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Steelers: No Depth At OLB After ’16 Season

By Josh Fitzer

Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns tackle Mitchell Schwartz (72) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree (48) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 30-9. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns tackle Mitchell Schwartz (72) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree (48) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 30-9. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The need for another OLB is more evident than ever. The Steelers must find a way to add depth at that position.

Well, color me unaware. I’m the goose who didn’t realize how thin the Steelers are at OLB. The contracts of James Harrison and Jarvis Jones are set to expire in 2017. Harrison is uncertain if he’ll play in 2016, and Jones hasn’t shown much up until this past season – and we’re not sure how Anthony Chickillo will pan out at the position.

The Steelers OLB combined for only 15 sacks last season. Bud Dupree with four, James Harrison with five, Jarvis Jones with two, Arthur Moats with four, and Anthony Chickillo with zero.

I’m sure the Steelers have some sort of “plan” to add some bodies at OLB, whether it be in free-agency or the draft. Now, speaking of free-agency, let’s take a look at who the Steelers could (possibly) add through free-agency. BUT first, I want to say that these players are just my own opinion. I haven’t studied film on these guys. I’m just going to throw a few names out there (in no specific order) based upon the fact that they’re a 3-4 OLB. BUT I’m also not going to add a ton of 34 or 35 year old guys, either.

  1. Nick Perry: Since coming into the league in 2012, Perry has 12.5 sacks, 99 total tackles (65 solo) with the Green Bay Packers. Nick Perry isn’t much a “flashy” guy, but I think he’d be an affordable depth option for the Steelers.
  2. Courtney Upshaw: Yes, the same Courtney Upshaw of the hated Baltimore Ravens. Upshaw has tallied only 5 sacks since the Ravens drafted him in 2012. But he has 183 total tackles (111 solo). It remains to be seen if Upshaw will hit the open market, or even if he’d want to play for the hated Steelers.
  3. Jonathan Newsome: He only spent two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before they released him this off-season. His best season was in 2014 where he posted 6.5 sacks, 28 total tackles (21 solo). I don’t Newsome as a guy that could start for you, I see him more as a guy that could come in and give you some snaps.

Next: Steelers News: Colbert, Weddle, Brown

Besides those three guys, there wasn’t another OLB that really stood out to me. At least not anyone that would be worth the Steelers time.

Only 3 days till free-agency starts.

Only 54 days till the 2016 NFL Draft.

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