The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking for any type of player to help them out in free agency on both sides of the ball, whether it's a starter or a depth piece. The 2023 team proved that you can never have too much depth, as they were forced to have a defense full of practice squad guys and formerly retired players due to injuries towards the end of the season. While big moves are still expected to help raise the ceiling, these little depth signings can help raise the floor and make life easier on the stars of the team.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' new linebacker coach Scott McCurley during his time with the Dallas Cowboys.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero announced on Monday the Steelers' latest signing to add to the depth chart under new linebackers coach Scott McCurley.
"Linebacker Malik Harrison to the #Steelers on a two-year, $10 million deal, per me and @MikeGarafolo. Deal negotiated by Milk and Honey Sports," posted Pelissero.
Malik Harrison spent the first five years of his career with the Baltimore Ravens. He started as an edge rusher, but seemed to play more inside during the past two seasons. The Steelers have loaded up at that position over the previous two seasons, and it doesn't seem like the grind stops here yet.
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Malik Harrison stands on the sideline during a home game for his former team, the Baltimore Ravens.
Harrison has played a vast majority of his snaps on specials teams, with a career high 81% snap count in that phase in 2024. He also played the most on defense that same year, but for just 38%. Either way, the Steelers get a versatile player that can also make plays on special teams, which is something that they have always been enamored with.
Mike DeFabo also notes that Harrison primarily plays in run situations, as 300 of his 372 snaps were on first or second down. With Elandon Roberts slated to hit free agency, the new linebacker could be expected to take over in his spot while Payton Wilson checks in for passing situations, as DeFabo also said.
Steelers Keep Going To The Ravens' Well
In the 2024 offseason, the Steelers brought in three separate players who previously played for the Ravens. First was Jeremiah Moon, who was claimed off waivers to be another depth piece at edge rusher. After a rough year, the Steelers have yet to re-sign their exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) yet.
Early on in free agency that year, the Steelers signed Patrick Queen to not only be their starting linebacker, but to be the quarterback of the defense. However, the year was marred by inconsistent play and miscommunications, to which he gets a portion of the blame for. It's definitely hard to lead an entire defense in your first year with the team, so hopefully Queen will get better in that regard.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' DeShon Elliott and Patrick Queen making a tackle during playoff game in Baltimore in 2024.
Later on in the 2024 offseason, the Steelers signed DeShon Elliott, who was a few years removed from playing with the Ravens. He quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his tackling ability. He has been a great addition to the Steelers, and if he keeps it up, the Steelers could be forced to give him an extension to help take care of the back end.
What do you think about the Steelers signing Harrison for depth? Do you think he'll play inside or outside? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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