5 targets for Steelers in 2022 NFL free agency

CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 28: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts from the sideline during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 25: Kwon Alexander #5 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after an interception during the second quarter in the game against the Buffalo Bills at Caesars Superdome on November 25, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

3. LB Kwon Alexander (New Orleans Saints)

Later this year, teams will have to make a decision on whether they want to pick up the fifth-year option on players selected in the first round in 2019. In the case of the Steelers, that pertains to inside linebacker Devin Bush.

As a rookie, he led the team with 109 tackles, to go along with two interceptions and four fumble recoveries. In 2020, he was lost after five games with a knee injury. This past season, he played and started in 14 regular-season contests and finished with 70 stops, two sacks and four passes defensed. But those numbers masked the fact that he was simply not the same player that debuted in ’19.

The former University of Michigan standout is under contract for 2022. But can he regain his rookie form? Bush was one of many reasons the Steelers finished dead last in the league vs. the run this past season.

During his first three seasons in the league with the Buccaneers, versatile linebacker Kwon Alexander was a productive defender. He played in only six games in his fourth year, signed with the 49ers in 2019 but was limited to 13 games in one-plus seasons.

He was dealt to the Saints during the 2020 season. This past year, he finished with 50 tackles and a career-best 3.5 sacks. And Alexander was part of a defense that finished fourth in the league vs. the run. And via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores joins a defensive staff that includes new coordinator Teryl Austin.

Home/Pittsburgh Steelers