PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – A fourth round pick by Tampa Bay in 2015 who would make the NFL All-Rookie Team and a couple of years later a Pro Bowl, what linebacker Kwon Alexander would bring to the Steelers.
Last year the 6'1", 22- pounder started 12 of 17 games with the Jets finishing with 69 tackles-42 solo-six tackles for loss (all most since 2017). Alexander played 49% of the defensive snaps with New York. His percentage of tackles missed was only 5.5. ESPN first to report he visited with the Steelers Monday night.
Despite only playing half of the snaps, Alexander ranked 44th best overall middle linebacker by Pro Football Focus which is behind current Steeler Cole Holcomb (#35), but ahead of Elandon Roberts (#63). He was also ranked much higher than Devin Bush or Myles Jack. PFF lauded him for his pass rushing abilities (14th overall with Roberts number 1), but had rated slightly worse than Bush in pass coverage.
The veteran played for only $1.272 million last year for the Jets, a similar contract is in the Steelers wheelhouse. He would seem to fix as part of a three-headed middle linebacker group if he would sign with the Steelers. Holcomb would likely get the most snaps and who performs better between Roberts and Alexander would get the snap advantage with Mark Robinson still growing behind all three.
Alexander will play this season at 29-years-old and has a mantra on social media 'If you keep looking at the past you will never see the future! Wake up!'
Steelers continue to add to their depth and this would seem like a no-lose situation for a defense looking for stability at middle linebacker.
