The Pittsburgh Steelers are inching closer to deciding on the final roster for the 2024 regular season. One area General Manager Omar Khan may want to pay some attention to is the edge rushers. The top of the depth chart has TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig – but another addition may be necessary. Both Watt and Highsmith take their fair share of breaks on long drives, making depth at the position crucial. Pittsburgh recently made a move to address this by signing Markus Golden, but he unexpectedly retired a week later.

Golden’s retirement caught a lot of people off guard, as he was fairly productive for Pittsburgh during the 2023 season. There are plenty of options for the Steelers to bring in to address their depth concerns, but the best option might just be former All-Pro Jason Pierre-Paul. He is by far the most experienced option, and he shared on Sunday that whatever team signs him will not regret it.

Pierre-Paul has plenty of experience in getting to the big game, as he has played in the Super Bowl twice and has hoisted the Lombardi Trophy twice. He is one of the more successful active pass rushers in the league, and is still waiting to be signed. He spent the 2023 season with both the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints.

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Jason Pierre-Paul during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Pierre-Paul is remembered by most for an accident he had with fireworks ahead of the 2015 NFL season. This caused him to lose fingers and seriously damage his hand. He is often praised for still being able to produce as a pass rusher after the incident, even returning to the Pro Bowl in 2020.

The veteran spent a large chunk of his career with the New York Giants, where he won his first Super Bowl. He also had a very successful stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now, he is looking to keep his career alive after an unsuccessful 2023 season. It wasn’t a great fit for Pierre-Paul in Miami or New Orleans, as he was forced to play defensive end despite producing as an outside linebacker in recent years.

If Pittsburgh wants to sign Pierre-Paul, he would certainly be brought in as an outside linebacker. He provides experience and knowledge that could benefit every pass rusher on the Steelers roster. He last started 13 games in 2022, and should still be able to produce when called upon. When Golden retired Pittsburgh lost a savvy veteran who can produce in relief of Watt, Pierre-Paul would be able to fill those shoes well.

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Linebacker Patrick Queen leaves the field following his last game with the Baltimore Ravens.

Steelers’ Players Have Experience Playing With Jason Pierre-Paul

Pierre-Paul’s last successful season came in 2022 when he played with the Baltimore Ravens. He signed there on a one-year deal, and would go on to start 13 games. He wasn’t spectacular, but he managed to make an impact throughout the season. He recorded 26 tackles, 3 sacks, and an interception. He started both games against the Steelers and recorded a sack during the Week 17 matchup.

Patrick Queen played with Pierre-Paul during that 2022 season. Queen wore the green dot and communicated everything throughout the Ravens defense until they traded for Roquan Smith in the middle of the season. Queen and Pierre-Paul have experience together, and the veteran wouldn’t be expensive for Pittsburgh. It’s a low risk, high reward signing, as long as he is signed before the end of training camp so there is time to evaluate him.