2015 Steelers Free Agency Tracker: Brandon Graham
The Steelers are letting Jason Worilds test the free agency market. And, with that, they may lose him to a suitor willing to shell out the over $7 million per year that Worilds will want.
That leaves Jarvis Jones as the only signed OLB on the team.
Arthur Moats should get a contract offer from the front office. Will it happen before March 10th? The time is quickly passing, and home base over there on the South Side is staying mum for now.
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Even if Moats is locked in to re-join the Steelers for another year (or longer), could the Steelers continue to shop for added depth at that position. A starter, even?
Let’s turn our eyes to the Eagles soon-to-be free agent Brandon Graham.
Who? I wouldn’t blame you if you honestly asked that question. Graham by all accounts would be considered a ‘bust’ since he has very little to show after being the Eagles’ 2010 first round draft pick.
To be fair, sideline inducing ACL tears and poor coaching will do that to players over a five year span. There are exciting parts to Graham’s skill set however, that makes him an attractive prospect for new defensive coordinator Keith Butler‘s defense.
Graham is a pass rusher to the very core. What he lacks in his small stature, he makes up for with pure upper body strength and powerful legs.
Nov 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham (55) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
You need to think of this guy as another James Harrison. Harrison is comparatively small in size to other OLB’s – 6’0″ and 275 lbs. But, he’s incredibly strong. (I don’t think I really need to pull up any of his workout vines from the last two offseasons.) His small frame yet powerful legs allow him to take lower angles against pass protectors – a distinct advantage.
Graham is built similarly. He comes in at 6’2″ and 265 lbs. His upper body is strong, and his legs allow him to quickly accelerate to the quarterback once he gets by his defender.
There is a lot of potential for Graham under the right circumstances. He would be a risk, but should come at an affordable price. I think Butler and OLB coach Joey Porter could really work this guy into the system. They could try him on the left side – he played both at Michigan.
If anything, he would be that support and added depth on the right side should the young Jarvis Jones become injured or struggle. James Harrison may not return to this team, and by rights he shouldn’t at his age.
Should the Steelers decide that they no longer could use Harrison’s services, Graham would be a nice addition as an almost spitting image of a young James Harrison…. and that turned out pretty well once Harrison hit his stride.