With Former Steelers LB Now Off The FA Market, Pittsburgh Still Has 3 Solid Edge Options For Depth

The Pittsburgh Steelers have done well in creating competition and filling glaring holes on both sides of the ball. Though rookie minicamp is underway, the Steelers are still likely to make moves and bring in players that can make an impact for the team in 2024. Even with some areas needing more attention than others, creating a rotation at the edge position, like last season, should remain a priority for the Steelers. 

Bud Dupree, who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday to a two-year deal, was one of the players linked to the Steelers during the free agency process. The move keeps with the trend this offseason as another option for the Steelers coming off the board. Omar Khan has done well finding workarounds to those needs thus far, which gives fans confidence he will continue so as the regular season gets closer. 

The Steelers succeeded last season having a multitude of capable players to rotate behind TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. This allowed the pass rushing duo to stay rested during the middle portion of games, and provide players who could fill in when they spent time injured as well. Second year player Nick Herbig was solid in his rookie season, but will need help to carry the load for the most iconic position in Pittsburgh.

Edge Options For The Steelers

Tyus Bowser - Former Team: Baltimore Ravens

Khan has brought in players who play tough, and understand what it means to be a Steeler this offseason. A good chunk of those significant additions have come from the Ravens, in guys like Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott. With these thoughts in mind, Bowser makes a ton of sense for Pittsburgh. 

During his six-year career in Baltimore, Bowser has posted 19.5 sacks and just over 150 total tackles. After posting a career year in 2021 where he posted 7 sacks, he came crashing back down to earth in 2022 with just 2 sacks in 9 games before going down with an Achilles injury that kept him out all of 2023. He then got lost in a crowded linebacker room in Baltimore that led to him becoming a free agent. 

Like many free agents in this class, Bowser offers to be a significant upgrade as a rotational piece if he stays healthy. With an average annual value of $5 million according to Spotrac.com, Bowser can fit directly into what the Steelers would ask of a player coming off a major injury and heading into his age 29 season. 

Markus Golden - Former Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Golden may be the most likely Steelers free agent to be brought back from last year's team. After coming over from a second stint in Arizona with the Cardinals, Golden was a huge veteran improvement for Pittsburgh in his lone season there. He played in 16 games, and of his 17 tackles, 11 of them were solo. He also added 4 sacks and was pivotal for the team when players missed time. 

The biggest knock on Golden at this stage of his career would be his age, as he turned 33 in March. But if all you're looking for is a rotational piece with high upside, you may be able to pull the final year out of Golden of his storied NFL career. He is projected to command a vet minimum contract just over $1.3 million.  

Anthony Barr - Former Team: Minnesota Vikings

A surprise player still in free agency, Anthony Barr could be an interesting fit for the Steelers. Beside his career 18.5 sacks, Barr would bring a unique combination of tackling and leadership to the Steel City. The 33-year old spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, where he has over 500 total tackles and 5 career interceptions. 

Similar to Golden, the biggest knock on Barr is his age, as the nine-year veteran turned 32 in March. He only played in four games in 2023, but the positive to this could be the relative freshness Barr would bring at a vet minimum deal. During his last full season in 2022 with the Dallas Cowboys, Barr had 58 total tackles, a sack, and a pass defended. Barr failed to record a single sack in 2023.