Why Can't The Steelers Find A Productive 3rd Outside Linebacker?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been known for their dominant defense throughout the years, particularly in their outside linebackers. With the likes of James Harrison, Joey Porter Sr., Greg Lloyd and Kevin Greene, the Steelers have a storied history of producing top-notch pass rushers. The proud tradition is still being carried on today by the current duo of outside linebackers in TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. However, over the past two seasons, the team has struggled tremendously with finding a complementary third-pass rusher. If the Steelers hope to establish themselves as a serious Super Bowl Contender for the 2023 season, this question must be answered sooner rather than later. 

The Steelers have arguably the best duo of outside linebackers in the NFL today in TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. Watt has already been locked up to be a Steeler for the foreseeable future, and hopefully, within a few weeks, Highsmith will be too. The starting outside linebackers for the Steelers next year are set in stone. Take it to the bank. However, the Steelers find themselves in the same situation this offseason that they always find themselves in when it comes to having a quality third outside linebacker. While this position may not seem like a critical question to answer, having another pass rusher outside of the starting duo is crucially important. 

Below is an examination of the Steelers' backup outside linebackers over the past two seasons as two possible solutions for OLB help this offseason. 

2022 Season – Primary Backup Outside Linebackers: Malik Reed and Jamir Jones

When the Steelers acquired Malik Reed from the Denver Broncos just before the start of the 2022 season, many viewed him as the perfect reserve outside linebacker for the Steelers. Maybe play 15-20 snaps a game to provide some much-needed rest for Watt / Highsmith and play special teams. This was most likely the intended plan for Reed by the front office of the Steelers. This plan came to a screeching halt after Week 1. Watt suffered a pectoral injury. Reed was immediately thrown in to the fire and expected to carry on the proud tradition of the outside linebackers for the black and gold. 

Reed filled in admirably and stayed healthy for most of the season. He played better than what the stats would indicate, as he only wound up with 1 sack and 1 TFL for the season. Fellow backup outside linebacker, Jamir Jones, also had a rather unremarkable 2022 campaign. He finished the season with 0 sacks and 20 combined tackles. He was, however, a core special teams player. 

2021 Season – Primary Backup Outside Linebackers: Melvin Ingram, Derrek Tuszka, and Taco Charlton

Melvin Ingram is the closest thing the Steelers have had to a premier third pass rusher over the past two seasons. He had played his previous 9 seasons with the Los Angeles (formerly San Diego) Chargers where he compiled 49 career sacks. When signed by the Steelers in 2021, many thought that Ingram would have the ability to start opposite TJ Watt at outside linebacker, including himself. However, the Steelers had different plans. During his very short tenure with the Steelers, Ingram was the backup to ascending young star, Alex Highsmith. Needless to say, this did not sit well with Ingram. He viewed himself as a starting-caliber outside linebacker and eventually requested a trade out of Pittsburgh. His wish was granted as he was shipped to the Kansas City Chiefs for a meager 6th-round pick. 

Once Ingram was a Chief, the Steelers relied heavily upon Derrek Tuszka and Taco Charlton to carry the weight of OLB3. Similar to Malik Reed in 2022, they filled in admirably, combining for 2.5 sacks. However, there was a noticeable drop off in the level of play whenever either of these two was in the game for Watt or Highsmith.