5 best players Steelers could land before the trade deadline
By Tommy Jaggi
5. Kevin Pierre-Louis
Linebacker, Washington Football Team
Kevin Pierre-Louis is a player that hardly anyone talks about. Though he is now in his 7th season in the league on his fifth different team, he has just now become a full-time starter. Though he may not be a household name, Pierre-Louis has been very good this year, despite being on one of the worst teams in football.
The inside linebacker has 42 tackles and 2 pass defenses in the first 7 games of the season, and he has been one of the few solid pieces Washington has had this season. According to Pro Football Reference, Pierre-Louis is the 13th ranked linebacker in the league right now with an overall grade of 71.4 on the season.
What’s most intriguing about the veteran linebacker is his ability in coverage. Though his advanced statistics say that he is responsible for 174 yards and 5 touchdowns this season, PFF would disagree, as he has earned an 83.4 coverage grade this season – 6th best among all NFL linebackers.
Pierre-Louis would not be an every-down player for the Steelers; rather a sub-package linebacker who could come in on passing downs much like Mark Barron did for Pittsburgh last year. With 4.51 speed and an impressive ability to turn and move in space, Kevin Pierre-Louis is a risk-free trade option who could help the Steelers right away.