Linebacker Kyle Van Noy Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers projected to sign intriguing free-agent linebacker

Originally posted on NFL Analysis Network
By Kenneth Teape | Last updated 5/5/23

There aren’t many teams in the NFL that have had a better offseason than the Pittsburgh Steelers. General manager Omar Khan has shined in his first offseason leading the front office, changing the franchise’s approach to offseason plans.

Pittsburgh is notoriously frugal in free agency but was aggressive early this year signing veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson and linebackers Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts. In the 2023 NFL Draft, their success continued.

The Steelers were able to land offensive tackle Broderick Jones in the first round after making a trade with the New England Patriots to acquire the No. 14 overall pick, one spot ahead of the New York Jets. That was the start of a very strong draft in which they addressed needs and found plenty of value.

However, even after the draft, there are a few areas that could use some shoring up. Defensively, it wouldn’t hurt to add some more depth to their front seven on the edge and at the second level of their defense.

That is what makes veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy such a good fit for Pittsburgh. In fact, PFF is predicting the Steelers to sign Van Noy as a late addition in free agency.

Predicting the landing spots for the top remaining free agents pic.twitter.com/7xuyQWAEkQ
— PFF (@PFF) May 4, 2023

The Steelers have two excellent pass-rushing bookends in T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, and Cameron Heyward can get after the quarterback from the defensive tackle spot. However, beyond that trio, there isn’t much pass-rushing depth to rely on.

2.0 sacks by safety Terrell Edmunds and cornerback Arthur Maulet were the next most after Watt, Highsmith and Heyward’s total. Bringing in Van Noy would provide some veteran insurance on the roster as he has recorded at least 5.0 sacks in four straight seasons and five out of the last six.

Van Noy finds success getting into the opponent’s backfield, adding at least five tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits in each of the last six seasons. There aren’t many holes on the Steelers’ roster, but adding Van Noy would plug a major one.

We saw just how detrimental an injury to one of their starters could be in 2022 when Watt missed seven games because of injury. Having a player of Van Noy’s caliber to turn to in a larger role should another injury occur on the edge would help Tomlin sleep easier at night.

This article first appeared on NFL Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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