The Pittsburgh Steelers' depth at the edge rusher position was a problem in 2022. When TJ Watt missed seven games due to injury, teams were able to focus solely on Alex Highsmith. The Steelers' pass rush suffered mightily as a result, as Malik Reed failed to become a worthy acquisition.
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Reed had just one sack in 14 games with the black and gold. Heading into the off-season, General Manager Omar Khan will certainly have to address the position. Khan has already began his quest, signing New York Giants edge rusher, Quincy Roche to a futures contract. If you remember, the Steelers picked him in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants edge rusher Quincy Roche has signed a futures contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team that originally drafted him, according to sources.
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) January 24, 2023
Roche, 24, flashed & played well when he received opportunities the past two yrs in NY. Could be a great fit back in Pitt
Roche failed to make the 53-man roster despite impressing at training camp. Roche eventually caught on with the Giants, where he's spent the last two seasons. In 2021, his rookie year, he appeared in 14 games which included three starts. He did quite well, racking up 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, and five quarterback hits.
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Roche appeared in just three games in 2022, a total of six snaps on defense and 28 on special teams. He mainly spent the year on the team's practice squad and now comes back to where his NFL journey began. He will have an instant opportunity to earn a primary reserve role with the Steelers.
Behind the two starters, the black and gold have minimal depth under contract at the edge position. Khan will surely address the position either late in the draft and/or in free agency. Former Steelers LB, Bud Dupree may become available, although he may want more playing time. Regardless, Roche is a good start to the off-season for Khan.
What are your thoughts on this signing of Roche? Do you think he can become a legitimate third option at edge rusher behind Highsmith and Watt? Who else would you like to see Khan draft or sign at the position? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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