There isn’t anyone doubting the fact that the Pittsburgh Steelers need to update their roster in several areas in order to be a legitimate threat in the AFC, and NFL as a whole. That was made clear on Thursday when General Manager Omar Khan spoke to the media at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Quarterback was a hot topic of discussion, but given Khan’s aggression in free agency and his willingness to trade in his first full year in charge of the front office, there’s more on the table than just the signal-caller predicament. He clearly stated a position that he wants the team to address.
The Steelers have been plagued with insider linebacker woes ever since Ryan Shazier’s tragic injury in 2017. Even after bringing in three guys in the 2023 offseason, two in Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander were lost before Thanksgiving for the rest of the season, due to gruesome lower-body injuries. That left Elandon Roberts in charge while Myles Jack came out of retirement to help the unit with second-year player Mark Robinson contributing as well.
While Holcomb, Roberts and Robinson are all under contract for 2024, change is still coming based on Khan’s comments on Thursday about addressing the position. There is a solid free agent class and Khan could swing for the fences for a division rival, or take the more “Steelers” route with a conservative, one to two-year deal for a reliable player. But, it all starts with the big prize.
1.) Patrick Queen – Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have reportedly been a little more interested in retaining pending free agent defensive lineman Justin Madubuike. If he is the priority before, or at the beginning of the new league year, linebacker Patrick Queen could slip through the cracks. The 2024 All-Pro has never missed a start, nonetheless a game, after competing in 67 of 67 eligible contests since being drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh never had a chance to draft him after giving up their first-round pick in 2020 in the trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick. With plenty of cap space to work with after restructures and more cuts occur, Khan could make a big splash. Queen fits that narrative. He will turn 25 just before the regular season and any guy with 454 total tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 13 and a half sacks, six fumble recoveries, five forced fumbles, and four interceptions in just four years is worth an investment.
2.) Frankie Luvu – Carolina Panthers
Compared to Pro Football Focus’ projected contract for Queen of over $18 million per season, Frankie Luvu from the Carolina Panthers may have an asking price of right around $10 million each year. Luvu, who will be entering his seventh NFL season, didn’t really burst onto the scene until 2021 when Carolina brought him on board, and then went on to start 31 games for the Panthers the last two seasons, including all 17 in 2023.
His numbers won’t jump out at you, but he is one of the more gifted pass-rushing off-ball linebackers in the entire league. He has 20 career sacks, including 14 in the past three seasons. While he won’t be the best in coverage, what Steelers linebacker has in recent memory? He had a career-high with 125 tackles in 2023 and added five passes defended and two forced fumbles.
3.) Josey Jewell – Denver Broncos
It wouldn’t be right to discuss free agents in an area of need and not mention an underwhelming, under-the-radar signing. Josey Jewell from the Denver Broncos would be a solid overall addition to the group. The 29-year old is not going to demand a hefty contract and also would bring in six years of NFL experience. He started 28 games for Denver since the 2022 campaign kicked off.
Jewell has had a knack for finding the ball on the ground with five fumble recoveries in the last two seasons. He is decent in coverage and has shown an ability to get to the quarterback in the backfield. He’s not flashy, but carries the traits of what a Steelers’ linebacker is expected to have. He’s consistent and could be the perfect guy in the middle of Pittsburgh’s defense.
Steelers Could Certainly Choose Familiarity Over Free Agency Splash
If Pittsburgh’s unit was healthy throughout 2023, this conversation wouldn’t necessarily be needed. But, with Holcomb going through his knee rehab, the Steelers have to plan for the worst. Alexander is going through the same thing with a torn Achilles, but if he progresses well, could end up being a late addition in August. Overall, the organization loves to draft and develop. It’s completely possible for them make a small move in free agency, and swing big in the draft, per normal.
Who do you want to see Khan target in free agency?
