The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to bring back a familiar name to bolster the defense’s outside linebacker depth. Per CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, the Steelers are going to sign LB Jeremiah Moon off the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad.
It would mark the second time this season Pittsburgh “poached” a defender off another practice squad. Earlier this year, the Steelers signed DL Brodric Martin-Rhodes off the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad. With a full roster, the Steelers must make a corresponding move to get Moon onto the 53.
NFL rules effectively state that any player signed off a practice squad must be kept on the roster for at least three weeks. Meaning, Moon is set to be on the roster for the remainder of the regular season. It comes as Pittsburgh is looking shallow at outside linebacker with T.J. Watt (lung) and Nick Herbig (hamstring) missing practice Wednesday and looking doubtful to play this weekend and potentially beyond.
This would be Moon’s second stint with the Steelers. Claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens during the playoffs, an unusual move, Moon joined the roster after the 2024 league year began. A big body at a listed 6’5, 247 pounds and capable of stopping the run, Moon has limited athleticism and has struggled to develop as a pass rusher. He’s also a multi-phase special teamer and blocked a punt against the Las Vegas Raiders last season.
Moon finished 2024 recording nine tackles across 13 games with Pittsburgh. He began the 2024 season on injured reserve after getting hurt in training camp. Re-signing with Pittsburgh in March, he was waived with an injury settlement in early August. Carolina picked him up in October, where he logged six special teams snaps in a Week 6 game against the Green Bay Packers.
For his career, Moon has recorded 21 tackles in 22 games.
Moon could serve as the Steelers’ No. 3 outside linebacker behind Alex Highsmith and rookie Jack Sawyer should Watt and Herbig sit out Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions. He would also play on special teams.