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The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t held a top 10 selection going into the NFL draft since 2000. But The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly argued the Steelers could add a player in free agency who was the No. 2 overall selection in 2020 — defensive end Chase Young.
Kaboly named Young a “logical fit” for the Steelers in NFL free agency.
“Mike Tomlin made a fuss over Young during a game in 2020, so that brings him into play,” Kaboly wrote. “With Watt and Highsmith on the roster, perhaps there’s no clear fit for Young, but he’s young, talented and looking to prove himself after an uneven last few seasons.
“If his market winds up being a one-year deal worth a little over $10 million, as Spotrac projects, he’s definitely in the mix for the Steelers, who could use him on the inside at times, too.”
The then Washington Football Team drafted Young at No. 2 overall in the 2020 NFL draft. Only Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow went ahead of him.
Young suffered a right ACL and patellar tendon injury during his second season. That’s a major reason why he’s underachieved early in his career.
In 2023, he was healthy, playing 16 games for the Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers. He finished the regular season with 7.5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hits.
Young also had 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss and 2 quarterback hits in three playoff contests.
How Chase Young Could Fit With the Steelers
Young lived up to his draft hype when he made the Pro Bowl and won Defensive Rookie of the Year during the 2020 season. But from 2021-22, Young missed 22 contests.
After suffering his significant knee injury, Young didn’t return to the field in the regular season for more than 13 months. And even after his return, Washington declined to pick up his fifth-year option.
The Commanders then traded Young to the 49ers for a 2024 third-round pick at the 2023 trade deadline. He posted 2.5 sacks with 10 combined tackles, 6 quarterback hits and 1 pass defense in nine contests with San Francisco.
As an edge rusher, Young wouldn’t fill one of Pittsburgh’s biggest needs. But the Steelers are losing veteran Markus Golden in free agency. Young could fill the void, supplying important edge rushing depth for the Steelers.
Young should be very motivated on a 1-year deal. He also turns just 25 in April, so a long-term deal might not be out of the question if the price is right.
Young has played minimal snaps on the interior of the defensive line in his career, but Kaboly proposed that being a possibility as well.
Other ‘Logical Fits’ in NFL Free Agency for Steelers
The Steelers wouldn’t make as big of a splash with other free agents as they would with Young. After all, he was the No. 2 pick just four years ago.
But there are other free agents that would better fill a need than Young. In fact, Kaboly had four other free agents he also labeled “logical fits” for the Steelers — defensive tackle D.J. Reader, wide receivers Gabe Davis and Tyler Boyd and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac also floated Jackson as a potential target.
Another possible addition is linebacker Jerome Baker. The Miami Dolphins released Baker just after Kaboly published his list.
“Would not be stunned if Steelers bring in Jerome Baker at ILB,” Kaboly wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on March 5. “Actually, I’d say there is a good chance.”
With other NFL teams needing additional salary cap space, more veterans are reaching free agency as roster cuts every day. That should be very helpful to the Steelers, who could be in the market for upgrades at cornerback and linebacker along with the offensive line. The Steelers could also use depth at quarterback, edge rusher and safety.
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