The Pittsburgh Steelers spent much of the NFL free agency period completely revamping their linebacker corps. Last year, a unit led by Myles Jack, Devin Bush, and Robert Spillane proved to be thoroughly underwhelming, and GM Omar Khan recognized that they couldn't simply run it back and expect with the same unit and expect better results.
Because of this, Khan cut ties with their top three linebackers in 2022 and signed free agents Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts (both of whom were former team captains). We didn't think the Steelers would stop here, and many believed that one more linebacker would be added in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Obviously, this didn't happen, and Pittsburgh is apparently still looking for help at the position. After the conclusion of Steelers rookie minicamp, ESPN's Adam Schefter confirms that Pittsburgh is bringing in linebacker Kwon Alexander for a visit.
Jets’ free-agent and former Pro Bowl LB Kwon Alexander is visiting the Steelers tonight.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 15, 2023
Alexander is a well-known linebacker throughout the NFL fan base, as he was a former Pro Bowler back in 2017 who had some really good seasons in the league. Now that Alexander is available and the Steelers still have a need for linebacker depth, should they make this happen?
Alexander is a safe but unspectacular option for Steelers
We can't expect to find free-agent gems this late in the process. There's a reason that Kwon Alexander is still sitting on the market. For starters, the long-time veteran is likely nearing the end of his NFL career (and certainly the end of his prime). Alexander turns 29 years old this summer, and off-ball linebackers have a short shelf-life, to begin with. This particular linebacker has had season-ending injuries and has only played in a full season twice since 2015.
In addition to potentially being on his last legs, Kwon hasn't exactly been great in recent years. Despite his reputation as a former Pro Bowler, Alexanders has only graded out higher than the 44th-ranked NFL linebacker once dating all the way back to 2017, according to Pro Football Focus. There isn't any evidence to suggest he will return to form at this stage of his career.
Last year as a member of the New York Jets, Alexanders was essentially void of splash plays -- earning just 0.5 sacks while recording just 1 pass defense and 1 forced fumble in 17 games (12 starts), per ESPN stats. He failed to record an interception or a fumble recovery.
Still, you could do worse than Kwon Alexander, what he lacks for in explosive defensive play-making at this stage in his career, he somewhat makes up for with football smarts and consistency. There is a lot of tread already off the tires here, but Alexander would at least provide stable depth and another veteran presence to the position.
To me, this signing would feel very similar to when the team added Myles Jack in free agency last year (who I wasn't crazy about). Regardless, there aren't a ton of options left on the market and Pittsburgh didn't address the position in the NFL Draft. If the price is right, I can get behind adding Kwon Alexander to the Steelers roster.