While the Steelers are fielding a relatively complete roster, these four former stars would be great fits for the team heading into the 2021 season.
The Steelers made some shocking news a few weeks ago when it was reported that they were in on Ryan Kerrigan before he signed with the Eagles. Making such a move would be surprising considering the team’s track record with veteran signings, but in a year where the team wants to win now, adding a former top star makes sense especially if it is in a position of need.
What is classified as a former star to the Steelers?
A former star is a player that at one point was considered a top player at their position. Age, injuries, or both can turn this former star into a free agent that is looking for a home this late into an offseason. They may not be full-time starters at this point in their career, but they can serve as valuable rotational players and great depth overall. With all of that said, here are four former stars that the Steelers should sign before training camp.
Olivier Vernon
One of the more unheralded Browns of the past few seasons was edge rusher, Olivier Vernon. In his two seasons with the Browns, Vernon compiled 12.5 sacks, and more importantly, he registered 9 sacks last season when he was his most healthy (he only played in ten games in 2019). He is a great pass rusher and would be a huge upgrade as the top backup edge rusher.
The biggest issue with Vernon is that he has mostly played in a 4-3 as a defensive end as opposed to a 3-4 outside linebacker. His only registered season as a 3-4 outside linebacker came in 2018 with the Giants where he got seven sacks. That said, the Steelers have blurred the lines between defensive schemes, so Vernon could be a valuable asset as a hybrid edge type. As well, he would only be a rotational player on the defense. Vernon is a great veteran presence that would better the overall depth at edge rusher.
Richard Sherman
At one point in time, and for a period of about six years, Richard Sherman was the best zone cover corner in the league. He was a natural ball hawk and a versatile chess piece with the Seahawks. His play faltered slightly as he got older, but he was still a great option even after he signed with the 49ers. Now, he is a name that would make a lot of sense for the team to target.
Now, at 33 years old Sherman would be better suited for a rotational/reserve role as opposed to a natural starter. Luckily for him and the Steelers, Cameron Sutton can serve as the traditional outside cornerback in base defense. When the team requires a slot cornerback, he can move inside and play Sherman on the outside. Even if the team was all in on James Pierre (a player I am personally fond of), adding stiff competition for him makes sense given his unproven status.
The biggest problem with Sherman is his more natural zone tendency. He is a better fit in a zone-heavy scheme, but the Steelers have naturally shifted to a man coverage team. That said, Sherman is still a good player, and he has proven to be an adequate man cover corner during his stint in the league. Given the team’s need at corner, kicking the tires on Sherman would be a wise investment.
Justin Houston
One of the hottest names attached to the Steelers may be Justin Houston. This makes so much sense given his high level of production and the team’s need at edge rusher depth. Given the team’s reported interest in Kerrigan, a familiar style of player at a similar age, signing Houston would be a logical step. Despite his past two years with the Colts being played in his thirties, he registered 19 total sacks in that span.
As opposed to Vernon, who has been more of a defensive end during his time in the league, Houston has played predominantly in a 3-4 scheme. This should mean a more natural transition to the Steelers scheme as he is comfortable playing as a linebacker. As well, he has started to take on more of a rotational role, as he has only registered 60-65 percent of the defensive snaps for the Colts over the past two years.
One of the most interesting ways Houston would fit is that he plays at a larger size. At 6’3, 270 lbs., Houston has about 20-30 pounds on either of the Steelers starting edge rushers. That type of size allows him to play with a little more power and physicality as well as hold up better along the edge in run defense. Assuming he would be willing to take on more of a pass-rushing specialist and rotational role, he would be a great addition to this depth chart.
Malik Hooker
Besides Malik Hooker, every option on this list is a well-established veteran who are past their primes. Hooker presents an entirely different case, as he is just coming off of his rookie deal after being a highly-touted prospect coming out of Ohio St. When on the field, Hooker has been a great asset and a prototypical ball-hawking safety. His issue is his health, as he has only been able to play in 36 out of 64 total games since getting drafted.
When healthy, he has been an asset in the secondary though. He has seven career interceptions at this point despite not playing in every game a solid option in coverage. Only playing in two games last season has really tanked his value though and is the primary reason is still a free agent.
What he would provide is a versatile chess piece for the Steelers secondary. The team could try him as a slot option (it would be a true test though as he hasn’t seen any predominant snaps in the slot) as well as serving as the third safety. As well, Hooker would be a great third safety that the team could use in a limited package. While the team drafted Tre Norwood, banking on him being the backup-free safety would be a risk. Hooker would provide versatility and great depth if the team signed him.
The Steelers still have a few needs on the roster heading into camp. Adding former stars like the names above gives this team the best chance to win now. Each would fill a role during the season and would be an upgrade over what the team currently has.