Steelers Should Sign Former Dolphins LB
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are in pursuit of another starting inside linebacker this offseason, and while there are options in the NFL Draft, it feels as if they'll look in free agency for a proven veteran.
General manager Omar Khan couldn't offer a timetable for Cole Holcomb's return from ACL surgery, but did say the position is on the team's mind as they head into the scouting and signing portion of the offseason.
"The inside linebacker position, we have Elandon Roberts under contract, Mark Robinson," Khan said. "Cole Holcomb had an awful (knee) injury. I don’t really have a timetable when he’ll be back. Kwon Alexander is a free agent, but he also had a major injury (Achilles). So it’s obviously a position that we have to address."
One name has since become available that makes perfect sense for the Steelers. After his release from the Miami Dolphins, Jerome Baker is set to hit the open market at 27 years old. And with 82 games of starting experience under his belt, he'd be no stranger to taking on a prominent role in Pittsburgh.
Baker provides the athleticism Pittsburgh has searched for in a starting inside linebacker and could be their long-sought-after answer for a coverage option at off-ball.
Last season, he recorded two interceptions, one touchdown, 78 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss and three pass defelctions. In his career, he's tallied five interceptions.
Baker would come to the Steelers with expectations to work in rotation with Holcomb and Elandon Roberts. As a younger option, he and Holcomb - if back to normal after returning from his surgery - could be the long-term answers for the inside linebacker position in Pittsburgh.
The signing makes almost too much sense for this team. The options in the NFL Draft aren't bad, but with other needs prioritized over inside linebacker, signing a veteran is likely the team's first choice. And with plenty of career left, Baker is their best bet.
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