Just in case you missed James Harrison pressing 135 lbs with a single arm last week then consider yourself aware that he wants to keep playing.
At 37 years old, the thought of “Deebo” playing another year seems unlikely but considering the huge lack of depth at outside linebacker, the possibility is much stronger than usual.
Harrison had 5.5 sacks and 45 total tackles last season after joining the team in the fourth week of the season. He remains very good against the run and in short spurts could be an effective pass rusher.
Arthur Moats signed as a free agent last year and while I thought he needed to be on the field more, he wasn’t but when he was he produced. He had 4.0 sacks and 23 total tackles while seeing time at both outside backer positions.
Moats is a good teammate and versatile player who is good to have on the roster but he isn’t a full-time starting 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.
That said, could the Steelers bring both Harrison and Moats back to split time at the position?
Ideally, the Steelers won’t have to do this. They’ll re-sign Moats and then find a true starter in free agency or the draft but let’s be honest here; the chances of either of those things happening are slim.
Much will depend on the situation with Jason Worilds. If he bolts in free agency as most believe he will, then the position gets even more shallow. That would leave Jarvis Jones and Howard Jones as the only two OLBs on the roster.
Another wild-card is Jordan Zumwalt who has packed on 20 lbs of muscle but is unproven despite being liked by the coaches.
I really think the possibility of Harrison and Moats splitting time is real yet hopefully it doesn’t have to happen. When your depth is this poor though anything is on the table.
Photo courtesy theathleticbuild.com
9 comments
what about Shawn Lemon? Wasn’t he brought in to play OLB?
It’s a pressing issue only if they can’t find the bodies they really need. We all know Jarvis’ time is NOW and if he doesn’t take advantage that position is in real trouble. As far as Lemon, I think we need to see him in camp. Either way he has some explosiveness.
I don’t think its that much of a pressing issue. Its either resign worilds or bring them both back. Like you said lemon just came in and zumalt and h Jones are around. Its time for j Jones to step up.
You know I watched every play of Harrison’s in slow motion. He is not playing well in ‘spurts’ he is playing well every play of the game. He doesn’t need Moats to prop him up or spell him. He spent a lot of time on the practice squad and on the bench. His body doesn’t have the wear and tear on it of most players his age. They would be idiots if the don’t bring him back.
I’m reminded of the adage “When you think you have two starting Quarterbacks, you really have none.”
In reality, we’d love to have a full-time guy there. Harrison was good last year but can he sustain that playing full-time at 37 years old? Whether it’s Moats or someone else, I think Deebo is going to need rest at times.
We would be foolish to not bring Harrison back. I agree with the comment that his time on the ps and bench makes him younger than his football clasic age.
Bring both Harrison and Moats back. Harrison proved last year he can still be play. Moats is more than capable as a backup.
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