FA LBs and DBs

[meanjustinbarlow]

Everyone seems to generally agree that the two biggest holes left on the roster are depth at ILB and S.

What does everyone think of these options from the bargain bin?

INSIDE LINEBACKER

Mark Barron — The Steelers had to release Barron to get under the salary cap. But he’s yet to sign anywhere and he played a lot of snaps for them last season (750). Like Chickillo, Barron wouldn’t need to learn the defense. Unlike Chickillo, Barron is much more valuable.

Nigel Bradham — At 30, Bradham’s best days might be behind him. But he’s always been decent in coverage and would certainly be a potential complementary player, whether that be competing with Vince Williams or backing him up. He likely wants a chance to start somewhere, however.

Mychal Kendricks — It wasn’t that long ago, Kendricks was a hot name on the free agent market that everyone in Pittsburgh wanted. He’s still a good player. The 29-year-old started for the Seahawks in 2019, but Seattle has moved on.

Wesley Woodyard — At 34, Woodyard is the oldest player here. But he also has the most experience, having appeared in 180 career games with 110 starts. If he can still run, the former Titans’ linebacker can give you a little something across the board. He’s got eight career interceptions and 28 career sacks.

SAFETY

Kurt Coleman — Coleman has played some free safety, strong safety and linebacker in his 10-year career. His veteran guidance could help the Steelers in a lot of ways, especially in the locker room with a very young safety group. And he can still play in a pinch.

Tavon Wilson — The former Patriots and Lions safety played for Steelers assistant defensive and secondary coach Teryl Austin with the Lions. He’s played both free and strong safety and will still only be 30 in 2020. Wilson had a career-high 98 tackles for the Lions last season. This would make a lot of sense.

Reshad Jones — A two-time Pro Bowl player, Jones is now 32 and could be reunited with Minkah Fitzpatrick. He only played in four games last season, so health is obviously a factor, but Jones would be a nice addition.

Darian Stewart — The 10-year veteran spent the 2019 season with the Buccaneers, appearing in 13 games with one start. He has played both strong and free safety and even a little cornerback at times. Stewart went to the Pro Bowl with the Broncos in 2016 and might be looking to make one more run.

[Steeldrama]

Defensive tackle still the biggest hole I see on the roster. There are other areas but that's the obvious one

Snacks Harrison, Marcel Dareus the two names I've floated for the thrifty Steelers

I'd like to see a backup safety added but I'm thinking Colbert is on vacation until training camp/preseason start dates are set.

Clayton Geathers and Tony Jefferson two names I like for the thrifty Steelers

[steelmann58]

I am not sold DT is a big need and no where close to FS

[tbsteel]

I am not sold DT is a big need and no where close to FS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzC0CT5DyLA

223 rushing yards allowed with our season on the line. Couldn't do a damn thing to stop them.

That's the team we've got to beat this year. They're the best team in the division and just added a ton of young talent.

[meanjustinbarlow]

I am not sold DT is a big need and no where close to FS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzC0CT5DyLA

223 rushing yards allowed with our season on the line. Couldn't do a damn thing to stop them.

That's the team we've got to beat this year. They're the best team in the division and just added a ton of young talent.

DUDE! Its not like the defense got any support from the offense whatsoever. That defensive performance was driven by the worst offensive performance from the Steelers since the damn merger.

I think Alualu is fine as a 15-20 snap a game noseman. The bigger concern is an asskicker with pursuit skills at the second level. If Vince Williams goes down, the run defense is fucked right now. Its almost as big a blindspot as backup safety. If either starter goes down there, start scouting for next year’s draft.

[Steelafan77]

Safety
Eric Reid 28 yrs old

DLine
Damon Harrison 31 yrs old

Edge
Anthony Chickillo 27 yrs old

LB
Mychal Kendricks 29 yrs old

[meanjustinbarlow]

Safety
Eric Reid 28 yrs old

DLine
Damon Harrison 31 yrs old

Edge
Anthony Chickillo 27 yrs old

LB
Mychal Kendricks 29 yrs old

Reid isn’t happening. Kendricks is intriguing for sure. Not sure the price or the run prowess. Harrison is intriguing but would he take backup dollars?

[SteelerDayTrader]

We are better at every position group on defense than we were last year except NT


Thats really the only priority

[Steelafan77]

IMHO, Reid is the best Safety on the market. Yea he has his whole 'agenda' thing going not denying that, but dude can ball and can play either safety spot. Excellent candidate for backup safety. He'll likely settle for backup money [due to lack of interest] because of that agenda thing. So it's a logical choice.

Harrison might be just a pipe dream. He'll want starters money regardless of 'rank' on the roster. The thing against Harrison is he's not exactly a great locker room guy. So what! The flip side is Harrison is the best run stopping DLineman currently on the market IMO. Another logical choice.

Chickillo is who he is. He knows the system and locker room and likely won't see any if at all interest. He'll be waiting by the phone. Certainly not the best to do it but will be my first choice just because of his experience with the team. Another logical choice IMO.

Kendricks was a hot commodity a few seasons ago on this very site when he was a FA. He is a run stop/play chasing LB'er much in the same mold as D. Bush. Imagine another Devin Bush, just more experienced. Still younger than DWill. Another logical choice IMO.

[steelmann58]

Kendricks seems to fallen a bit did he come off an injury?
Reid i agree the skill level is high but not sure the steelers get past his agenda especially with AV on the roster, and think he also late hit on Ben too.But you are totally right he can help this defense.I think they might weight to near the season to add a NT who looking for a roster spot.

[Jobu]

Steelers could lose Minkah and Edmunds to injury, and have a starting tandem of Marcus Allen and “Rodney” Dangerfield, and they still aren’t signing Eric Reid.
Never...gonna...happen!

[steelmann58]

yes sir agreed

[Steelafan77]

Likely not Jobu but it still remains fact Reid is the best FA safety on the market currently... Because of his agenda he won't ever be taken serious. Sad!

[Jobu]

Likely not Jobu but it still remains fact Reid is the best FA safety on the market currently... Because of his agenda he won't ever be taken serious. Sad!

Absolutely. The fact that he remains on the market, speaks volumes...

[steelmann58]

BINGO

[jebrick]

I think Tomlin and Co. do not value a traditional NT. It still begs the question of why not switch to a hybrid defense like Pat AND Ravens. Not perfect by any means ( as the Titans proved) but has 2 DTs playing 2 gap and 1 DE playing 1 gap plus a pass rusher. Trying to stick to this 3-4 is getting to be a problem.

[Steelafan77]

Likely not Jobu but it still remains fact Reid is the best FA safety on the market currently... Because of his agenda he won't ever be taken serious. Sad!

Absolutely. The fact that he remains on the market, speaks volumes...

Tedrick Thompson is still floating around on the open market too.....Montae Nicholson?