Steelers: 3 best moves of the 2023 offseason

Best moves of the Steelers offseason: 1.  Revamping the team’s inside linebacking corps

The Steelers made the playoffs in 2021 with a 9-7-1 record. But their once-proud defense hit rock bottom when it came to stopping the run, allowing the most rushing yards in the league. That was an area the team was hoping to address in 2022 and there were some positives.

Pittsburgh finished ninth in the league in run defense this past season, giving up a respectable 108.1 yards per game on the ground. However, there was plenty of inconsistency as coordinator Teryl Austin’s unit gave up at least 120 yards rushing in eight of their 17 outings.

Former Jacksonville Jaguars’ linebacker Myles Jack led the team in tackles. Elsewhere, 2019 first-round pick Devin Bush started off slow but came on late and had his best season since his rookie campaign. One-time undrafted free agent Robert Spillane also contributed to the cause.

What a difference an offseason makes. Jack was cut loose just one year into his two-year deal. Former first-round pick Devin Bush signed with the Seahawks and Robert Spillane is now a member of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Enter defenders Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb from the Dolphins and Commanders, respectively. The new inside linebacking duo should make an immediate impact, along with fellow newcomer and 2023 second-round pick Keeanu Benton (Wisconsin) at nose tackle.