Steelers' GM Omar Khan Excited For 2023 Free Agency Additions At Linebacker That "Add A Lot To The Defense"

The Pittsburgh Steelers made wholesale changes to their inside linebacking group early on in the new league year replacing both of last year's most used linebackers. The new front office, led by general manager Omar Khan and assistant Andy Weidl, has reshaped the makeup at the position with Mark Robinson as the only player who started last year returning in 2023.

The team's leading tackler last year per Pro Football Reference, Myles Jack was a cap casualty. Former first-round pick Devin Bush, who led the unit in starts with 14, but had his usage limited down the stretch, is off to the Seattle Seahawks. Robert Spillane departed for the Las Vegas Raiders on a two-year deal after he finished fourth on the team and registered the most tackles for a loss among insider linebackers. In comes Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb, a pair of free agent signings that Khan told former Steelers offensive lineman Max Starks he's very excited to watch. 

"When we were going through our free agency evaluations Elandon and Cole were two players we were targeting," he said. "We were hoping to be able to do business with at least one of them and, fortunately, we were able to get both of them. I think they're going to add a lot to the room and to the defense."

Omar Khan Excited For the Versatility Of Patrick Peterson

The Steelers' other new addition on the defensive side is three-time All-Pro Patrick Peterson. Head coach Mike Tomlin has hinted that the veteran could play some safety in Pittsburgh and Khan said that versatility was part of what made them go after him following the loss of Cameron Sutton. 

"I think not only the defensive backs will enjoy having him around, but I think really the locker room and the community will," Khan said of bringing in a veteran of Peterson's stature. "We have had some awesome interactions with him and I'm excited. He brings a lot of versatility and he's going to be great for the rest of the defensive backs."

The former fifth-overall pick who Khan called a "pro's pro" adds a veteran element the Steelers' secondary has been missing since Joe Haden waived farewell to the organization around this time last year. The team may look to fill some of the remaining needs at cornerback or safety in the draft and who better to learn from than the eight-time Pro Bowl nominee, who has proved he can still play at a high level entering the 13th year of his career. 

The defense could still change as the offseason rolls on, with free agents still on the market, and the draft in less than a month, but for now, Khan is excited to see what the new additions so far can do on Sundays in 2023. 

Do you like what the Steelers have done on defense so far in the offseason? Let us know in the comments or on social media. 

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