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Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 free agents to sign in order to win in 2020

By Russell S. Baxter

NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 25: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 and Head Coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers shake hands before a game against the Tennessee Titans during week three of preseason at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Steelers defeated the Titans 18-6. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 25: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 and Head Coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers shake hands before a game against the Tennessee Titans during week three of preseason at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Steelers defeated the Titans 18-6. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 30: Jabaal Sheard #93 of the Indianapolis Colts at the line of scrimmage during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Colts defeated the Titans 33-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 30: Jabaal Sheard #93 of the Indianapolis Colts at the line of scrimmage during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Colts defeated the Titans 33-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

2. DE/OLB Jabaal Sheard (Indianapolis Colts)

It’s amazing when you consider that the Pittsburgh Steelers have either led or tied for the league lead in sacks each of the past three seasons and have still had their ups and downs when it comes to stopping opposing quarterbacks from putting up big numbers.

Black and Gold defenders have amassed 56, 52 and 54 QB traps, respectively, the past three seasons. Unfortunately, it hasn’t amounted to much as the team doesn’t have a playoff win over that stretch.

Still, the team could use some depth behind defensive start T.J. Watt and bookend Bud Dupree, the latter recently signing his franchise tender. With the former dropping opposing signal-callers 14.5 times and Dupree coming up with 11.5 sacks, the duo combined for nearly half (26) of the team’s 54 sacks this past season.

In late April, general manager Kevin Colbert used a third-round pick on intriguing pass-rusher Alex Highsmith. But the Steelers could use some more assistance here in terms of experience.

Jabaal Sheard, who spent the past three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts after stints with the Browns and Patriots, has lined up in various schemes in nine NFL campaigns. The former University of Pittsburgh standout has amassed 51.5 sacks and 13 forced fumbles in 134 regular-season contests. He’s an ideal signing for a team looking for a little savvy.

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