Home 2015 Off-Season The case for Pernell McPhee to Pittsburgh

The case for Pernell McPhee to Pittsburgh

by Carlos Azahar

OLB Pernell McPhee was a terror for opposing offenses in 2014. The man was constantly reaching the quarterback and making plays for his team, the Baltimore Ravens. The 26 year old no doubt has talent, and I believe his abilities could be of big use for the Steelers.

Let’s be real here for a second. Can the Steelers actually afford him? My answer is a doubtful maybe.

A four year deal worth $20-$25 million might make him consider playing for his current division rival. I understand that is a lot of money, especially for a frugal Steelers front office. Yet, considering the desperate need to improve the team’s pass rush, this sounds like a deal that could turn out to be worthwhile.

In order for the money to be available to pay Pernell, some drastic changes need to happen. Some of the veterans on the team may have to be let go for the greater good. Ike Taylor and James Harrison have to be allowed to walk, although it’s not like many people would disagree with me on that. Troy Polamalu and Brett Keisel may have to be convinced to retire to save money, since they still have one year left on their respective contracts. They might also have to decide between Jason Worilds and Pernell McPhee, if it comes down to it.

Pernell McPhee was a fifth round draft pick out of Mississippi State in the 2011 NFL draft. Standing at 6 ft 3 in and weighing 280 lbs., he was a defensive end that was converted into an outside linebacker.

In his rookie year, he recorded 23 tackles and 6 sacks. He spent the next two years injured, which held him back from performing at a high level. But this year, he had a huge bounce back.

McPhee registered a career-high 27 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 4 passes batted down in 2014. He managed to achieve this even though he played about half of all defensive snaps for the Ravens and playing in rotation with Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil, and Courtney Upshaw. He seems to have a high motor, playing at his absolute best despite the low amount of snaps.

Pernell would be a perfect fit for the Steelers, since both Baltimore and Pittsburgh run a very similar type of defense. They both focus on the linebackers, more specifically the outside linebackers, to provide heavy pass rush to keep the quarterback from making accurate throws. He would undoubtedly see more starter time on the Steelers than he would on the Ravens.

However unlikely it seems that the Steelers actually sign Pernell McPhee, it is always a possibility. We never know who the front office is actually looking at, but one thing is for sure: this isn’t going to be another quiet off season.

Stats are courtesy of baltimoreravens.com and NFL.com

Photos courtesy russellstreetreport.com

 

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3 comments

Steel City Retro January 16, 2015 - 4:27 pm

If it’s a choice between keeping Worilds or getting a guy like McPhee then tell Jason not to let the door hit him on the way out…cap situation though defines all things in the NFL so we’ll see. Nice job man!

Carlos Azahar January 16, 2015 - 5:41 pm

Thanks man! I appreciate the support. If it came down to it, I would most definitely choose McPhee over Worilds. Not even close

bob graff January 18, 2015 - 9:46 pm

No seems to want to talk about Jarvis Jones and his inability to do anything. Ok i get it give him a chance, but aren’t we looking for a difference maker. Or are we as fans willing to accept far below average draft picks.

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