Linebacker is still a mild concern for Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers heading into 2023. Despite a ton of talent in the room in 2022, the group severely underperformed. As a result, the front office completely revamped the positional group, as Mark Robinson is the only returning member. With a brand new group now, there will likely be some growing pains.
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Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson could fight for a starting spot if he impresses at training camp for the second straight year.
Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts figure to be the Week 1 starters, but there is still some pessimism. The team signed Nick Kwiatkoski a few weeks ago, but he's mainly a special teams guy at this point in his career. That leaves the depth in question, and there are still a few good free agents out there. Myles Jack, whom the Steelers cut earlier this offseason, remains a free agent and has been connected to the Cleveland Browns this past week.
Other notable free agent linebackers that could make some sense include Kwon Alexander and Deion Jones.
There's another avenue the team could look to in the form of the USFL. They've already signed a few players from the XFL this offseason, including wideout Hakeem Butler and cornerback Luq Barcoo, and the USFL could be their next stop again.
Are Steelers now set at linebacker?
Recently, a former first-rounder has stood out in the USFL just across town for the Pittsburgh Maulers. That would be linebacker Reuben Foster, who was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. While he showed his talent in the NFL, he got into some trouble on multiple occasions. Former Steelers linebacker Vince Williams noticed Foster's impressive play for the other Pittsburgh football team, as he advocated for signing him on Twitter.
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Linebacker Vince Williams became a fan favorite with the Steelers, as he spent all eight years of his NFL career in Pittsburgh.
Well, that's not the only former player that has been put on notice. Arthur Moats, who played with the Steelers for the final four years of his career, spoke on this topic via his Arthur Moats Experience podcast. He thinks Foster would be "worth the flier" for the black and gold.
"To me, I can see the buzz. It makes sense, I mean we talked about it just following him in the USFL throughout the season. It makes sense because he still moves really well, he's still very athletic. He was productive, he produced at a major level even down there in the eight games he played in."
Foster appeared in just 16 NFL games before ultimately being ran out of the league. His talent was on full display when he was on the field, most specifically in 2017. He finished third in AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, as he had 72 total tackles and seven tackles for loss in 10 games. Unfortunately, other things got in the way. Now, he's seeking a return to the NFL, as he has impressed in the USFL.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers shored up their linebacker depth with the signing of veteran Nick Kwiatkoski.
For the Maulers, Foster has racked up 53 tackles and an interception. His physicality was evident in Sunday's loss to the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL Championship. He hasn't appeared in the NFL in several years now, but it seems like he has some game left in him. Moats and his co-host Deke did address one particular concern that NFL teams may have with signing players like Foster from the USFL.
"That's part of the issue," Moats said in reference to Foster being banged up from the USFL season. "When you're talking about bringing him in, now you're telling me you're already banged up playing in games. And we about to ask you to come in here and do what? Bang in training camp and then play in even more games versus better competition, more physical players, just better in general. Those are some of the questions that you might have, but to me, I still think he's worth a flier."
Unfortunately for Foster, his style may be to similar to what the Steelers already have on the roster in Roberts and Robinson. In his impressive 2017 campaign, he did prove to be solid in pass coverage, as PFF gave him a 72.8 grade there. Still, that was now six years ago, If they feel like they truly need another linebacker, which they probably don't think at the moment, guys like Alexander and Jones would be safer bets.
Do you think signing Foster would greatly improve the LB depth? Is there much of a difference between Foster and Robinson? Should the team look for more of a coverage linebacker? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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