6 free agent defensive lineman Steelers can sign for depth

Steelers could sign Kawann Short

The most logical free agent name along the defensive line for the Steelers is former Panther Kawann Short. The defensive lineman was at one point an elite presence along the interior of their line but injures have derailed his past two seasons. The Panthers released him in the offseason to free up some cap space, and there he has sat since early in the offseason.

Short would be a more flexible Atkins at this point. He would naturally be a good defensive end for the Steelers but is stout enough that he could play nose tackle if needed. He likely wouldn’t make a permanent shift to the inside as Tyson Alualu did, but he could offer another body there and take some of the pressure off of Buggs. At the bare minimum, he would make the team’s defensive line that much more flexible.

Short would be a great rotational piece along this line. His play as a potential nose tackle is intriguing, to say the least, and his value as an occasional defensive end is obvious. Playing in such a reserved role should allow him to stay healthier as well. Short makes the most sense for a Steelers team looking to bolster their defensive line depth chart.

The Steelers were reportedly looking to cut a trade for a defensive lineman before the deadline, but nothing materialized. That said, there are plenty of quality options in free agency for the team to pursue. Keep these six defensive linemen in mind if the Steelers decide to bolster their depth in free agency instead of via a trade.