The Pittsburgh Steelers opted against tendering outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon, making him a free agent as the 2025 league year officially begins.
Given its low tender amount of $1.03 million and the virtually guaranteed nature of retaining the player on an offseason roster, it’s a bit surprising that the Steelers did not extend it to Moon. Presumably, the team is moving on and exploring other linebacker options.
The Steelers claimed Moon off waivers before the 2023 season technically ended after the Baltimore Ravens waived him during their playoff run. NFL rules required the claim be put on hold until after the Super Bowl. Moon was brought to training camp and flashed during the summer before suffering an injury and beginning the 2024 season on injured reserve. Activated as soon as eligible, he provided depth for an outside linebacker room littered with injuries.
His most notable contribution came in Week 6 over the Las Vegas Raiders, blocking a punt in a 32-13 win.
He also played 111 defensive snaps. Jeremiah Moon finished the season with nine tackles in 13 games played. Once the linebacking room returned healthy, along with the addition of Preston Smith at the trade deadline, Moon rarely saw defensive snaps and primarily worked on special teams.
Pittsburgh will search for a fourth outside linebacker behind T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig. The team released veteran EDGE Preston Smith earlier in the offseason after trading for him ahead of the 2024 deadline.
Undrafted out of Florida, Moon looks the part at 6’5, 250 pounds. However, college injuries hampered his career, and he remains a developmental player who needs to improve his hand use and overall pass rush to become a quality defensive rotation option.
Center Ryan McCollum, the team’s other exclusive rights free agent, was tendered. Restricted free agent running back Jaylen Warren was tendered at the second-round level, essentially guaranteeing he’ll be on the 2025 roster.
