The 2023 NFL free agent linebackers are one of the deepest groups available this offseason. Coincidentally, two of the three major rotational linebackers in Pittsburgh are free agents, and the third is a potential cap casualty. In this post I’ll highlight a number of potential free agent linebackers Pittsburgh could go out and sign, but first let’s talk about the current situation in The Steel City
Free Agent Linebackers – Internal
Devin Bush
Former first round pick Devin Bush is an unrestricted free agent this season after Pittsburgh declined his fifth year option. It is highly unlikely Bush will return after becoming a rotational player by the end of the 2022 season. Bush went from playing 79% of the defensive snaps last season to just 62% this year. Bush will likely be looking for a fresh start elsewhere.
Robert Spillane
The person who took a lot of those snaps away from Bush was Robert Spillane. Spillane first came on the scene in 2020 when he played for the injured Bush and made a big goal line tackle on Derrick Henry.
Spillane saw a dip in his playing time last season with Bush’s return but ended up playing the most snaps of his career this year (588) less than 100 fewer than Bush. Spillane even played in 100% of the team’s snaps in the last four games of the season. I expect Spillane to be back. He should be fairly cheap as a former UDFA. I would however watch out for the Minnesota Vikings after the hiring of Brian Flores.
Marcus Allen
And finally there’s Marcus Allen who ended the year on IR and is really just a special teamer. While he is a core one at that, the team’s upack on punts, and is fourth in special teams snaps over the last two seasons. While I appreciate the value of special teams, I think Allen might be a special teamer not retained in favor of a Miles Boykin or Benny Snell Jr. Both at least offer a little something on offense, as opposed to Allen who didn’t play a single defensive snap this season.
Myles Jack (Potential)
That leaves veteran Myles Jack who was brought in last offseason to upgrade over Joe Schobert. Jack didn’t have a great season, but he did deal win an injury the second part of the year.
Pittsburgh can save about $8 million if they were to cut Jack this offseason. But I think they hold off. With a lot changing already in the linebacking room I’d think they’d want his veteran presence, and bank on him being better and healthier in 2023.
Now let’s get to some free agent linebackers from other teams.
Free Agent Linebackers – External
The list I’ve put together today is eight players long – but the free agent linebacker group is probably the deepest position in free agency. There could easily be 20 names on this list. I’ve tried to narrow it down based on a few key categories. Those could be as simple as size and age, or as detailed as potential history with the Steelers. Let’s dive in.
Tremaine Edmunds – Buffalo Bills
Ok this one is obvious – right? We know the brotherly connection so Pittsburgh knows plenty about the 6’5 linebacker from Buffalo. Edmunds is an excellent, excellent athlete who improved greatly in coverage this season. PFF ranked him as the third best linebacker in coverage in 2022. You match that with the size and athleticism to stop the run and this is a great fit. He also will be turning just 25 in May.
T.J. Edwards – Philadelphia Eagles
Let’s turn our attention to the only player on this list that is playing this weekend. T.J. Edwards was PFF’s second ranked off ball linebacker this season and was good in both coverage and against the run. He’s not huge, but at 6’1, 240 he’s got enough size. While Edwards went undrafted back in 2019, he played his college ball at Wisconsin – and we know Pittsburgh is familiar with defenders from that program.
Edwards also has the tie-in with Pittsburgh’s new Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl. Weidl came from Philadelphia and was there for all of Edwards’ career up until this year.
Lavonte David – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Even at 33 years old Lavonte David is still one of the best linebackers in the NFL. While I find it hard to believe he’ll leave Tampa Bay, their cap situation is a mess right now. Between that, and the questions at the quarterback positions, maybe the 12-year veteran could be available. Despite his age and the struggles on the Bucs defense, PFF ranked David as the third best linebacker this season.
Rashaan Evans – Atlanta Falcons
Ok let’s come down from the big names. Rashaan Evans garnered a lot of Steelers attention coming out of Alabama in 2018. He then went on to have two really strong seasons with the Tennessee Titans in 2019 and 2020. 2021 was a bit disappointing due to injuries, and he spent 2022 with the Falcons where he made an impact.
Evans did it all this season with 159 combined tackles, six tackles for loss, four passes defended, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. At 6’2, 232 and coming from the Titans, Evans has the size and physicality to be a presence for Pittsburgh.
David Long Jr. – Tennessee Titans
Let’s stick with the Tennessee connection here considering the overlap with so many players between these two teams. David Long might be a bit undersized (5’11, 227) but if he can play for Mike Vrabel he plays big enough. PFF had Long ranked fourth among linebackers at defending the run this season.
Long also attended West Virginia University – so Pittsburgh should have some familiarity with him going back to his time there.
Bobby Okereke – Indianapolis Colts
I like Bobby Okereke’s game. He would be a slightly more under the radar signing, but one that would be highly effective. The Colts linebacker was around the ball a ton this season (five passes defended, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries). He also had 151 tackles and six tackles for loss after stepping up for the injured Shaquille Leonard.
Germaine Pratt – Cincinnati Bengals
I’m sorry to anyone this offends but Germaine Pratt is a good football player. He was PFFs highest graded linebacker in coverage and is also stout against the run. We know he can play AFC North football and has played in big games. Pratt is well-built (6’2, 245) and had ten passes defended with two interceptions this season.
Cole Holcomb – Washington Commanders
The last name I’ll specifically mention is Cole Holcomb. Holcomb played his college ball at UNC, a place we know former GM Kevin Colbert enjoyed scouting at. Holcomb was a Day 3 pick in 2019 but immediately played 63% of the defensive snaps as a rookie and never looked back. While he isn’t very tall (6’1) but he is stout (240 pounds) and very physical. He also plays decently well in pass coverage. Like Okereke or Evans this one would be a little more under the radar. Think Robert Spillane but a bit better in pass coverage.
Others
As mentioned before, there are so many free agent linebackers the Steelers could go after. I couldn’t highlight everyone but let me at least add a few more names here:
There’s still probably another ten you could name if you wanted!
Conclusion
The Steelers should look to add a free agent linebacker this offseason. The linebacker position has been in flux ever since Ryan Shazier retired due to his spinal injury. Sure this team could draft one – there seems to be some interesting prospects – but why risk it?
Offensive line, cornerback and wide receiver are all arguably just as big a need as linebacker. However, those three positions don’t have a lot of depth in free agency. Defensive line is the only group you could argue has as many free agent options as linebacker. Both to ensure they get the player right, and take advantage of the talent pool.
Should Pittsburgh go this route to address the need, I would not be surprised if it was one of the above names.
Invest in your favorite athletes like stocks with “Prediction Strike!” Use code FANTOM when you sign up.
Read the latest sports news via Fantom Sports Industries. Follow us on Twitter via @Fantom_sports. Like us on Facebook Fantom Sports Industries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel via Fantom Sports. Subscribe to our Newsletter! Shop Fantom Sports Industries Merch.