What Malik Harrison Signing Means for Steelers Defense

Last offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers went out and signed one of the best linebackers on the rival Baltimore Ravens roster in Patrick Queen.

This offseason, they've repeated that feat.

For the second consecutive season, Pittsburgh has bolstered their linebacker room with a Ravens draft pick. Malik Harrison was a third-round pick in 2020 and saw his best year - coincidentally enough - in his contract year last season.

Posting 54 total tackles with 22 solo and three for loss, Harrison added to his career totals and almost tripled his tackles from the year prior (20).

He added one pass defended and two sacks with three quarterback hits.

But don't fret about those pass-rush numbers. Harrison excels in the run defense. He'll be a huge help to new teammates Cole Holcomb, Queen and Payton Wilson, who all excel in pass coverage.

What's more, Harrison can play both inside and outside on the second level, adding some flexibility to the defense.

His signing likely means the end for Elandon Roberts, who served as a vocal leader on and off the field for Pittsburgh. That'll be a new role for Harrison, but not one he will shy away from.

In Baltimore, Harrison played alongside Roquan Smith. One of the most vocal leaders in the league. And he no doubt learned a lot about that role.