The Pittsburgh Steelers opted against signing veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander, now with the Washington Commanders, due to what a team beat writer described as “unrealistic” financial demands.
According to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, the Steelers had interest in Alexander this offseason but ultimately passed on him due to the asking price. Alexander eventually signed a one-year, $1.165 million deal with the Commanders, a figure that seemingly contradicts the notion of “unrealistic” demands, prompting questions about the Steelers’ evaluation of the linebacker market and their overall approach to free agency.
The Steelers’ linebacker corps has been a topic of concern, particularly regarding depth behind starters T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. While the team drafted Nick Herbig in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the need for experienced depth remains. Alexander, a nine-year veteran with a history of production, could have provided that stability.
“I know they had interest in Kwon Alexander, but his demands were unrealistic,” Kaboly stated in a recent article. This statement has sparked debate among Steelers fans and analysts, considering the relatively modest contract Alexander eventually signed with Washington. The discrepancy raises questions about the Steelers’ internal valuation of Alexander’s worth and their willingness to invest in experienced players at the linebacker position.
The Steelers’ decision-making process often involves a careful balancing act between addressing immediate needs and maintaining long-term financial flexibility. General Manager Omar Khan, in his first full offseason at the helm, has emphasized a strategic approach to roster building, focusing on value and potential rather than simply chasing big names. This philosophy may explain why the team was hesitant to meet Alexander’s initial demands, even if those demands ultimately proved to be within a reasonable range.
The Steelers’ current linebacker depth chart features Watt, Highsmith, Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, and Mark Robinson as the primary contributors. While Holcomb and Roberts were signed in free agency, their roles are more geared towards run-stopping and inside linebacker duties. Herbig, the rookie, is viewed as a developmental prospect with potential as a pass rusher, but he lacks the experience to immediately contribute in a significant role.
Alexander’s career has been marked by both highs and lows. A former Pro Bowler with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he has also battled injuries throughout his career. In his most recent season with the New York Jets, Alexander recorded 69 tackles, six tackles for loss, and half a sack in 12 games. His performance demonstrated that he still possesses the ability to contribute at a high level.
The decision to pass on Alexander raises questions about the Steelers’ risk assessment and their willingness to gamble on unproven players. While Herbig has shown promise in training camp, relying on a rookie to provide crucial depth at a key position carries inherent risks. Alexander, on the other hand, offered a known quantity with a proven track record.
The situation also highlights the complexities of free agency and the challenges of negotiating contracts. Players often have initial asking prices that are higher than what they ultimately settle for, and teams must carefully weigh their options before committing to a deal. In the case of Alexander, it appears that the Steelers were unwilling to meet his initial demands, even if those demands later proved to be negotiable.
Ultimately, the Steelers’ decision to pass on Alexander reflects their overall approach to roster building under Omar Khan. The team is prioritizing value, potential, and long-term financial stability over short-term fixes. While this strategy may not always be popular with fans who are eager to see the team contend for a Super Bowl, it is a sustainable approach that could pay dividends in the long run.
The “unrealistic” demands revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes negotiations that shape NFL rosters. It underscores the importance of understanding the nuances of free agency and the delicate balance between addressing immediate needs and maintaining a long-term vision. For the Steelers, the decision to pass on Alexander was a calculated risk, one that will be closely scrutinized as the season unfolds.
Expanding the Context and Analysis
The Steelers’ situation at the linebacker position is further complicated by the evolving nature of the NFL game. The league is increasingly emphasizing passing offenses, which places a greater premium on linebackers who can cover running backs and tight ends in space. While the Steelers have invested in pass-rushing talent with Watt and Highsmith, they also need linebackers who can excel in coverage.
Holcomb and Roberts, while solid run-stoppers, are not necessarily known for their coverage abilities. This could leave the Steelers vulnerable against teams with dynamic passing attacks. Alexander, despite his age, has shown the ability to contribute in coverage, making his potential addition even more intriguing.
The Steelers’ decision to rely on Herbig also reflects a broader trend in the NFL of teams prioritizing young, cost-controlled players over veteran free agents. Rookies on their initial contracts provide significant value, as they are paid relatively little compared to their potential impact. However, relying too heavily on rookies can also be risky, as they are often prone to mistakes and inconsistencies.
The Steelers’ coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Tomlin, will play a crucial role in developing Herbig and maximizing his potential. Tomlin has a proven track record of developing young players, but Herbig will still need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL game.
The situation with Alexander also highlights the importance of communication and negotiation in free agency. It is possible that the Steelers and Alexander’s representatives had a misunderstanding about his asking price, or that the Steelers were simply unwilling to budge from their initial offer. Whatever the case, the breakdown in negotiations ultimately led to Alexander signing with the Commanders.
The Steelers’ decision to pass on Alexander could also be influenced by their overall salary cap situation. The team has a number of high-priced players on their roster, including Watt, Highsmith, and quarterback Kenny Pickett. Managing the salary cap is a constant challenge for NFL teams, and the Steelers may have felt that they could not afford to allocate significant resources to a veteran linebacker.
The Steelers’ draft strategy also provides clues about their thinking at the linebacker position. By drafting Herbig in the fourth round, the team signaled that they were willing to invest in a developmental pass rusher. This suggests that they may have been more focused on addressing their long-term needs at the position rather than simply adding a veteran stopgap.
