5 free agents Steelers must sign to fix pathetic run defense
By Andrew Falce
Steelers could sign Billings
The Steelers nose tackle room appeared to be set at the start of the season. Tyson Alualu had a career revival playing there last year while Carlos Davis had looked solid as a backup there during his rookie year. Third-year lineman Isaiah Buggs was set to be the third option there and play defensive end in the meantime. Fast forward to now and the only healthy option remaining is Buggs.
To be fair, Buggs hasn’t been horrible as the nose tackle, but the run defense has clearly dipped since he started. Adding someone to push him would be a benefit right now, as it can get the best play out of him and add another body to sub in and play. The Browns just released, Andrew Billings and the team and player should link up. The Steelers had a lot of pre-draft interest in Billings, so adding him to the roster would make sense.
His play wasn’t anything exceptional this year, but that isn’t the type of player he is. Similarly, to the other nose tackle options on this list, Billings excels at taking up space and opening holes for other players to make a play. He isn’t going to rack up tackles and sacks, but he will allow other linemen and linebackers to have more space to make plays. The Steelers need a player like that right now, and Billings makes the most sense.
light. Must Read. 5 Steelers that must see more playing time for rest of 2021
The Steelers’ run defense was gashed by the Lions, and something will have to change there in the coming weeks. The team could add a free agent linebacker or nose tackle, but no matter what spot it is, that player has to be dedicated to stopping the run. The Lions exposed this defense, and the team has to counter that by adding some fresh faces.