Pittsburgh Steelers' Top Free-Agency Targets at Outside Linebacker
For most of the past decade, dominant defensive play has been synonymous with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Under Dick LeBeau, Pittsburgh’s defense consistently finished as one of the best in the league.
Over the past two seasons, however, much of that glory has faded, as the defense fell in the rankings and the team decided to go in a new direction. LeBeau is out, as the Steelers promoted longtime linebackers coach Keith Butler to defensive coordinator.
Even with a fresh approach to the defense, Butler will not work miracles with the defense unless the talent improves. Between free agency and ineffective play, there are plenty of defensive holes to fill, specifically at cornerback, safety and outside linebacker.
Although there is room for improvement in the secondary, the linebackers are the lifeblood of the defense. Outside linebackers are of particular importance as they are the players who wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
As of right now, Jarvis Jones is the only outside linebacker under contract for 2015. Whether the Steelers elect to re-sign Jason Worilds, James Harrison or Arthur Moats or go in another direction, they are in dire need of depth at the position as they enter the offseason.
Rather than wait for the draft—and the two- to three-year developmental track associated with it—Pittsburgh must dip into free agency to find a starter opposite of Jones. Here are five free agents—from the worst to best option—whom the Steelers should target to start at left outside linebacker.
5. Brian Orakpo
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Brian Orakpo was once one of the best young defenders in the NFL. Through his first three years in the league, he had 28.5 sacks and a bright future ahead.
His next three weren’t quite as successful. Injuries began to take their toll, and Orakpo has only played in 24 games over the past three years after starting 47 games in his first three. During this time, he had 11.5 sacks, including 10 in 2013.
Orakpo has the talent to be one of the best pass-rushers in the league, but his injury history will be a concern moving forward. Rick Snider of CBSDC expressed concern in regard to Orakpo’s future: “Why has Orakpo fallen so quickly? He’s only 28 years old. His speed around the edge seems a little slower and his strength diminished by two injuries. Orakpo can’t get past tackles quickly enough to pressure passers regularly.”
As a result, Orakpo should provide a good bargain on the free-again market. He made $11.455 million last year and may look for a short-term deal to rebuild his value. Pittsburgh could be a perfect landing spot to achieve this.
The Steelers need to upgrade their pass rush, and a healthy Orakpo is one of the best. Although it may seem like a good match, he plays the same position as Jones, which means that one of the two would have to move. Also, the Steelers have not historically taken these types of risks in free agency.
Although unlikely, the Steelers must at least consider Orakpo if they are serious about upgrading their pass rush.
4. Arthur Moats
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It would be far from a splash signing, but Arthur Moats is a logical option to bring back next season. He has one year of experience and is a perfect stopgap for a potential 2015 draft pick at outside linebacker.
Ideally, the Steelers like to take their time with their outside linebacker prospects. From Joey Porter to LaMarr Woodley, young outside linebackers need development before they enter the starting lineup. That is why it was so rare to see Jarvis Jones start as a rookie.
Outside linebacker is a priority position in the draft, and the Steelers figure to spend a Day 1 or 2 selection on one this year. Rather than throw the rookie into the starting lineup, Pittsburgh could sit him behind a player such as Moats for a season until he is ready to go.
Moats played well in his role as a spot starter and backup, as he finished the year with 23 tackles and a career-high four sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked seventh in the league in pass-rushing productivity—a stat that incorporates sacks, hits and hurries relative to the number of pass-rush opportunities (h/t Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review). By comparison, James Harrison ranked fifth, and Jason Worilds ranked 24th.
Beyond anything else, Moats would provide the best value of any outside linebacker on the open market. He made the veteran minimum last year and could accept a modest raise to sign a multiyear deal in Pittsburgh.
Moats is not the dynamic sack artist that the Steelers need, but he is a veteran option who knows the system and could keep the seat warm for a developing prospect. At a low cap hit, the Steelers would also have money to spend elsewhere to help improve the defense.