The Steelers’ history at the linebacker position is also worth considering. The team has a long tradition of excellence at the position, with legendary players such as Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, and James Harrison. This tradition creates high expectations for the current group of linebackers, and the team is constantly searching for players who can live up to that legacy.
The Steelers’ fans have been vocal about their concerns regarding the linebacker position. Many fans believe that the team should have done more to address the depth issues, and they are skeptical about relying on unproven players. The pressure from the fans could influence the Steelers’ decision-making as the season progresses.
The Steelers’ performance in the upcoming season will ultimately determine whether their decision to pass on Alexander was the right one. If the team’s linebackers perform well and the defense is successful, then the decision will be justified. However, if the linebackers struggle and the defense falters, then the Steelers will face criticism for not adding more experienced depth.
The situation with Alexander serves as a reminder of the complex factors that influence NFL roster decisions. Teams must weigh a variety of considerations, including player performance, salary cap constraints, draft strategy, and fan expectations. The Steelers’ decision to pass on Alexander was a calculated risk, and only time will tell whether it will pay off.
The team’s confidence in their existing linebacker corps, particularly in players like Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts, likely played a significant role. Holcomb, signed from the Washington Commanders, is expected to be a key contributor in the middle of the defense, while Roberts brings a physical presence and run-stopping ability. The Steelers clearly believe that these players, along with the development of Herbig, can adequately address their needs at the linebacker position.
Furthermore, the emergence of Mark Robinson, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has provided the Steelers with another option at linebacker. Robinson has impressed coaches with his physicality and work ethic, and he is expected to compete for playing time this season. The Steelers may have viewed Robinson as a more cost-effective alternative to Alexander, given his potential and the fact that he is still on his rookie contract.
The Steelers’ coaching staff also has a history of developing undrafted free agents and late-round draft picks into productive players. This track record likely influenced their decision to rely on internal development rather than signing a veteran free agent like Alexander.
The Steelers’ focus on building through the draft and developing their own players is a long-term strategy that is designed to create a sustainable competitive advantage. While this approach may not always result in immediate success, it is believed to be the best way to build a consistent winner over time.
The situation with Alexander also highlights the importance of timing in free agency. The Steelers may have had interest in Alexander earlier in the offseason, but his asking price may have been too high at that time. As the offseason progressed, Alexander’s market may have cooled, leading him to eventually sign with the Commanders for a lower price. However, by that point, the Steelers may have already moved on to other options.
The Steelers’ decision-making process in free agency is often influenced by their draft results. If they are able to address a particular need in the draft, they may be less inclined to pursue a free agent at that position. This could have been the case with the linebacker position, as the Steelers’ selection of Herbig may have reduced their urgency to sign Alexander.
The Steelers’ commitment to special teams also plays a role in their roster decisions. They prioritize players who can contribute on special teams, as they believe that this is an important aspect of the game. It is possible that Alexander was not viewed as a significant contributor on special teams, which may have factored into their decision to pass on him.
The Steelers’ organizational philosophy emphasizes teamwork and selflessness. They look for players who are willing to put the team first and contribute in any way possible. It is possible that the Steelers did not believe that Alexander was the right fit for their culture, which may have influenced their decision to pass on him.
The Steelers’ scouting department plays a crucial role in identifying potential free agent targets. They evaluate players based on their skills, experience, and potential fit with the team. It is possible that the Steelers’ scouts had concerns about Alexander’s age, injury history, or fit with their defensive scheme.
The Steelers’ ownership is known for its stability and long-term vision. They are not prone to making impulsive decisions or overspending in free agency. This conservative approach has helped the Steelers maintain a consistent level of success over the years.
The Steelers’ relationship with their fans is also an important factor in their decision-making. They are aware of the fans’ expectations and they try to make decisions that will be well-received. However, they also understand that they cannot please everyone, and they must ultimately make decisions that they believe are in the best interests of the team.
The Steelers’ decision to pass on Alexander was a complex one that involved a variety of factors. It was not simply a matter of affordability, but rather a calculated risk that was based on a comprehensive evaluation of the team’s needs, resources, and long-term goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why did the Steelers pass on signing Kwon Alexander?
According to a report by The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly, the Steelers passed on signing Kwon Alexander due to what he described as “unrealistic” financial demands. The team felt his asking price was too high, considering their other options and budget constraints.
2. How much did Kwon Alexander eventually sign for with the Washington Commanders?
Kwon Alexander signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders worth $1.165 million. This relatively modest contract has led some to question whether his demands were truly “unrealistic” for the Steelers.
3. What are the Steelers’ current options at linebacker?
The Steelers’ current linebacker corps includes starters T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, along with Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Mark Robinson, and rookie Nick Herbig. The team is hoping that Holcomb and Roberts can provide stability in the middle of the defense, while Herbig develops into a pass-rushing threat.
4. Did the Steelers need more experience at the linebacker position?
Many analysts believe that the Steelers could have benefited from adding more experienced depth at linebacker. Kwon Alexander, a nine-year veteran, could have provided that stability and leadership. The team’s decision to rely on younger, less experienced players carries some risk.
5. How does this decision reflect the Steelers’ overall approach to roster building?
The decision to pass on Alexander reflects the Steelers’ emphasis on value, potential, and long-term financial stability under General Manager Omar Khan. The team is prioritizing building through the draft and developing their own players, rather than overspending on veteran free agents. This strategy is designed to create a sustainable competitive advantage over time.
