The Pittsburgh Steelers continued to make efforts in strengthening their defensive line by signing Doug Costin to a one-year deal on Tuesday. On Monday, it was announced by ESPN's Field Yates that the team tried out five players that played in the USFL last season, all defensive linemen.
Costin spent the first two seasons of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars before they released him heading into the 2021 season. He played in 13 games with the Jaguars, including 12 of those in his rookie season in 2020. Costin made nine starts at defensive tackle, racking up two pass deflections, one fumble recovery, three tackles for loss, and one quarterback hit.
Credit: MiamiRedhawks.com
Last season, Costin played for the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL, the United States Football League. The league was just the latest version of trying to give an additional league for those trying to make it to the NFL. He played alongside former 2017 Steelers fifth-round draft pick, Brian Allen. Before that, Costin played his college ball at Miami (Ohio) University, where Pittsburgh legend Ben Roethlisberger went as well.
The signing of Costin likely just provides an additional body heading into training camp. Best case scenario, he ends up as a potential practice squad candidate for the Steelers. The depth on the team's defensive line is actually seen as a strength, so it'll be pretty difficult for Costin to make the 53-man roster.
Steelers DL heading into camp
- Cam Heyward
- Tyson Alualu
- Chris Wormley
- Larry Ogunjobi
- Montravius Adams
- Isaiahh Loudermilk
- DeMarvin Leal
- Henry Mondeaux
- Carlos Davis
- Khalil Davis
The top seven names seem likely to make the 53-man roster heading into the season, barring any injuries. That would be the most likely scenario for Costin to move up in the pecking order. The Davis brothers are still there as well, so he has a hill to climb in trying to make the Steelers roster.
Steelers brothers Carlos Davis (left) and Khalil Davis (right). | Karissa Schmidt
Having an NFL body in training camp can't hurt though, and he would be a good guy to have on the practice squad. Costin did have a successful college career, in which he had 31.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks. He made the Jaguars opening day roster as an undrafted free agent.
Do you guys think Costin has any chance of making the team or practice squad? Do you see this as a depth signing, or a guy that could stick around? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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