Pittsburgh Bolsters Defense with Two-Year, $10M Deal for Linebacker Malik Harrison

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made another major move in NFL Free Agency 2025, signing inside linebacker Malik Harrison to a two-year, $10 million contract. This addition strengthens the Steelers’ linebacker corps, adding a high-energy, run-stopping presence to their defense.

Harrison, formerly with the Baltimore Ravens, has been a rotational linebacker and spot starter over the past four seasons. His physicality, blitzing ability, and special teams contributions make him a valuable piece for Pittsburgh’s evolving defensive strategy.

What Malik Harrison Brings to the Steelers

✔️ Position: Inside Linebacker
✔️ Previous Team: Baltimore Ravens
✔️ Key Strengths: Run defense, blitzing, special teams impact
✔️ 2024 Stats: 54 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss

Harrison has experience playing alongside Patrick Queen in Baltimore, which could help him adjust quickly in Pittsburgh. While he isn’t known for elite pass coverage, his tackling ability and defensive versatility will be key assets for the Steelers.

Impact on Steelers’ Inside Linebacker Room

With Patrick Queen as the leader of the defense, Harrison joins a group that also includes Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb, and Payton Wilson. This move creates depth and competition, particularly for the third linebacker spot, where Harrison and Holcomb could rotate.

The Steelers have struggled with linebacker depth in past seasons, and this signing ensures they won’t face the same issues in 2025. Given Holcomb’s injury concerns, having Harrison as an option provides much-needed insurance and stability.

Did the Steelers Overpay?

At $5 million per season, some analysts believe Pittsburgh may have slightly overpaid for a rotational linebacker. However, with salary cap increases, paying for depth and special teams help has become more common.

Mike Tomlin values strong special teams players, and Harrison’s high-effort style fits the Steelers’ culture. While not a flashy signing, he fills an important role in Pittsburgh’s defensive rotation.

Final Grade: C+

✔️ Strengthens linebacker depth
✔️ Adds competition for rotational role
✔️ Brings special teams upside
❌ Not a top-tier coverage linebacker
❌ Slightly expensive for a depth player

Overall, this move improves Pittsburgh’s defensive depth, but it isn’t a blockbuster signing. Did the Steelers make the right call? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!