3. Jabaal Sheard
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As a former second-round pick of the Cleveland Browns, Jabaal Sheard had an outstanding start to his career. Over his first two seasons, he picked up 15.5 sacks and was poised for an even bigger role.
However, coaching and scheme changes have led to a decrease in production for Sheard. He has not performed as well since moving to outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense in 2013 and only has 7.5 sacks in the last two seasons.
Despite his low sack totals in recent years, Sheard is a good all-around linebacker. Will Burge of Bleacher Report highlighted this fact: “ProFootballFocus.com had Sheard ranked second in the NFL at run stopping and tied for the 12th-highest rating in coverage at his position. The problem is that he registered just two sacks on the year at a pass-rushing position.”
Chris Simms of Bleacher Report is another analyst who believes that Sheard is a good option at outside linebacker. Besides his scheme fit and balanced skill set, Simms believes that Sheard will come at a good value.
For a team that is constantly fighting for cap dollars, a cost-effective option at outside linebacker will certainly interest the Steelers. Playing as a full-time starter and put in a position to rush the quarterback, Sheard could realize his potential and provide Pittsburgh with terrific value in free agency.
2. Pernell McPhee
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One interesting free-agent scenario for the Steelers is the addition of Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Pernell McPhee. Not only would it strengthen their defense but also weaken their top rival’s.
The former defensive lineman made a seamless transition to outside linebacker and had a terrific season. In his role as a backup, McPhee finished the season with 27 tackles and 7.5 sacks. At 6’3” and 280 pounds, the 26-year old not only has the ability to rush the quarterback but the size to step up and defend against the run.
While the Ravens would like to have him back, going to a team like the Steelers would allow McPhee to be a full-time starter. The question then becomes whether they could afford him.
If the Steelers were to sign McPhee, he would provide new defensive coordinator Keith Butler a versatile option to use on all downs. Terrell Suggs told Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com that McPhee is a unique defender. "Whenever you’ve got an outside linebacker than can play all the spots on the front seven, that’s a special thing," Suggs said. "He’s clicking right now."
Elvis Dumervil echoed that sentiment. “He’s our specialist," Dumervil said. "A guy who’s that size, [with] that quickness, to be able to go inside, outside. I mean, he’s a special player. I’ve never been around a guy like that before.”
McPhee is an excellent fit for Pittsburgh and could be the much-needed impact pass-rusher that has been missing from the defense.
1. Jason Worilds
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Jason Worilds is set to become an unrestricted free agent, but look for the Steelers to make him a long-term offer. As intriguing as it is to bring in new blood to the defense, Worilds is a 26-year-old defender who has 15.5 sacks over the past two seasons and is ready for a true breakout season.
Worilds ranks as the seventh-best free-agent edge defender, per Pro Football Focus. While he figures to get a nice contract in free agency, he is a notch below the elite options on the open market. However, his 2014 cap value of $9.754 million must come down.
Team president Art Rooney II told Scott Brown of ESPN.com that he hopes to re-sign Worilds. “We would like to keep Jason,” Rooney said. “He had a good year. Like anything else, if the two sides can come to an agreement on a contract we would like to keep him.”
According to Dejan Kovacevic of DK on Pittsburgh Sports, Worilds hopes to remain in Pittsburgh and would “compromise” to reach a deal.
It makes sense for both sides.
The Steelers spent five years training Worilds, and he has a chance to play a feature role in the defense moving forward. On Worilds’ end, he knows the system and has had some success. While he could make more money elsewhere, there is no guarantee that he would fit in the scheme.
As we saw this past summer, the Steelers are more than willing to open up their wallet for their young players. Worilds is the next in line, and as long as he does not want to break the bank, chances are that he will return and lock down the left outside linebacker spot for years to come.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, all stats are courtesy of ESPN.com. All salary information is courtesy of Spotrac.com, and all roster information is courtesy of Steelers.com.
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