It's still early in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 campaign, but the once suffocating defense that kept a questionable offense afloat has been nowhere to be found. The run defense, in particular, has been dreadful in both of their games so far. Even compared to their struggles during the five-game losing streak to finish 2024, this year's defense looks lost in the running game.
If Coach Mike Tomlin and the rest of the Steelers organization want to be a contender in 2025, something must change. Injuries to all levels of the defense certainly aren't helping, but the impending return of first-round pick Derrick Harmon, among others, should help.
However, it's hard not to wonder if the Steelers made a mistake not retaining current Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts. He was the heart and soul of the run defense a year ago, pairing with Payton Wilson to form an excellent duo next to Patrick Queen. It may be too late to reverse that decision, but a recent practice-squad signing may be just what they needed.
Former New England Patriots linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley has been added to the Steelers' practice squad, and he could quickly end up as a role player for a defense that needs his physicality.
Ja'Whaun Bentley could become an underrated pickup for the Pittsburgh Steelers
When the Steelers picked up Elandon Roberts during the 2023 offseason for a small two-year, $7 million contract, nobody expected him to be one of their better players on defense. He ended up being forced into a starting role due to injuries to Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander, and he performed above expectations.
In 2024, he was undoubtedly one of the best run-defending linebackers in the NFL. The Steelers' choice to replace him with former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (who is currently on injured reserve) was a surprise, and the early-season returns suggest they made a big mistake.
The signing of Bentley could be their opportunity to rectify that. Bentley is a very similar player to Roberts, but he is even bigger and stronger. He was super productive during his time in New England, with four straight seasons of over 90 tackles from 2020-23. He plays a true throwback style as a thumping middle linebacker, which they clearly could use with how poor the run defense has been.
Even if he can play 15-20 snaps a game to help on early downs, that could be enough to help turn things around. He needs to be brought up from the practice squad before that conversation even begins, but I doubt he would be brought in if they didn't have a plan for him.
Tomlin loves his veteran defenders, and I think he is missing what Roberts brought to his defense over the past two years. I wouldn't be surprised if we see Bentley as early as this week, but more likely, he gets a week to acclimate before joining the active roster in Week 4.