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5 things the Pittsburgh Steelers are asking Santa for Christmas this year

By Ryan Pawloski

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 23: A fan dressed up as Santa Claus waves his Terrible Towel during the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on December 23, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 23: A fan dressed up as Santa Claus waves his Terrible Towel during the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on December 23, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /
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Devin Bush #55 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes ahead. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Getting a game-changing middle linebacker

The middle linebacker position has never had a dynamic player since Ryan Shazier got a career-ending injury. The Steelers desperately tried getting one when they traded up to select Devin Bush in the first round a couple of years ago. He seemed to be having a promising young career before he had a season-ending knee injury in 2020.

His once-promising career is starting to spiral downward as 2021 has not been kind to his progression. Maybe he did rush back from injury far too quickly and that might affect him this year and potentially beyond. No matter if Bush is the answer or not, this team needs to find someone to be his partner in the middle of this defense that can change games.

This upcoming season will be huge for Bush as he will probably be playing for a second contract. Pittsburgh will likely pass on his fifth-year option and see how he plays in his final contract year. The judgment of cutting ties or extending him will be made after that. Like it or not, this could be a position the team is going to roll with Bush as the main guy with Joe Schobert sticking around for another season.

If the team decides to look in another direction then there are some names to watch for. The draft would be the main target as the black and gold like to focus on this position in the event. Some names in the draft that would be interesting are Damone Clark, Brandon Smith, and Devin Lloyd.

When it comes to free agency time, maybe there will be a need for this position. If the team decides to cut bait with Schobert, then a starter might be a focus of free agency as well. Names like Jarrad Davis, Anthony Walker Jr., and L.J. Fort would be some interesting options.

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