Pittsburgh Steelers: An undrafted rookie now competes for the starting linebacker job

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Matt Galambos to their 90-man roster after impressing during his rookie tryout.

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For the first time since James Harrison, LaMar Woodley and Lawrence Timmons, the Pittsburgh Steelers have almost a complete linebacking core. With the rise of Ryan Shazier, the surprisingly consistent play of James Harrison, the continued development of Bud Dupree, and the draft selection of T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh could finally have a dominant linebacker unit once again.

The only remaining question in their starting four is who will play inside linebacker. With the departure of Lawrence Timmons, Vince Williams and L.T. Fort seem to be the two competing for the open job.

The Steelers may not be sold on either of them filling the void, though. On Monday, Pittsburgh signed former Pitt linebacker, Matt Galambos, after impressing during his tryout at rookie minicamp.

The signing hasn’t officially been made public by the team, but it’s hard to believe Galambos’ sports management group would post on social media without a signed contract.

During Galambos’ four years at Pitt, he tallied 282 tackles including 20 for loss and 5.5 sacks. As an inside linebacker, he also totaled three interceptions, four fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles.

Now, Galambos still has a long way to go before even making the active roster. He may be on the 90-man team, but he still needs to beat out 37 other players just to suit up on Sundays.

Galambos now enters one of the most open job battles in Pittsburgh. As well as Williams has contributed over the last five years, he may not be the guy ready for the job. For someone coming off the bench, he’s actually been a key factor for this defense as a reserve. But it’s hard to say whether or not he’s someone who can find the success a starting linebacker needs to have.

Galambos has a lot to prove before he’s handed anything, but if he can show he’s worthy of competing for the position, Pittsburgh is going to give him a chance. They by no means have a guaranteed starter, meaning everyone who plays the position has an opportunity to earn the job.

There are still plenty of signings and cuts coming from Pittsburgh this offseason, meaning Galambos may not be the only inside linebacker to get signed. Right now, though, it’s safe to assume the Steelers liked what they saw. If the local guy can continue impressing, he’ll be put in the discussion for the starting role.

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There’s still a lot of offseason left, but as of today, Galambos is an undrafted rookie who has a great shot to make a name for himself in Pittsburgh.