Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers host veteran LB for tryout

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 6/13/23

The Steelers have completely revamped their inside linebacker room this offseason and it doesn't look like they're done tinkering with it yet.

Pittsburgh brought in veteran LB Nick Kwiatkoski, a fourth-round pick by the Bears in the 2016 NFL Draft, on a tryout basis.

The Steelers have brought in linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski on a tryout basis.
Kwiatkoski — from Bethel Park and WVU — was a 2016 4th round pick by Chicago and has also played for the Raiders and Falcons.
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) June 13, 2023

Kwiatkoski played in 12 games for the Falcons in 2022 and has 293 tackles, seven sacks, eight forced fumbles and two interceptions in his career.

The 30-year-old would join a group that already includes Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Tanner Muse and Mark Robinson, who has been "turning heads" in camp with some believing he has a chance to start in 2023.

However, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin told reporters that Robinson is "still a work in progress" and "hopes he will be ready to compete for a starting job next season."

The update on Robinson is surprising but Kwiatkoski's tryout makes much more sense now as he would provide depth and starting experience to the room.

The Steelers would be Kwiatkoski's fourth team since entering the league and he surely wants to prove he still has gas left in the tank heading into his eighth season.

Pittsburgh's 90-man roster is full, so if it were to sign Kwiatkoski, it would need to release someone as the team's busy offseason continues.

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