Former Steelers' Linebacker Could Be Staying In AFC North With A Last Minute Signing With The Browns (AFC North)
AFC North

Former Steelers' Linebacker Could Be Staying In AFC North With A Last Minute Signing With The Browns

Akron Beacon Journal
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The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't been able to get the inside linebacker position right since Ryan Shazier's devastating career-ending injury in 2017. Many thought Devin Bush would be the answer after the front office made an aggressive trade up during the 2019 NFL Draft to select him 10th overall. He never seemed to return to form after a torn ACL in 2020 and will play his fifth NFL season with the Seattle Seahawks. The recent inconsistent play at the position led to General Manager, Omar Khan revamping the unit completely during 2023 free agency with the additions of Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts.

Pittsburgh Steelers Cole Holcomb

Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb participates in the team's 2023 organized team activities at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers

It was widely believed that bringing in veteran linebacker, Myles Jack in 2022 was going to provide stability at the position for at least two seasons after he got a two-year deal with a value of $16 million. He was released as a cap casualty in March and has yet to find a new home. Some thought that it may not be the worst idea to bring him back to Pittsburgh on a more team-friendly deal.

Now, Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus is suggesting that one of the Steelers biggest rivals should reach out to Jack and attempt to sign him to a deal. Spielberger believes the Cleveland Browns are a good destination for him. His analysis focused a little bit on Cleveland's linebacker situation as a whole.

"We suggested the Browns add another edge rusher in our last article about free agency, and sure enough, Cleveland went out and traded for Za’Darius Smith. One more piece in the front seven, namely depth at off-ball linebacker with Anthony Walker Jr. coming off a tough injury, would help continue to shore up the interior of this Browns defense at all three levels."

It's not uncommon for players to bounce around the same division, specifically in the AFC North. Larry Ogunjobi has played for every team in the division aside from the Baltimore Ravens.

Steelers Myles Jack

Former Steelers linebacker, Mylez Jack (#51) stands on the field at Acrisure Stadium during a 2022 regular season matchup against the New York Jets in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)

Spielberger noted a key stat from Jack that is quite impressive while also emphasizing his age. He still has a lot of football left in him and could help a team like the Browns.

"Myles Jack will still be just 28 years old for the duration of the 2023 season and has posted a missed tackle rate below 10% in three straight seasons. His 76 defensive stops against the run over that span rank 12th among off-ball linebackers."

In his lone season with the Steelers, Jack started 13 games and had 104 tackles, three passes defended and three tackles for loss. Despite leading the team in tackles, he did not have nearly as much of an impact as fans expected him to and the $8 million leftover on his contract was too much for the front office to justify keeping him for a second year.

He spent the first six seasons of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars and while he never made a Pro Bowl, was highly regarded as one of the most underrated defenders in the entire league. He took a step back while in Pittsburgh and a change of scenery could potentially revive his career. It just so happens the Browns might be a great landing place for him.

Steelers Myles Jack

Former Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker, Myles Jack (#51) participates during 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)


Steelers Former Linebacker Should Find A New Place To Play Soon

If Pittsburgh has no interest in re-signing Jack, another franchise is going to scoop him up. Training camps begin at the end of July and it's likely that he will be in a new uniform as that ramps up. 


Do you think that the Browns could be interested in bringing Jack to town? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation



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