NFL Free Agency: Steelers Reportedly To Meet With Bills LB Arthur Moats
By Matt Shetler
As the free agency period continues in the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers still have some needs to address.
One of those is adding depth at the linebacker position.
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
With that being said, it looks as if the the Steelers are slated to meet with Buffalo’s Arthur Moats as early as Monday, according to Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Moats is a versatile linebacker who could help in multiple areas of the Steelers 3-4 defense. He started 12 games at weak-side linebacker for the Bills last season.
In addition, Moats was also listed as the Bills top backup middle linebacker. The 26-year-old has the ability to play both inside and outside in the Steelers’ 3-4 scheme, something we saw from Lawrence Timmons early on in his career.
Moats attended James Madison and has recorded 141 tackles and 5.0 sacks in four NFL seasons.
His strength is playing the run, so if Moats were to sign 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.
He also was Buffalo’s recipient of its Ed Block Award for courage this past season.
While Vince Williams is the likely frontrunner to line up next to Timmons next season, it couldn’t hurt to add some quality depth and ability.