The Pittsburgh Steelers recently lost some edge rusher depth due to injuries during training camp. David Perales and Kyron Johnson both had to leave practice early on Wednesday, but the team is still waiting for more updates on their injuries. Even though Jeremiah Moon is currently slated to be the fourth edge rusher on the 53-man roster, the Steelers don't want to give him a free trip to the roster. Depending on the severity of the injuries, the Steelers could go out and sign one or more edge rushers.
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Roquan Smith (#0) and Patrick Queen (#6) celebrate a big play.
The Steelers already have some ex-Baltimore Ravens on the team, so they could keep upsetting Marlon Humphrey by snagging another one. Even though Tyus Bowser isn't what he used to be, the Steelers could still bring him in and see what he has left in the tank. He missed all of 2023 due to injury, as well as a large chunk of 2022, so they could sign him for very cheap just to see what he can bring to the table at this stage of his career.
At his peak in 2021, Bowser had seven sacks with 59 tackles during a full season. While he is most likely no longer at that level, he could still potentially be a quality veteran presence as a depth rusher. He already has some chemistry with guys like Patrick Queen, so that could help him fit into the Steelers' system. If it works, then the edge rusher group will be even more stacked. If not, then no worries, as Bowser wouldn't cost much to sign.
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Charles Harris celebrating while playing for the Lions.
Charles Harris has played multiple positions during his NFL career. He has played on the inside and on outside during his career. While the Steelers would most likely want him as depth on the outside, he could still move over and slot in for someone like Larry Ogunjobi if needed. His versatility could be a major asset for the team, which would only make them more willing to give him a shot,
His best year was when he was as an edge rusher in 2021, when he had 7.5 sacks, 65 tackles and a pair of forced fumbles. Even with the possibility of him being a guy that would move all over the lineup, the Steelers may want to just keep him where he's most comfortable, and that appears to be at edge rusher. Picking up a veteran like Harris seems to be a very Steelers-like move.
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Former Steelers linebacker Markus Golden jogs on the field as the team practices during the 2023 season.
A Steelers' Reunion Makes Total Sense If Depth At Edge Rusher Is Necessary
The Steelers brought in Markus Golden to take on this exact role in 2023, and with the injuries that recently popped up, they could bring him back. Even though 2023 was his first season where he did not start a single game, he was still able to make an impact as the team's fourth edge rusher. Golden has been a beast at edge rusher all throughout his career, and the Steelers may want to bring him back for depth.
He had four sacks and a fumble recovery in 2023 despite the fact that he only played 22% of defensive snaps for the Steelers. He fit in nicely then, and he would most likely fit in nicely now. The edge rusher core is already special for Pittsburgh, and Golden could help out with that, as teams will still have to be on their A-game, even when one of the elite starters is taking a quick breather on the sidelines.
Of course, there's still the chance that Moon wins the last edge rusher spot during training camp and preseason, but with the injuries to Perales and Johnson, the Steelers probably want to bring someone else in to provide some competition, especially if the injuries are more than day-to-day.
What do you think about the Steelers free agent options? Who do you think they should sign? Let us know in the comments.
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