The Steelers signed former Baltimore linebacker Malik Harrison to a two-year deal in free agency.
Harrison, 27, enters his sixth NFL season as a special teams ace with starter capability.
The 6-foot-3, 255-pound Ohio State product appeared in 76 career games with the Ravens, 34 of them starts.
In 2024, the Ravens inserted Trenton Simpson into the starting lineup to replace Patrick Queen after he was signed in free agency by the Steelers.
But the defense turned around in the second half of the season when the Ravens turned to Harrison to start the final seven games. Harrison played a career-best 382 defensive snaps, helping to settle things down on the second level for the Ravens.
He finished the season with 54 tackles, two sacks and three tackles for a loss.
Steelers signed free agent linebacker Malik Harrison
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (27) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) celebrates after sacking Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Marcus Mariota during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) looks on during pre-game warm-ups before the NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Houston Texans, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) watches the quarterback before a snap during an NFL preseason football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Monday, Sept. 13, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) defends during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sep. 25, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) and linebacker Trenton Simpson (23) react after a play during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday, November 25, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. The Ravens defeated the Chargers, 30-23. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) celebrates after sacking Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Marcus Mariota during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Cleveland Browns place kicker Cade York (3) has his field goal attempt blocked by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Harrison has the length to fill a role as a reserve edge rusher and the athleticism to play off the ball in space.
A former third-round pick, Harrison ran a 4.66-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2020, also posting a 36-inch vertical jump.
He's never played fewer than 288 snaps on special teams in his five NFL seasons and has topped 300 snaps on special teams in each of the past three seasons.
With special teams ace Tyler Matakevich an unrestricted free agent and Elandon Roberts having signed with the Raiders, Harrison would figure to slide into that role with the capability of stepping into the lineup, if necessary, as a downhill thumper.
He finished second on the Ravens with eight special teams tackles in 2024.
With the NFL toying with the idea of tweaking its kickoff rules even more – including pushing the kickoff spot back five yards – to create more kick returns in 2025, having big, fast players who can run could become critical on those units.
Harrison would fit the bill in that respect. Covering kickoffs was the one area where the Steelers struggled on special teams in 2024 as they -- and the rest of the NFL -- adjusted to the new kickoff rules.
