Steelers Linked To 4 Tenacious Free Agent Linebackers

The Pittsburgh Steelers, known for their formidable defensive prowess, are eyeing potential additions to their linebacker corps to fortify their defense for the upcoming season. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), four linebackers have been identified as potential fits for the Steelers, with each player offering unique skills and experiences.

One interesting option listed by PFF is linebacker Josey Jewell, who played with the Denver Broncos in 2023. Jewell, recognized for his versatility, was listed as a good fit for the Steelers. PFF ranks Jewell as the 78th best free agent. 

“Jewell is a jack of all trades and master of none, which fits his profile, and he will be 29 years old in 2024. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan didn’t seem overly optimistic about Cole Holcomb’s status for the early portion of 2024 as he returns from a knee injury, and he mentioned linebacker as a position of interest in the upcoming draft.” 

At 29 years old, Jewell offers a wealth of experience and could provide valuable depth to the Steelers' linebacker unit, especially as they navigate through injuries and uncertainties. Jewell boasts an impressive six-season tenure with the Broncos, having started 58 out of 78 games throughout his career. Notably, he has delivered back-to-back seasons with over 100 combined tackles, showcasing his consistency and impact on the field. 

With a career total of 453 tackles, Jewell's ability to read plays and position himself effectively allows him to consistently make plays. Renowned for his gritty and relentless style of play, he embodies the hard-nosed ethos that defines Steelers football. Jewell's tenacity and commitment to the game make him a seamless fit for the Pittsburgh defense.

Another linebacker on the Steelers' radar should be Blake Cashman of the Houston Texans, according to PFF. Cashman's breakout performance in 2023 has not gone unnoticed, forcing PFF to rank him as the 80th best free agent. With his adeptness in coverage and ability to excel in various defensive schemes, Cashman could be a valuable addition to the Steelers' defensive arsenal.

Cashman endured a challenging start to his NFL career, spending the majority of his first four seasons battling for playing time. However, in a breakthrough 2023 season, he emerged as a fixture in the starting lineup, starting 13 of his 14 games he was active for.

The linebacker showcased his defensive prowess with an impressive 106 tackles for the Texans in 2023. His innate ability to anticipate offensive plays before they unfold, coupled with his relentless pursuit of the ball carrier, sets him apart. With his gritty demeanor and knack for making impactful plays, Cashman would seamlessly integrate into the hard-nosed culture of the Steelers' defense.

Drue Tranquill, hailing from the Kansas City Chiefs, presents another enticing option for the Steelers. Tranquill's proficiency as a blitzer and reliability in coverage have captured the attention of PFF. They rank him as the 81st greatest free agent in 2024. His experience in different defensive systems, coupled with his knack for making impactful plays, could make him a seamless fit within the Steelers' defensive framework.

Tranquill, a seasoned 28-year-old linebacker, boasts a five-year tenure in the NFL. In the 2022 season alone, he showcased his defensive prowess by amassing an impressive 146 combined tackles. With just 35 starts in his 63-game career, Tranquill has continued to earn more time on the gridiron and has excelled when given the chance.  

Notably, he has tallied 9.5 sacks over his last two seasons, underlining his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Renowned for his aggressive and fearless style of play, Tranquill consistently demonstrates a willingness to engage physically and pursue the football relentlessly. Given his skill set and tenacity, he would undoubtedly inject excitement into the Pittsburgh defensive lineup.

Lastly, Tyrel Dodson of the Buffalo Bills rounds out the list of potential signings for the Steelers. PFF ranked Dodson as their 109th best free agent in the 2024 class. Dodson, who showcased his skills in 2023 after overcoming injuries, is named a good landing spot for the Steelers. 

Dodson, a 25-year-old linebacker, spent the initial three seasons of his career largely on the sidelines. However, 2023 marked a significant shift as Dodson emerged prominently on the field. He seized the starting position in 10 games and demonstrated his prowess with an impressive tally of 74 combined tackles. Among these, he recorded six quarterback hits, eight tackles for a loss, and two and a half sacks, showcasing his versatility and impact. Dodson also had a forced fumble during the 2023 season. He’s a young linebacker who has upside and would provide the Steelers with some more depth at the position.

Steelers’ Omar Khan Wants To Improve The Linebacker Position

With the Steelers General Manager Omar Khan expressing interest in addressing the linebacker position, the addition of any of these talented linebackers could significantly enhance the team's defensive capabilities. 

As the Steelers gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes are on these potential signings, each offering a unique skill set that could contribute to the team's pursuit of defensive dominance.