Steelers Can Make Late-Season Splash By Adding Super Bowl Champion To The Defense

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team that has gotten some questionable play from its defense so far during the 2025 season. As one of the highest-paid groups in the NFL, the season has certainly been disappointing. Some personnel changes have occurred on that side of the ball for Pittsburgh, and General Manager Omar Khan has also made some additions like signing cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. The signing adds depth, as well as a starting-caliber player, which is something Pittsburgh needs more of throughout the defense.

Pittsburgh's secondary has seen multiple additions with Samuel and safety Kyle Dugger as of late, but now it is time for Khan to consider upgrading the depth up front. Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, and Keeanu Benton have all had great seasons, but the Steelers could use some more capable bodies on the inside. One name that is now available is Khalen Saunders, who was just recently released by the Jacksonville Jaguars. This was first reported by Tom Pelissero.

Saunders is a 29-year old former third-round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft. He was initially selected by the Kansas City Chiefs, which is where he won two Super Bowls. After his rookie contract expired, he signed with the New Orleans Saints in free agency, and he was traded to Jacksonville ahead of the 2025 season. He is now being released to waivers, and since it is after the trade deadline, he will not be considered a vested veteran and can choose where to sign.

Saunders still has some good football left in him, and a playoff contender will likely try to pick him up off of waivers. If the veteran defensive lineman clears waivers, he will become a free agent that can sign anywhere as mentioned. Pittsburgh should absolutely be interested in adding Saunders to the defensive line rotation. His veteran presence would be valued and he should be able to contribute as a rotational piece immediately.

The veteran defensive lineman made headlines with an explosive interception return against his former team during the 2024 season, and he has proven he can be a pretty good player on the inside. During the 2024 season with New Orleans, he started 10 games and played in 13 of them in totality. He recorded two sacks, 43 tackles, and three passes defensed. Those are good numbers, but he hasn't played much in Jacksonville. It is clear the franchise didn't know how to use him after acquiring him, as he has only played in two games so far during the 2025 season.

Steelers Could Lose Khalen Saunders To A More Serious Contender

Pittsburgh should be considered a potential playoff team at this point in the 2025 season, but it is clear the group has a lot more work to do if it wants to have any chance of winning the Super Bowl. A team like the Baltimore Ravens need some serious help on the defensive line, and they would have first priority over the Steelers on waivers since they are below Pittsburgh in the standings. A move like that would make sense for both sides as the Ravens have shown they need some help on the defensive side of the ball, and Saunders is a proven winner that has played on the NFL's biggest stage multiple times.

What do you think about the Steelers possibly pursuing Saunders on the waiver wire? Let us know in the comments below!

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