Steelers Still Looking to Add at LB, Show Interest in Rookie FA
Since the end of minicamp, the Pittsburgh Steelers have added two linebackers to their group that is now participating in training camp at St. Vincent College, signing former Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski after a minicamp tryout and adding ex-New Orleans Saints and New York Jets linebacker Kwon Alexander just last week.
But they apparently are not done in searching for help at the position.
According to a report by Aaron Wilson of KPRC in Houston, the Steelers have shown interested in rookie linebacker Marvin Pierre.
#Steelers have displayed interest in free agent linebacker Marvin Pierre (4.57 speed, 40 1/2 vertical). Former Kent State linebacker previously with #Cardinals In final college season, he recorded 96 tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 2, 2023
Pierre is a 6-foot-1, 222-pound rookie from Kent State. In 2022 with the Golden Flashes, he recorded 68 tackles, two sacks, two quarterback hits, 10 hurries, three passes defended and one interception while maintain a coverage grade of 81.8, according to Pro Football Focus.
Pierre originally signed with the Arizona Cardinals after going undrafted this spring. The Cardinals cut him on June 8 after claiming cornerback Kyler McMichael on waivers.
Since then, Pierre has enrolled in and was selected by the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL draft for the spring 2024 season. But if the NFL comes calling before then, Pierre would certainly be interested.
The Steelers have collected a number of former Arizona Cardinals players on their defense, notably Patrick Peterson and Markus Golden, but also defensive lineman Manny Jones.
Pierre brings the same kind of coverage profile that Alexander does to a unit that had been lacking in that area. Both Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson are primarily run stoppers, and while Cole Holcomb has three-down potential, he has never possessed elite speed and is coming off a foot injury.
Pierre ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, had a 40.5-inch vertical and posted a total Relative Athletic Score of 9.08 on a 0-10 scale with his pre-draft workout.
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