4 positions the Steelers have to upgrade in the new year

Steelers must improve at Off-Ball Linebacker

There was a lot of hope that the Steelers were going to get some improved play out of their off-ball linebackers this season. Devin Bush looked like he was developing before a season-ending injury a year ago, and he was back and healthy for the 2021 season. The team made a late trade for veteran Joe Schobert as well, giving the Steelers a talented tandem at linebacker to work with this season.

Unfortunately, the results haven’t been great. The run defense has fallen off this season in a major way and has become a liability for the team. Schobert has been fine as a defender, but he hasn’t been as advertised so far and there is a chance he gets cut next offseason. As for Bush, his play has been horrible, and he is now in a rotation with Robert Spillane. There is a chance he doesn’t even make the roster next season let alone start in 2022.

The problem is, the Steelers have limited draft capital heading into the next offseason and will likely not be able to draft a linebacker until day three. What would make more sense is for a budget-free agent to come in and contend for one of the starting spots. No matter how they do it, the off-ball linebackers have to get better in 2022.