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The free agent the Pittsburgh Steelers have been waiting for has hit the open market

By Noah Strackbein

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 02: Mychal Kendricks #95 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during Super Bowl LII practice on February 2, 2018 at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII on February 4th. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 02: Mychal Kendricks #95 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during Super Bowl LII practice on February 2, 2018 at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII on February 4th. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers searched high and low this summer to find the answer at replacing Ryan Shazier. But only this week has the only player who’s been able to do so hit the free agent market.

After reportedly being released by the Philadelphia Eagles, Mychal Kendricks hits the free agent market as the perfect fit for a team trying to come up with an answer at inside linebacker – the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This team has tried everything this offseason to replace Ryan Shazier. Jon Bostic was a cheap signing to cover the run stopping portion of the position, but overall, isn’t an every down player. Terrell Edmunds and Marcus Allen are coverting from safety to both defensive back and inside linebacker to try and cover the remaining void.

There’s an easier way, though. For the first time all offseason, the perfect fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers has become available. Yes, there were big name stars at the position ready to be signed, but none that fit the style of play this team needed to replace.

Kendricks is a do-it-all inside linebacker, who can protect in coverage and find the running back at the line of scrimmage. Racking up 73 tackles and six pass deflections in 2017.

Pittsburgh has some money to work with. They may have to find a few more dollars if they’re also trying to bring back Arthur Moats and Eli Rogers. Finding the funds shouldn’t be a problem, though, as they’ve proven the last two years they can find money when they need it.

This would hurt Jon Bostic’s role with the team, but Tyler Matakevich isn’t a favorite for a primary backup. Bostic may not want to be the No. 2, but if he needs to be, he’d be a great run stuffing role player behind Kendricks and Vince Williams.

Next: 3 UDFA who will make the 53-man roster

It would take some adjusting, but would be worth it. Kendricks is the answer. As long as Pittsburgh can come up with the money and still bring back their remaining free agents, this would be a match made in heaven.

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