4 free agent defensive tackles the Steelers should call right away
By Tommy Jaggi
Timmy Jernigan
At 6’2” and just a hair under 300 pounds, Timmy Jernigan isn’t a giant in the middle of a defense. However, Tyson Alualu’s size metrics aren’t much different (6’3” and 304 pounds). Despite an overall lack of bulk for a defensive tackle, Jernigan would be an upgrade over Isaiah Buggs and would be a decent depth option in a pinch when Alualu returns from injury.
Jernigan was a former 2nd round draft choice by the Baltimore Ravens back in 2014, and he was drafted just two picks after the Steelers selected Stephon Tuitt. To begin his NFL career, Jernigan was a very solid player – tallying 13.0 sacks in his first 24 starts.
Unfortunately, he is now four years removed from his best NFL season, and he hasn’t been a full-time starter since 2017 (though he did start 9 of 10 games for the Eagles last year). This season, Jernigan has been a journeyman and has been released from both Denver and Jacksonville. But there is still some use for him yet.
Jernigan turned just 28 years old earlier this season, and he’s a solid athlete for his position. The former 2nd-rounder could give the Steelers a boost along their defensive line and his versatility would allow him to back up multiple positions on Pittsburgh’s defensive front.