NFL Free Agency: Pittsburgh Steelers Sign Free Agent Linebacker Arthur Moats
By Matt Shetler
Earlier today I looked at the fact that the Pittsburgh Steelers were hosting former Buffalo Bills linebacker Arthur Moats and I felt that it would be a wise move to ink the versatile player to a deal.
Dec 1, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Arthur Moats (52) during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Rogers Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers didn’t waste any time.
The team has reportedly signed Moats to a one-year deal, according to Pro Football Talk.
Moats started 12 games as a weakside linebacker in Buffalo last season and is versatile enough that he could play either inside or outside in the Steelers’ 3-4 defense. The 26-year-old Moats entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick of the Bills in 2010 out of James Madison University.
The Steelers needed quality depth at the linebacker position and accomplished that with this signing.
The signing of Moats also likely puts to rest any speculation that James Harrison could return to Pittsburgh, which is a good thing.
Moats has recorded 141 tackles and 5.0 sacks in four NFL seasons.
His strength is playing the run, so I wouldn’t expect him to be a three-down player, but considering the Steelers’ struggles against the run last season, any help in that area would be welcomed.
With the departure of Larry Foote, Vince Williams is the likely frontrunner to line up next to Lawrence Timmons next season, but Moats will certainly be in the discussion for playing time.