Former Steelers linebacker Mykal Walker signs new deal with Washington Commanders

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mykal Walker has inked a new deal out of free agency with the Washington Commanders this week, the team announced on Tuesday. Walker, a former fourth-round draft pick for the Atlanta Falcons, played one season for the Steelers after signing on to the practice squad in October. He made the active roster and saw action in eight games.

During his eight game appearances for the Steelers, Walker posted 33 tackles with two tackles for loss and an interception. His interception, the fourth of his four-year NFL career, came in a 21-18 loss against the New England Patriots. He was also active for the Steelers’ only post-season appearance against the Buffalo Bills, which they lost. He posted three tackles in that matchup.

Walker initially signed a four-year rookie deal with the Falcons for $4.04 million. The team waived him in August upon making the 53-man roster cuts. He then joined the Bears, then the Raiders, before settling down with Pittsburgh for the remainder of the 2023 season. While with the Falcons, he accumulated 187 tackles across three seasons, including 107 in 2022. He notched his first career sack for Atlanta in 2022 as well, in a game against the Saints.

The Falcons drafted Walker with the No. 119 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Fresno State. At Fresno State, he earned first-team All-Mountain West honors.

With Washington, Walker is joining the first-year squad of new head coach Dan Quinn who took over the Commanders this offseason after three years coordinating the Cowboys defense. He is among many new faces on the defense, including Clelin Ferrell, Dorance Armstrong, Jeremy Chinn, Dante Fowler, Michael Davis, Noah Igbinoghene, Frankie Luvu, Anthony Pittman and Bobby Wagner.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.