4 veteran OLBs the Steelers need to sign to replace Dupree

Brooks Reed

While the smallest name on this list, he makes the most sense for the Steelers. Brooks Reed has never been an elite edge rusher, but he is a multifaceted player and one that could be called upon in an instant if the team needed him. Reed has never had more than six sacks in a season, but the Steelers wouldn’t be expecting him to start anyway. The value he brings is veteran depth and the ability to play on special teams.

Despite being an established veteran at 32 last year, Reed still played 26 percent of their special team’s snaps. That makes him valuable, as the Steelers can still get use out of him outside of being pure depth at the outside linebacker spot. Throw in his solid play against the run, and you suddenly have a decent all-around option for this team.

The only drawback on Reed is his contract status, as he is currently on the Titans practice squad. This would mean that the Steelers would have to sign him to the active roster as opposed to having the luxury of adding him to the practice squad first. That said, considering he could get a helmet and play instantly for the Steelers, that issue isn’t a big deal. Reed makes a lot of sense here as he can play from day one on special teams and would provide good veteran depth.