The Pittsburgh Steelers hit the free agency period with a few splashes. They acquired two new quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, signed some free agents, including linebacker Patrick Queen and safety DeShon Elliott, and traded for cornerback Donte Jackson. Things have gone rather quiet since however, and it has fans wondering what else will come before the 2024 NFL Draft.
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris (#22) shakes hands with former Ravens linebacker, Patrick Queen (#6).
There are still several holes on the roster, some bigger than others. That includes center, tackle, wide receiver, and cornerback. Fans and analysts wonder if they will pick up any other veterans, or attempt to fill all of the holes during the draft. Former Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats now co-hosts The Arthur Moats Experience podcast. On a recent episode, he was asked about some free agents who haven't been picked up, including Isaiah Simmons.
Simmons, a 25-year-old linebacker, is entering his fifth year in the league. The Arizona Cardinals selected him in 2020 as their first-round pick, eighth overall, and Moats and his co-host Deke like the idea of adding him to the roster.
"I definitely like Isaiah Simmons in terms of potentially putting him in that Terrell Edmunds box safety or dime linebacker type role. I feel like for guys like Isaiah Simmons, they're almost viewed as positionless and to me, it hurts them a little bit more than it helps them because you never get a chance to build a solid foundation in one spot. Isaiah, he kind of went through that and that's kind of why he's at where he's at right now."
Simmons spent 2023 with the New York Giants after the Cardinals declined his fifth-year option and traded him. One knock against Simmons is that he isn't really large enough to be a powerful outside linebacker. However, he was used more effectively when he was in Arizona as a hybrid inside linebacker and safety. This is similar to how the Steelers used Terrell Edmunds, an inside linebacker in college, but used as an unconventional safety in Pittsburgh.
The Giants have a new defensive coordinator, and it is unclear how Simmons will fit into his system, if at all. Pittsburgh is used to being creative with its defenders. Last season, they found ways to maximize veteran Patrick Peterson's talents.
"I do feel like in a simplified role where you're able to just dumb it down and let him be an athlete for right now and let him get his legs under him and let him just be an athlete for right now; I think that could definitely work and he would be super cheap," added Moats.
The two hosts agree that Simmons would fit nicely with Queen, Elandon Roberts, and possibly Cole Holcomb if he returns from his injury. Simmons may not be the player you want to be your top starter just yet, but is perfect as the third or fourth player on the depth chart.
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Linebacker Cole Holcomb being carted off with a season-ending injury during the 2023 campaign.
At 6'4", Simmons is a bit more rangy than Queen and even more athletic. He clearly isn't the caliber of player that Queen is, but they see him as a solid coverage linebacker and at a good price. When he left the Cardinals, the price tag was a seventh-round pick and just over $1 million for the year.
Steelers Might Have Found "Him" in Patrick Queen
It is well-documented that the Steelers have struggled to find a solid inside linebacker for years, ever since Ryan Shazier was injured. The hope is bringing Queen over from the Baltimore Ravens is the answer. Pittsburgh signed him to a $41 million deal for three years. It is the biggest free agency signing in Steelers' history and happens to fill what is likely their most significant need.
Queen provides a solid solution for Pittsburgh's recent run-stopping struggles. He is a three-down linebacker who hits the middle hard and will be a formidable obstacle to running backs like Nick Chubb and Derrick Henry.
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Former Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (#22) carries the football during an NFL matchup.
While no NFL team can keep all of their elite players, Queen's Ravens teammates were sad to see him go. They know just how hard Queen works, how badly he wants this, and his desire to be the new "villain" of the AFC North.
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