The Pittsburgh Steelers had one more option to replace Ryan Shazier at inside linebacker, but it appears that door has closed between the two sides.
Mychal Kendricks hit the free agent market late this offseason, hoping to find a new NFL home before training camp. The inside linebacker appeared to be the best fit for Pittsburgh, who is looking to replace, or at least bridge the gap, after losing Ryan Shazier for the time being.
According to Jordan Shcultz, Kendricks is visiting with the Raiders, Vikings and Browns this week, and is expected to choose between the three. Unless a dark horse arises in the mean time, it appears the inside linebacker’s choices are already narrowed to his final options.
Kendricks would’ve been the perfect fit for Pittsburgh. A versatile guy with as much strength as any inside backer, but athleticism to play the pass. Jon Bostic remains a solid offseason signing at the position, but Kendricks certainly has more to offer at the position.
This may not be about Bostic, though. As we’ve seen in OTA’s thus far, Pittsburgh is handing Tyler Matakevich the starting job. This isn’t set in stone, but as of right now, it’s the former Temple star’s job to lose, while Bostic learns the defense and tries to show he’s worth the starting gig.
It’ll be an interesting summer to watch as inside linebacker. Even without Kendricks, this position should be better than they were as the end of last season. Losing Shazier put a major void in the rotation for the final few weeks, but after an offseason to figure it out, they should be back to their dominating ways.
Next: 3 big names who could be cut this summer
Even if the Steelers aren’t getting another big name signing this summer, there’s still plenty to be excited about. As everyone tries to earn their place on this team, the rest of this offseason should be one for the books.