Steelers' Malik Harrison Mocked By Division Rival For Free Agency Move

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some quality moves so far during the 2025 offseason. The biggest being the acquisition of star wide receiver DK Metcalf, but Pittsburgh has addressed many needs to help fill out the roster. Darius Slay was an important signing at cornerback, and Malik Harrison provides a good amount of versatility at the linebacker position as he will take the place of Elandon Roberts. The organization still needs to find a starting quarterback, but the roster looks a lot better than it did at the end of the 2024 season in certain areas.

Pittsburgh brought in Harrison and he signed a two-year deal worth $10 million. Harrison is the kind of player that represents exactly what the Steelers are looking for. He is versatile defender and can play multiple positions on defense, is willing to play special teams, and is a hard-hitting defender that isn't afraid to put his body on the line.

Harrison is the second linebacker the Steelers have swiped from the Baltimore Ravens in the last year or so, with Patrick Queen being the first during 2024 free agency. Queen had some back and forth exchanges with his former teammates on social media, with the culprit on the other side usually being Marlon Humphrey. Humphrey got up to his old tricks on Friday, as he poked fun at Harrison on X.

Humphrey has been outspoken when his former teammates have left Baltimore to join division rivals. Queen didn't even get an offer to return to the Ravens after his All-Pro season in 2023, yet Humphrey still pretended to be mad at him. The same happened with former Ravens safety Geno Stone, who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024. It is hard to tell whether or not Harrison was wanted back by the Ravens, but now he gets the pleasure of exacting revenge at least twice a year.

Humphrey is constantly joking with his former teammates. Although he probably is a little angry with them for joining Pittsburgh, that anger likely subsides quickly. He is one of the funnier players in the league and knows not to take himself too serious, which is exactly what he was doing in calling out Harrison.

Harrison should play an important role for Pittsburgh during the 2025 season. He has experience playing both inside linebacker and outside linebacker, and he is also known to contribute on special teams. He will more than likely play mostly on the inside, but he can also be considered a depth option being the Steelers star-studded edge rushers.

The veteran linebacker hasn't made a ton of splash plays in his NFL career, but he is a violent player with a nose for the football. He recorded two sacks and 54 total tackles during the 2024 season while playing less than 38 percent of Baltimore's defensive snaps.

Steelers' Harrison Seems To Have A Perfect Fit In Pittsburgh

Very rarely does a new, depth player come into an organization and seem to have a perfect fit. However, since the Steelers lost Roberts in free agency and special teamer Tyler Matakevich remains unsigned, it is fair to assume Harrison will fit right into their roles. Matakevich was an asset on special teams but never played defense, which means Pittsburgh is now filling two spots with one player. The signing saves a bit of money and a roster spot.

Aside from special teams, Harrison will likely be on the field in obvious run situations. Roberts and Payton Wilson switched on and off in that regard. Wilson is the better coverage linebacker, so he would be on the field if there was a high probability that the offense would attempt to throw the ball. Roberts would plug up the holes at the line of scrimmage. That will be Harrison's job in 2025, although he did a good job doing it in 2024.

What do you think of Humphrey's post? Let us know in the comments below!

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