The Pittsburgh Steelers have the reigning Defensive Player of the year, but here’s why they must find more depth at edge defender before 2022 training camp.
Injuries and all, T.J. Watt was one of the most dominant defenders in the NFL during the 2021 season. After tying Michael Strahan’s all-time-best single-season sack record (22.5 sacks), he earned his first Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Assuming Watt is healthy in 2022, the Pittsburgh Steelers could have a pretty scary pass-rush unit… but that’s a big assumption. Last year, Watt dealt with nagging injuries to his groin, hip, and knee that caused him to miss two full games and to be sidelined early in several other contests.
If he were to suffer a major injury that would have him sidelined for the season, Pittsburgh could instantly go from one of the best pass-rushing units in the league to one of the worst.
Alex Highsmith is projected to start opposite Watt again this year. The former Charlotte walk-on and 2020 third-round pick have been impressive early in his NFL career, but he needs to take another step forward in 2022.
Behind him, it starts to get really concerning. Melvin Ingram forced his way off the team before the 2021 trade deadline after being unhappy in his role, while Taco Charlton signed with the New Orleans Saints this offseason.
This leaves just Derrek Tuszka as the only somewhat viable option to rotate in as the third edge defender. If an injury occurs it will likely be Tuszka who will be asked to step into a full-time role on Pittsburgh’s defense.
Though Tuszka was respectable in limited usage last year, the difference between him and Watt is exponential and the Steelers defense could go from a strength to a weakness just like that if T.J. gets injured.
In addition, most teams have at least two full rotations of edge defenders that they like who play often, as they know just how valuable it is to get pressure on the quarterback. Sadly, outside of Watt and Highsmith, the edge rushers on Steelers current roster consist of Derrek Tuszka, Genard Avery, Delontae Scott, T.D. Moultry, and Tyree Johnson.
Of this group, Tuszka and Avery are probably the only players deserving of making an NFL roster, and even then, they aren’t guys you want to rely on in a heavy rotation. The Steelers would be wise to look for outside help before training camp.
Who can Steelers target in free agency?
If the Steelers are okay with spending some money to get a very capable rotation edge rusher, they could go with a player like Jason Pierre-Paul. The veteran struggled on Tampa Bay last year, but he has had a very good NFL career.
At 33 years old, Pierre-Paul would not be a long-term option for this team; rather a stop-gap player who could offer security this year. This isn’t the best scheme fit for a player like Pierre-Paul, but they could make it work.
Another veteran that makes a lot of sense is Justin Houston. This is a player Steelers fans were interested in last year before going with Melvin Ingram. Houston is coming off another very impressive season and is still going strong at age 33. The Ravens used a UFA tender on Houston, but he is still able to sign him before July 22nd when Baltimore would take over exclusive rights.
If they are looking for a slightly cheaper option, Ryan Kerrigan or Takkarist McKinley both make sense. Either would be affordable and would likely be upgrades over Derrek Tuszka as the team’s third edge defender.
I’ll be curious to see if the Steelers try to make a move here or if they will settle for the depth they have. Last year, they didn’t sign Melvin Ingram until July 19th — just before training camp — so don’t be surprised if Pittsburgh isn’t done yet.