Steelers Are Now Having A Reunion After Stealing Linebacker From Panthers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are definitely feeling the effects of the long season now in the middle of December. There are injury concerns all over the place, and that got extended when star edge rusher TJ Watt suffered a collapsed lung and had to have it surgically repaired. There are three games left in the regular season, and none of them are easy. They will have to play their best ball despite all of these players dropping like flies, or else they could lose their control of the AFC North and a chance at the postseason. 

To help fill the void at edge rusher, the Steelers will reportedly bring back an old friend. Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported that they are going to sign linebacker Jeremiah Moon off of the Carolina Panthers' practice squad. This roster spot was made available after Pittsburgh waived return man Ke'Shawn Williams. 

Moon spent the 2024 season and 2025 offseason program in Pittsburgh after he was claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens. During that time, he was primarily a special teamer, although he did have a start for the Steelers. He played in 13 total games in that season, but his fate was sealed when Jack Sawyer was selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Now, he is back with a chance to contribute. 

Moon has only appeared in one game since being signed to the Panthers' practice squad, and he exclusively played in special teams in that contest. His ability in that phase is likely why the Steelers brought him back; all of these injuries are forcing normal special teamers into starting roles, so someone has to fill that role. Bringing in the former Raven and Steeler will help fill two key spots for Pittsburgh.

With all these injuries, Sawyer and Alex Highsmith are the only truly healthy edge rushers currently available to the Steelers. The edge rusher room may be the best in the NFL, but losing two key players would be a problem for any team, especially when Watt is out. Moon will likely see his first defensive snaps of the season in Week 16 to make sure those two can catch a breather when needed.

Steelers Have Big Challenge Up Ahead

The Steelers will need all the help they can get against a top-tier Detroit Lions offense, especially with how electric and dominant their run game is. Stopping the two-headed monster at running back is a challenge that few teams have been able to manage at all. Sawyer and Highsmith may be quality run-stoppers, but they likely won't be able to do it for every single snap. 

What do you think about the Steelers bringing back Moon to fill in on special teams and for edge rusher depth? How well do you think he will do? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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