4 discount edge defenders Steelers should sign before training camp

Ryan Kerrigan

It wasn’t that long ago that Ryan Kerrigan’s value was through the roof. He was one of the highest-paid edge defenders in the league as well as one of the most consistent defenders in the NFL. From 2014 to 2018, Kerrigan averaged 12.0 sacks per season and graded out among the best edge defenders in the league.

However, these past two years have not been kind to him. In 2019, Kerrigan suffered through injuries that shortened his season, and last year he understandably fell out of favor thanks to the impressive play of Chase Young and Montez Sweat.

There have been talks that Washington could look to bring Kerrigan back this year, but the Steelers should make a move first. Because he has now had two straight down years and has managed just 5.5 sacks per year during this span, Pittsburgh may be able to get him for a favorable deal. After all, Kerrigan is going to be 33 years old before the start of the season. He could revamp his once stellar career in Pittsburgh as a dominant pass rusher in the defensive rotation for Watt and Highsmith.