The Steelers have seen some serious regression from their off-ball linebacker, and here are six 2022 free agents the Steelers can sign to replace Bush.
There were high hopes that the Steelers would see Devin Bush return to form, as he was developing well before a season-ending injury in 2020. That hasn’t been the case though, as Bush has been one of the worst starters on the defense.
The team will have to look to add a body or two there to compete and potentially replace Bush. Here are six free agents the Steelers could sign in 2022 to replace Bush.
Steelers should sign Bentley
An old-school, throwback linebacker that is currently playing on one of the best defenses in the league. Look no farther than Patriot’s linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley. The former fifth-round draft pick has steadily increased his role with the Patriots before taking on a starting role last season. He played well, taking on the play-calling role for the defense and having a solid season. His success has continued into the 2021 season.
Bentley does have some flaws as a defender. He isn’t the best in coverage, although he has made some strides there this season. Instead, Bentley would be best served as a run-stopping linebacker for a team. He is good at filling gaps and taking on blockers. While he likely wouldn’t be an every-down linebacker, he would still be an upgrade over what the team has. His contract likely won’t be crazy either, further adding to the value he would provide the Steelers.
Steelers should sign Walker
Anthony Walker is a name that should ring a bell to Steelers fans. He is currently starting for the Browns and has had a pretty successful season to date. He has started most of the games that he has been available for and has put forth another solid season. He has been a sound tackler and a decent option in coverage to this point.
The Browns brought Walker in on a one-year deal in the 2021 offseason. He quickly took on a starting role for Cleveland and has been a steady contributor on the defense. While he has always been a starter since his second season, Walker has played better than usual. His coverage has yielded better results and his missed tackle rate is at a career-low.
Considering he signed for a relatively low amount with the Browns, one has to imagine his next contract wouldn’t break the bank. What Walker provides is a consistent player along the interior of the defense. He is sound with his assignments and does well in every facet of the game. It wouldn’t be a flashy addition but getting someone as stable as Walker would be a win for this defense.
Steelers should sign White
Kyzir White has really come into his own as a linebacker. He played safety in college but quickly converted to linebacker after being drafted. It took him a while to fully embrace and develop into a capable linebacker, but now he is one of the better coverage linebackers on the Chargers.
He’s playing nearly every snap for the Chargers and has already posted his best season as a pro. His missed tackle rate has improved, and he has remained steady in coverage. The skills he possessed as a safety has translated over to linebacker, but he has also developed as a run stopper. He is well on his way to being a complete three-down linebacker.
The biggest downside to White is his size at this point. He is 6’2 but only weighs around 215 pounds. That makes sense given his safety background, but it has led to some injury issues as a linebacker. That said, the Steelers had an interest in White before he was drafted, and it would make a lot of sense for him to be added this offseason to help an ailing group.
Steelers should sign Anzalone
Alex Anzalone had always been that “next man up” type of linebacker before this season with the Saints. He had never started more than nine games there but was regularly rotated in on defense and was a regular special teams performer. A Lions team devoid of talent added him and threw him in as the starter.
He has done well to this point, starting in every game that he has been healthy. He hasn’t given up his special teams’ role either completely, meaning that even if he didn’t end up starting, he would still have a role for the Steelers. Considering how well he has done in coverage though; he would likely see time as a dime or nickel linebacker.
Anzalone would be an upgrade over what the Steelers have at the position right now. He can continue to chip in on special teams as well if the team fields better options to start at off-ball linebacker. Considering his deal is for under two million right now, his next contract can’t be that big. Relatively cheap and talented, Anzalone would be a great addition to this room in 2022.
Steelers should sign Oluokun
A surprising success story out of Yale, Foyesade Oluokun has been impressive despite the odds being stacked against him. Yale isn’t known for producing top football players. Add in his smaller frame and seeing him succeed at this level has been surprising. What he has is unparalleled athleticism though, and he knows how to use that on the field.
He has moved up from being a rotational defender and key special teams player into a full-time starter. He hasn’t looked back since then either, as he has put together back-to-back solid seasons. Known for his coverage skills, Oluokun has continuously used his athleticism to lock up against some of the top tight ends and running backs in the league.
He has made quite a few strides as a run defender this season though. He has posted some staggering total tackles, as he has been far more aggressive in his reads and making plays at the line of scrimmage. His contract will likely be a sizable one in 2022, but it would be worth it. He would help be a great addition to a linebacker group that is in need of some talent.
Steelers should sign Campbell
A name that has recently broken out for the Packers, De’Vondre Campbell would be a great addition to a struggling roster in the offseason. While he has been a regular starter in the league before this, he was never an option that you wanted on the field often. His play was fine as a run stopper, but his coverage left teams wanting more.
With the Packers though, he has really taken off. He has posted the most career tackles in his career and has seen his missed tackle rate drop to below three percent, a great number and one that is showcasing his consistency as a run stopper. Better yet, his coverage numbers have greatly improved, making him a full-time starter and a breakout player this season.
He only signed for a measly two million dollars this offseason, and while he will certainly get a pay boost in 2022, his contract should be small enough to afford. He would provide the defense with a complete linebacker that doesn’t need to come off the field. It would be a huge boost on defense to have a capable linebacker calling the shots, and Campbell would provide that for the Steelers.
With Devin Bush suffering some severe regression as a player this season, the Steelers will have to add a new face at the position in the offseason. If the team opts for free agency, these six options make the most sense. Some would be instant starters; others would be potential fits but could still contribute on special teams. No matter what, the team needs to bring in some competition for Bush in 2022.