4 free agent edge defenders Steelers could sign to replace Melvin Ingram
By Tommy Jaggi
Steelers should pursue Ezekiel Ansah
Though he got a late start to his NFL career (24 years old in his rookie season), Ezekiel Ansah was impressive from the gate — earning 30.0 sacks in his first three seasons for the Lions. From there, Ansah’s career has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride.
The big pass rusher earned 12.0 sacks in 14 games in 2017 and was on pace for another nice season in 2018 before an injury cost him the final 9 games of the year. Ansah underwhelmed for Seattle and San Francisco in limited action in each of the past two years, but he’s finally healthy and ready to get to work.
The Steelers could use a big, physical edge defender who could help wear offensive tackles down. Ansah also offers the ability to rush from the interior in obvious passing situations.
It’s been a few years since Ansah has been a really good player, but he could have something left to offer and Pittsburgh could be the place to revive his fallen career.
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At the end of the day, I’m not sure if the Steelers will be able to get by with just Taco Charlton and Derrek Tuszka as their backup edge defenders to T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. These four players might be past their prime, but they could be better alternatives to what they currently have.