5 free agents the Steelers should pursue in the coming weeks

Steelers could use help from DE Trent Murphy

The Steelers had the right idea when they brought in three-time Pro Bowler Melvin Ingram. The rotation of T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Melvin Ingram was thought to be unstoppable and provide each player with enough rest during a game and not have the production from that position dip down. Now that Ingram is traded, the law firm of Watt & Highsmith will be backed up by others, but this is where Trent Murphy would come in.

Although he doesn’t have any Pro Bowls or accomplishments like that, Murphy would be a solid pickup because he can get to the quarterback and force the incompletion. He had high QB pressures in 2018 and 2019 and in 2016 he had 25 QB hits with 9 sacks, both career-highs. Murphy isn’t good in pass coverage but he doesn’t have much of a history in that area, so I assume the Steelers wouldn’t have him do anything like that.

Murphy would take over what Ingram was supposed to do but just with different talents. Trent Murphy is a great tackler and doesn’t miss often. The veteran would be productive in stopping the run and can also add depth to the defensive line because he played defensive end for most of his career, with time spent at OLB. I do believe in Taco Charlton and I think he will be good for Pittsburgh, but bringing in a cheap veteran who doesn’t have a lot of tread on his tires would be good for depth and production.