Former Steelers Linebacker Finds New Home in Free Agency
Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mykal Walker signed with a new home in free agency last week, joining the Arizona Cardinals on a one-year contract for the 2025 season.
Walker, 27, spent the 2024 season with the Washington Commanders. He played for the Steelers in the second half of the 2023 season, when the team dealt with season-ending injuries to co-starters Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb.
Walker played in eight games for the Steelers in 2023, starting in five of them alongside Elandon Roberts as the Steelers patched their interior defense. In those eight games, Walker made 33 tackles, two tackles for a loss, two passes defended and one interception, against the New England Patriots.
Despite the fact that Alexander, Holcomb and fellow replacement Myles Jack did not return to the Steelers in 2024, the team did not-resign Walker, electing to pair Roberts with Patrick Queen in a big-time free agent signing from the Baltimore Ravens and 2024 third-round draft pick Payton Wilson.
Walker played in all 17 games for the Commanders in 2024, playing mostly on special teams. He finished with 21 tackles and two fumble recoveries. His best game on defense came against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6, when he played 19 snaps and recorded five tackles.
With the Cardinals, he’ll work in behind free agent signing Akeem Davis-Gaither, Mack Wilson and Owen Pappoe in the rotation at inside linebacker.
The Steelers had signed Walker off the practice squad of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023. Before that, he had been with the Chicago Bears, but did not appear in a game for either of those teams.
Walker played three seasons for the Atlanta Falcons, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Fresno State. He played 49 games over three seasons and made 20 starts for the Falcons.