Ranking every Steelers position by need in 2023 offseason
By Andrew Falce
Steelers position of need #8: EDGE
Need level: Please get a capable backup
On the surface, the Steelers don’t have a clear need at edge rusher. T.J. Watt is arguably the best edge defender in the league and Alex Highsmith just enjoyed a breakout season. The depth behind them is the issue, as the team has rotated through various different uninspiring names but has failed to find a capable third option.
The team almost had a good thing going there with Melvin Ingram, but he felt like he should have a larger role and was traded last season. Names like Taco Charlton, Derrek Tuszka, and Malik Reed have all failed to provide the team with a good third option. Even when both of the pass rushers are healthy, a third body can rotate in and keep everyone fresher in a game.
The pass rush almost disappeared after Watt went down with his pectoral injury. Offenses schemed themselves to throw additional blocks toward Highsmith and Cameron Heyward. Having a third edge rusher doesn’t fix not having Watt, but it can make an injury more bearable. The team should spend some money on a reasonable third edge rusher in free agency.