4 free agent edge defenders Steelers could sign to replace Melvin Ingram

Steelers should pursue Aldon Smith

Aldon Smith has had his share of off-field issues in the past, but his record has been relatively clean as of late, and at some point, the talent outweighs the risk. Considering the Steelers are trying to make a final run at a Super Bowl with Ben Roethlisberger, this could be the right time to bring in a player like this.

Smith had one of the best starts to his NFL career that we have ever seen for a defensive player — earning a remarkable 33.5 sacks and 31 tackles for a loss in his first two NFL seasons. Unfortunately, suspensions caused him to miss nearly half of his professional career so far.

Aldon Smith returned from his absence with an excellent season for the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. He was later signed by the Seahawks as an unrestricted free agent before being let go due to second-degree battery allegations against him.

Smith isn’t suspended, however, and he’s available in free agency for a team willing to take a chance on him. I know the Steelers don’t usually deal with troubled players like this, but Aldon Smith is still a remarkable talent who could really help keep Watt and Highsmith fresh this season after trading Melvin Ingram.