Kwon

Alexander

Alexander will start on the Denver practice squad, with a chance to be activated to the game day roster in the coming weeks. He’s coming off an Achilles injury he suffered last November and would likely be a rotational player for the Broncos. Alexander, 30, had 41 tackles and an interception for the Steelers in 2023 before his injury.

Alexander would be a depth piece focused on coverage for the Broncos, who have been unsatisfied with their linebacker depth so far this year. Alexander tore his Achilles last November and has not been connected to any teams since. The 30-year-old had 41 tackles and one interception for the Steelers in nine games last year.

That’s a brutal blow for a Pittsburgh team that is relying heavily on its defense to win games. The Steelers have been outgained in six straight games, but they continue to pull out wins with defense and controlling the clock. Now they might have to do it without one of their key defenders. Coming into Sunday, Alexander was fifth on the team in tackles and second in tackles for a loss while also forcing a fumble and intercepting one pass. 2022 seventh-round pick Tariq Carpenter figures to take over for Alexander.

Alexander left hurt in the first quarter against the Packers and went to the blue medical tent. After an evaluation, he headed to the locker room and will not return. The Steelers have already lost LB Cole Holcomb for the season and now Alexander is missing from the Steelers’ defense.

Alexander visited with the Steelers last May and reportedly kept in touch throughout the offseason. Now, the veteran linebacker will be joining the Steelers on a one-year deal, becoming the latest member in a new-look linebacking corps. Alexander appeared in all 17 games for the Jets last season, totaling 69 tackles, six TFLs, and a half sack, and should have plenty left in the tank to serve in a supporting role heading into his age-29 season.

The Jets signed Alexander to a one-year contract last offseason, but have been slow to re-sign him this offseason. A report last month from ESPN’s Rich Cimini said the two sides have “stayed in touch”, but little more has materialized since then. The soon-to-be 29-year-old linebacker appeared in all 17 games for the Jets last season, totaling 69 tackles, six TFLs, and a half sack. The Steelers have overhauled their linebacker corps this offseason, having already signed two free agent linebackers in March. Alexander could become the third vet to join them if all goes well with the meeting between the two sides.

The two sides have “stayed in touch” per Cimini. Alexander has not had any known interest from other teams on the market. He started 12 games last year for the Jets and had six tackles for loss and a half-sack next to C.J. Mosely.

A few days shy of his 28th birthday, Alexander will be reuniting with his former 49ers DC Robert Saleh. It wasn’t a terribly productive partnership, as Alexander was traded mid-season to the Saints in 2020. He spent the past 1.5 years in New Orleans, playing a decent number of snaps but at a sub-replacement level. Alexander will not be guaranteed to make the 53-man roster, but his veteran experience and relationship with Saleh will give him a leg up.

New York would make for a sensible landing spot for Alexander, who played for Robert Saleh when he was defensive coordinator in San Francisco. Battling a string of injuries -- including an Achilles tear -- Alexander has bounced around the league since playing his first four seasons with the Bucs. He would be a solid veteran presence in the Jets defense this season.

Alexander did not receive notification of his suspension until Wednesday. He has five business days to appeal, so he will be able to play this week and potentially Week 13 as well depending on how long the appeal process takes. Alexander has made some splash plays this season, but he is regularly getting washed out in the run game.