According to an insider, the Steelers ought to talk to resolve a significant problem….
Inside linebacker is one of the major requirements the Pittsburgh Steelers have to address this summer, along with several other holes across the squad.
The easiest way for the squad to find a starting player to go with Elandon Roberts is probably through free agency.
Actually, they have a previous All-Pro at the position who would be a desirable free agency choice.
The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo stated on the “Locked On Steelers” podcast that he thinks the Steelers should target linebacker Devin White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.
“I adore Devin White as a concept. When they acquired Devin Bush a few years ago, do you recall that everyone was speculating about which of the two Devins would end up with the Steelers? At last, they intended to address the position of their inside linebacker. A few years later, Devin White won’t make everything right, but I appreciate what he brings to the table, and if you can add an inside linebacker in free agency at the very least, you can round out that linebacker room in the draft.
White gave the Buccaneers excellent reason to be happy with their fifth-round selection choice early in his career.
As a rookie, he caused three turnovers and amassed 91 tackles.
White had a season that saw him named to the Second Team All-Pro.
In his second season in the NFL, he recorded 140 tackles, intercepted four passes, and gained nine sacks while helping the Bucs win the Super Bowl.
After recording 128 tackles in his third season, White was able to maintain his high level of performance and earn a berth in the Pro Bowl.
He did not get any recognition in his fourth season, although he once again surpassed 100 tackles.
After the season, unable to come to an agreement on a contract extension with the Bucs, he ended up asking for a trade. However, the move never materialized, and he rejoined the squad for a last season.
In 2023, he had his fifth season and, for the first time since his rookie year, he had fewer than 100 tackles. He was only able to play in 14 games due to an injury he sustained throughout the season.
Despite having a disappointing year in 2023, White now has an opportunity to choose a new team and could attract a lot of attention.
The Steelers’ linebacker predicament was a contributing factor in some of the defense’s 2023 problems.
With 4.3 yards allowed per carry, they performed below average against the run.
In their playoff defeat to the Bills, Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox combined for 68 yards and two scores, demonstrating their inability to defend tight ends.
The squad was having problems for two reasons. Firstly, the Steelers weren’t very strong at the position to start.
Both Roberts and Cole Holcomb were reliable linebackers for Pittsburgh.
Sadly, Holcomb missed the remainder of the season due to a serious knee injury he sustained in Week 9.