The Pittsburgh Steelers had more cap space than normal this off-season and former general manager Kevin Colbert made the most of the extra spending cash. The front office helped improve virtually every weakness the team had in 2021. They didn't necessarily fill them all with big name players and the top free agents at each position, but they did fill them all with solid NFL starters that can all make a big impact and help the team in many ways.
The offensive line was completely revamped this off-season with multiple free agent signings at multiple positions across the line. James Daniels and Mason Cole are the most notable additions. Both have experience starting in the NFL at multiple positions and can both play center, which was a position the Steelers struggled mightily at in 2021. But I don't believe that either Daniels or Cole will be the new addition that makes the biggest impact on the 2022 Steelers when it comes to the new additions this off-season. I believe the new player that will have the biggest impact in 2022 is inside linebacker, Myles Jack.
Steelers LB Myles Jack participates in OTA's. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
How Will Myles Jack Help The Steelers?
Jack, spent his first six seasons in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars and was second on the team in tackles in both 2018 and 2020. 2018 was Jack's best season statistically. He ended the season with 107 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. Jack missed the Pro Bowl in 2018, but you definitely could make the case that he should have been selected. However in 2021, Jack did take a step back statically speaking. He did still record 108 combined tackles and 3 tackles for loss. Although the statistical decline is somewhat concerning, you have to imagine all the drama, unwanted attention, and complete dumpster fire of a season the Jaguars had with first year and now former head coach Urban Meyer, had to of affected Jack and the Jaguars defense as a whole.
The Steelers inked Jack this off-season to a two-year contract up to $16 million. I believe this is a win-win for both parties involved. Jack will be looking for a bounce back season after his decline last year, and the Steelers are in desperate need of help at the middle linebacker position.
The Steelers signed former Jaguars linebacker Joe Schobert last off-season, but ended up cutting him this off-season after a disappointing 2021 and to free up cap space. Jack however, can be the answer they need. The team also hired former Miami Dolphins head coach, Brian Flores to be the senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach which was a tremendous hire by the Steelers and is going to be crucial at getting Jack back on track.
I believe there will be no question that Jack's presence will be felt on the defense for the Steelers. But one area where Jack can be of value is in helping Steelers young linebacker Devin Bush get back to his rookie season ways. Bush was third in voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and well on his way to being one of the top young linebackers in the NFL until an ACL injury stunted his growth in the Steelers' Week 6 matchup with the Cleveland Browns in 2020. Bush has not been the the same since. In the last two seasons, he has only recorded 2 sacks and 2 tackles for loss. Bush also struggled in the passing game and man coverage was an issue throughout the entire season in 2021.
Bringing in Jack to play alongside Bush and the coaching of Flores might be exactly what the Steelers need in order to get Bush back on track too. Jack and Bush both have similar playing styles and both have the ability to plug up holes in the run defense. It will be interesting to see how these two both work together.
Steelers LB Devin Bush looks to have a bounce back season in 2022 and playing next to Myles Jack may just be the answer the Steelers need. (Photo credit via Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Do you think Myles Jack can be the answer the Steelers are looking for at inside linebacker? Will he be the biggest addition so far for the Steelers this off-season? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below!
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