4 remaining free agents with Steelers connections
By Tommy Jaggi
3. DL Chris Wormley
Chris Wormley was never a special player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he was a solid trade acquisition from the Ravens back in 2020. Wormley was a former third-round pick who didn't do much as a pass rusher during his time in Baltimore, but he proved to be a quality rotational piece on Pittsburgh's defensive line.
The main reason why Wormley remains unsigned in free agency is because he is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered late in the 2022 season. Prior to that, Wormley recorded just 0.5 sacks in 13 games (1 start).
The 2021 season was a career year for Wormley as he started 14 of 15 games he played and recorded 7.0 sacks, 6 tackles for a loss, and 10 quarterback hits. Despite his lack of production in his most recent season in 2022, Wormley still earned the 18th-highest grade among interior defenders per Pro Football Focus -- thanks in large part to the 6th-best run-defense grade in the league.
At 6'5'' with solid movement skills and the ability to hold up at the point of attack, Wormley still offers something to a defensive line rotation when healthy. I wouldn't be shocked to see Pittsburgh bring this free agent back when he recovers from the injury -- especially if the defensive line struggles to stop the run early in the season.