Steelers LBs React to Kwon Alexander Signing

The Pittsburgh Steelers are embracing the addition of another veteran to their linebacker group.

LATROBE -- The Pittsburgh Steelers front office had one more trick up its sleeves during an otherwise quiet summer. They improved their linebacker depth this week with the addition of Kwon Alexander, a seven-year veteran and 2017 Pro Bowl selection.

The Steelers already have two veterans - Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts - taking first-team reps in practice during the first week of training camp, but those two welcomed the addition of a former Pro Bowler to support the room. 

"I think competition pushes the room to be better," Roberts said. "I love competition. I hate to be feeling complacent because sometimes you might miss something in your own development, so I love to be pushed."

At least on paper, Alexander figures to be a fixture of the linebacker rotation, if not a starter right away. He brings athleticism and coverage skills that complement Roberts and Holcomb, who are known better for their abilities to play against the run. 

Neither Holcomb nor Roberts have played alongside Alexander until now, but have seen him play at times and are encouraged by the resume he brings to Pittsburgh. 

“He's a hell of a player," Holcomb said. "I mean, he’s been a Pro Bowler.”

MORE: Kwon Alexander Reveals Jersey Number With Steelers

Making the linebackers room stronger is a two-sided proposition for the incumbent players. They want the team to be successful, but would rather it not come at the expense of playing time for themselves. Roberts wasn't necessarily surprised the Steelers signed Alexander after adding two veterans over the offseason and welcomes competition that makes everyone better. 

“I think competition pushes the room to be better," Roberts said. "I love competition. I hate to be feeling complacent because sometimes you might miss something in your own development so I love to be pushed.”

The personnel is there. Now all that's left to do is mesh as a unit on the field. That's one of the advantages of a "destination camp," according to Holcomb. Alexander will practice with the Steelers once before taking an off day. In between those practices, he'll have time to eat and hang out in the dorms at St. Vincent College with his new teammates, building chemistry that will be crucial moving forward this season. 

"Every day you learn new things, even if it’s stuff that has nothing to do with football," Holcomb said. "We’re spending a lot of time together. … When you have that personal connection, you play a lot more together.”

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