Steelers May Find The Answer To Their Run Stopping Problems With This Productive Free Agent

The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for their elite defensive line units. However, last season, their heavily touted line got exposed on multiple occasions, especially against the run. The team ranked in the middle of the pack, allowing 1,922 yards and 4.3 yards per carry. That mark was not up to standard for a typical Steelers defense. 

The team used its first-round pick on Oregon star Derrick Harmon as a defensive lineman in 2025. However, they still lack depth at the position. When injuries arose, the unit was rendered ineffective against the run on occasion. Pittsburgh will ensure this problem doesn't continue through its moves in the upcoming NFL Draft and free agency. 

The Steelers could certainly look to free agency to address their depth concerns at defensive line rather than the draft. Pittsburgh has been projected to take a defensive lineman highly in the event at times by mock draft analysts of late. However, there is a free agent name that could be an under-the-radar signing that addresses the run-stopping that the Steelers desperately need. He is coming off a productive year and could be an intriguing piece to the defense for years to come. 

Steelers beat reporters, Christopher Carter and Brian Batko discussed adding this defensive lineman. 

"I'm gonna give a sneaky name a lot of people don't know about, and that's Logan Hall. He's a defensive tackle from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's 26 years old, played a decent bit. He's been an inside guy. He's 6'6". He's brought in to be one of those first guys off the bench, come in and give you some solid reps on the interior," said Carter. "He can stuff the run, be a decent enough pass rusher that you're not like just a void of talent in the middle of the line. I feel like that's where the Steelers have suffered a lot over the past few years." 

The Steelers desperately need to ensure their depth on the defensive line. Last season, Harmon was hurt for a handful of games, and the Black and Gold lacked quality depth. When Harmon played, the unit played significantly better. However, the team cannot let injuries completely dictate how their unit plays. That's why bringing in high-quality players, like Hall, would solve a lot of problems for the defense in the Steel City.

Hall was drafted 33rd overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers. He had a very solid college career with the University of Houston and was a top defensive line option in that draft. Hall has been a major part of the Bucs' defense, where he was on the field for more than half of their snaps. Hall had a solid 2024, where he had a career-best 5.5 sacks. 

He has proven durable as he has missed only two games in four seasons. The Steelers need non-injury-prone players on their line, just like Hall. Pittsburgh could use his intangibles to unlock his ability, as he was a very highly admired prospect, and could utilize the leadership of veteran Cam Heyward and new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to continue his growth.

The Steelers Need To Add Quality Free Agents On Defense

The Steelers have a lot of fixable holes on defense that they could look to address in free agency. This includes safety, defensive line, and cornerback. The Steelers' safety room is barren and needs to be revamped. This could be done through adding a free agent like Jaquan Brisker or through the draft. The Steelers need a partner at corner for their star Joey Porter Jr., too. All these positions can be remedied by adding free agents. Defensive line is an area of need that doesn't necessarily need to be looked at highly in the draft. There are quality players, like Hall, out there for the Steelers to sign. 

The Steelers would benefit by drafting primarily for bigger positions of need. Adding depth at the line and in the secondary could be a better target for free agency and adding a player like Hall would make a huge difference in improving a Steelers defense that underwhelmed last season. 

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