4 free agent OLB’s Steelers should sign to replace T.J. Watt

With the Steelers losing a major piece to their pass rush, here are four free-agent edge defenders the team could sign to help their defense.

T.J. Watt didn’t suffer a season-ending injury this week against the Lions, and while that is something to be thankful for, he is expected to miss some time as a result. While Taco Charlton will step up as the starter potentially, the Steelers need another capable body to spell their edge position.

Here are four free-agent edge defenders the Steelers should sign to ease the loss of Watt.

Steelers should sign Simon

John Simon is one of the most underrated and efficient defenders on the free-agent market. While never an absolute force as a defensive player, he can make plays as both a pass rusher and a run stopper. Add in the fact that he doesn’t mind playing special teams (a role he has excelled at since coming to the league) and you have a really valuable veteran presence for any team, the Steelers included.

He has only played in one game so far this season for the Titans, and he was released in order to bring some running backs up after they lost Derrick Henry. Simon could be added to the practice squad today if the Steelers wanted to. That way, he doesn’t take up a roster spot while learning the playbook and can slowly be eased into whatever role he takes on. He would be great depth on defense and can still play on special teams. It makes a lot of sense for the team to target the veteran edge rusher.