Perhaps no phrase resonates more with the culture of the Pittsburgh Steelers than ‘next man up’. While this phrase is typically used in situations where injuries leave opportunities for others to step up, it is not exclusive to just that situation. The ‘next man up’ philosophy has also become a business standard for the Steelers as well and there is a huge business opportunity waiting ahead for second year linebacker Ulysees Gilbert III.
Over the last few days, the Steelers have seen their inside linebacker depth thin out in serious fashion. Veteran linebacker Mark Barron was cut due to salary cap purposes after just one season in Pittsburgh and Tyler Matakevich, who has been an instrumental part to the team’s special teams’ unit, was just signed to a two-year deal by the Buffalo Bills.