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Steelers: 4 free agent targets who could alter 2021 NFL Draft plans

By Cory Kinnan

Jan 10, 2021; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and center Maurkice Pouncey (53) walk off the field after the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2021; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and center Maurkice Pouncey (53) walk off the field after the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports /
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Steelers target Jayon Brown. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jayon Brown, LB

The second level of the Steelers’ defense took a massive hit this season when second-year player Devin Bush suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Vince Williams was put on the COVID list as well this season, and Anthony Spillane went down with an injury as well. While they added Avery Williamson at the trade deadline, he did not prove to be much of a difference maker, and is now set to hit free agency as well.

Anticipating the return of Bush from his injury, and with Williams still under contract for another season, the Steelers will more than likely refrain from going wild at the linebacker position in free agency. However, if they do go after a young and speedy player at the position to match that of Bush (likely signaling a parting of ways from Williams), then Jayon Brown could be on their radar.

Sure their are names like Ohio State’s Pete Werner who could be a fit next to Bush long term in Pittsburgh, but signing the young soon-to-be 26 year old linebacker in Brown would be an ideal fit for the Steelers as well. During his time with the Tennessee Titans, Brown has shown the tenacity to get into the backfield with frequency, flashing incredible instincts in coverage as well. He is the model of a modern-NFL linebacker, making him a coveted player in free agency next month.

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