Steelers free agent wish list after David DeCastro’s release

Steelers sign John Simon

Projected contract: 1-year, veteran minimum

When potential edge rushers come to mind for the Steelers, names like Melvin Ingram and Justin Houston are the first to be named. They have the most name value and potential to start, thus making them popular options. With Alex Highsmith now the new starter, any free agent brought in will have to be willing to back him up. Given the price that both Ingram and Houston would want, I doubt either would be willing to take less money to be a backup.

This is why John Simon makes so much sense at this juncture. While he could start in a pinch, he is well versed in being a rotational player. He was valuable in that role with the Patriots, playing in 43 games and racking up eight sacks over the past three seasons there. As well, he can play special teams still (he played 38 percent of the Patriots special teams snaps last year), giving him value in a different phase that neither Houston nor Ingram would offer.

While adding a bigger name would lead to a better situational pass rusher, I find it hard that either would sign a smaller deal to be a reserve behind Highsmith. Instead, a player like Simon comes in and essentially upgrades over Cassius Marsh. Both Simon and Quincy Roche can serve as the backups until Roche is ready to become the top reserve at the position. When that happens, Simon would be more depth and still play on special teams. He is a little older yes, but no older than any of the aforementioned players. Simon wouldn’t be a superstar, but he would be a steady veteran presence in a relatively weak depth position.