammates

The Steelers already have a pair of former Falcons' players on the defensive side of the ball in Keanu Neal and Damontae Kazee. Both players were teammates of Jones during their times in Atlanta and could prove to be instrumental in bringing the talented linebacker to Pittsburgh. Jones' familiarity with Neal and Kazee could help sway his looming free agency decision, as he undoubtedly will sign with a team at some point this offseason. 

While he may not be an immediate starter for the Steelers' defense, he would have a tremendous opportunity to prove his talent over the course of training camp and preseason and show why he is worthy of playing significant snaps for the team in 2023. His sideline-to-sideline speed is something the inside linebacker group is missing. If General Manager, Omar Khan wants to put a bow on a stellar offseason, there is arguably no better way to do so than bringing in a player of Jones' caliber. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation? 

How would you feel about the Steelers bringing in Jones? Do you feel comfortable with the current group of inside linebackers? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

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