Inside linebacker seems to be a pressing need for the Pittsburgh Steelers this off-season. By all indications, Devin Bush seems like he'll find a fresh start somewhere else after an underwhelming four-year tenure in Pittsburgh. Robert Spillane is meant more as a rotational piece than an every-down linebacker, like he was the last four weeks of the season. Myles Jack is the X-factor as far as the black and gold's middle linebackers go.
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Signed to a two-year, $16 million deal last off-season, Jack failed to make big plays in 2022. In fact, none of the linebackers did. The team could definitely move on from Jack, or just keep him for one more year. Regardless, the position needs addressed for the future. There's already been links to Tremaine Edmunds of the Buffalo Bills, who may be interested if GM Omar Khan re-signs his brother, Terrell.
In an article noting one free agent that each team should sign, Pro Football Focus chose to address the linebacker position for the Steelers. Instead of Edmunds though, Brad Spielberger chose a different talented LB. Kyzir White of the Philadelphia Eagles will be a free agent after the season, and he would provide an immediate upgrade for the black and gold.
"If Myles Jack returns for Pittsburgh in 2023, which is no certainty, he pairs well with White as a 250-pound, big-bodied linebacker who, at this stage in his career, shouldn’t be relied upon to cover. White, on the other hand, is a great coverage linebacker in the modern NFL, matching up well with opposing running backs and tight ends, posting 60.0-plus coverage grades in every season of his career thus far," Spielberger said. "He’s not just a coverage backer though, demonstrating solid three-down ability with 181 tackles and 99 defensive stops over the last two seasons."
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Amongst the 84 qualifying linebackers, White ranked 41st according to PFF. On the contrary, Bush was the highest-rated Steelers linebacker, coming in 54th at the linebacker position. White would come at a cheaper cost than Tremaine Edmunds too, something Khan will consider if he opts to address the position. Edmunds has established himself as one of the best LB's in football, so he'll demand a pricey contract.
Spielberger listed Cam Sutton as the perfect addition for the Detroit Lions. Sutton seems likely to come back to Pittsburgh, as Khan needs to make the cornerback position an off-season priority. He has been the team's best and most consistent cornerback over the last few years now. Losing him would set the CB room back even more. Luckily, Sutton won't demand too much money in free agency.
One more 2022 Steeler appeared in the article, as Larry Ogunjobi was listed as a guy that the New Orleans Saints should sign in free agency. After failed physicals with the Chicago Bears, Ogunjobi ended up coming to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal. The team likely will (and should) be interested in bringing him back, but he may be able to get more money elsewhere. It would be a big loss for a defensive line unit that also needs some depth moving forward.
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What LB do you want to see the Steelers sign or go after? Would White be a good signing in your opinion? What's the most that you would pay Tremaine Edmunds? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites, yinz!
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