5 free agent linebackers Steelers could sign to replace Vince Williams

Steelers could sign Onwuasor

If Davis doesn’t give you a warm and fuzzy feeling, you could get a slightly younger and equally deficient in pass coverage linebacker in Patrick Onwuasor. The former Raven and Jet (barely) finds himself as a free agent despite being a solid run stopper at the age of 29. He was set to take on a more prominent role with the Jets last season, but injuries caused him to only play in one game the entire season.

This should keep him cheap though, which aids in the Steelers trying to sign him. He would likely play on the minimum in hopes of establishing his market value. Despite his struggles in coverage, Onwuasor is a decent athlete that can move well in space and stop the run. He would be a capable body who could start on a two-down basis if need be.

Like Davis, Onwuasor would be limited to a mostly reserve role, although he could rotate in for Spillane on base defense if need be. For a cheap contract though, the Steelers could do far worse. Add in his age and athleticism and he would be the better alternative to Davis here (albeit only marginally). He would provide solid depth and would be a good run-stopping presence for the team if he is brought in.