Hours after signing former Penn State and XFL wide receiver Saheed Blacknall, the Steelers doubled down, inking XFL sacks leader Cavon Walker. The news was announced by the Steelers' official Twitter account.
We have signed DT Cavon Walker.@BordasLaw TRANSACTION: https://t.co/rHdBaonlYi pic.twitter.com/ELq0IyG9OV
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 13, 2020
Walker, a 6-foot-2, 278-pound defensive tackle who played for the XFL's New York Guardians, posted 19 tackles, five tackles for a loss and a league-best 4.5 sacks during the league's 2020 season, which was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This marks the second move in free agency the Steelers have made for defensive line depth, as Walker joins former Ravens defensive lineman Chris Wormley as a newcomer to the Steel City.
Walker, however, fits the mold of a true defensive tackle, whereas Wormley will play defensive end with the Steelers. This is big for the Steelers, who will need help at the position after losing starter Javon Hargrave in free agency to the Eagles. The team can (and will) use Tyson Alualu there, but behind him, the cupboard is bare, with only Daniel McCullers offering depth. Now, Walker will push McCullers for that spot on the 53-man roster.
Walker played five years collegiately at the University of Maryland before signing with the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2018. There, Walker was released during the final round of roster cuts before signing a reserve/future contract with the Chiefs. He was once again waived during final cuts before heading to the XFL.
HUNTER'S VIEW
This is a smart move. Walker had been linked to the Steelers back in late March, but making the move official before the draft should ease some minds. The Steelers will struggle to replace Hargrave's production, no doubt, but a veteran like Walker coming off a hot run in the XFL with something to prove might surprise in training camp and push McCullers.
The Steelers have previously tried to push McCullers with the likes of Leterrius Walton and Joshua Frazier, but McCullers won out in each instance. Walker could be the wild card the Steelers have been looking for there — and with the departure of Hargrave, he couldn't have arrived at a better time.
