The Pittsburgh Steelers worked quickly once the tampering period opened to address most of their roster needs. Defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day didn’t agree to a two-year contract with Pittsburgh until the tail end of that week. But with him in the fold, the Steelers now have some solid depth on the interior of their defense.
Joseph-Day was quick to mention his appreciation for some of the veterans on Pittsburgh’s defensive front, most notably Cam Heyward, during his introductory press conference. He’s excited to work with some of the young talent on the roster, too.
“I know they got a bunch of young players, too, that are really establishing themselves as well. So, you know, if I could just come in and pass some wisdom down, and be a help wherever I can, and just get the job done wherever they want me to, that’s the plan,” Joseph-Day said during an interview with Missi Matthews via Steelers.com. “Hopefully we can do great things this season. ‘Cause I see the vision.”
The vision does seem to be coming together along the defensive front. Pittsburgh already has plenty of talent on the edge, but Joseph-Day helps beef up the interior a good bit. His veteran experience, as part of a well-traveled career that makes the Steelers his fifth team in eight years, gives him a lot to teach to some of the younger guys.
Joseph-Day isn’t the most marquee signing, but it’s not like he’s a journeyman who struggles to stick on rosters. Playing less than half the defensive snaps last year in Tennessee, Joseph-Day provided quality depth with two sacks and 41 tackles. He was efficient against the run with six tackles for a loss, and a missed tackle rate of just 4.7 percent.
He takes pride in his versatility, able to play anywhere on the defensive line. That will help him fit in with some of the younger players on the Steelers’ defense, like Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton and Yahya Black.
As he figures out his own role, Joseph-Day is excited to work with Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
“It was all really positive conversation, things to look forward to. And I’m really excited, the way he’s gonna use me, and the way he sees my skill set, and what I can do to help,” Joseph-Day said.
The Steelers didn’t break the bank for any of their free agents, but they have made some sound moves. Joseph-Day is part of a few additions on the Steelers’ defense. He won’t have a massive role. But with Heyward getting up there in age, Harmon missing some time with injuries last year, and some other young players still needing more development, it will be nice to rotate another veteran into that group.
With 12 draft picks next month, the Steelers can still add a bit more firepower. But they did well in free agency to address their biggest needs. While the defensive line wasn’t a major one, Joseph-Day provides extra depth and will help against the run. On a relatively cheap deal, he figures to be a solid addition.
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