Taco Charlton reportedly visiting the Steelers, could be signed to practice squad

The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for their defense, and to be more specific, are known for their pass rush. The Steelers have led the NFL in sacks the past three seasons, but with T.J. Watt hampered with a groin injury, the Steelers might be looking to the outside for pass rushing help.

According to Aditi Kinkhabwala of the NFL Network, the Steelers are planning on hosting pass rusher Taco Charlton for a visit/physical. If all goes as planned, Charlton could be added to the team’s practice squad.

Would the addition of Charlton equate in the injury to Watt being more serious than once thought? That might be a little premature at this juncture. The team could be wanting someone with more experience available as their third pass rusher if Watt is unable to play.

In other words, someone other than Jamir Jones to spell either Alex Highsmith or Melvin Ingram, if Watt can’t go.

It also should be noted that the Steelers have an open spot on their practice squad due to the promotion of Henry Mondeaux on Monday when Tyson Alualu was placed on the Reserve/Injured List. So signing Charlton will not cause a release of another player.

Don’t know much about Charlton?

Taco Charlton was the 28th overall selection of the 2017 NFL Draft for the Dallas Cowboys. Most notably, Charlton was selected two spots before the Steelers drafted T.J. Watt. Only lasting two seasons with the Cowboys, Charlton appeared in 27 games with seven starts and only had 4.0 sacks with Dallas. In 2019, Charlton was waived by the Cowboys early in the season and claimed by the Miami Dolphins. Charlton started five games, appearing in 10, with Miami and had 5.0 sacks on the season. Signed by Kansas City after the 2020 NFL Draft, Charlton appeared in seven games with the Chiefs and had 2.0 sacks and no starts while only playing 90 snaps. Released by Kansas City during training Camp this offseason, Charlton was hoping to catch on with another NFL franchise.

Will that franchise be the Steelers? Only time will tell, but if Watt is out for any amount of time Charlton could be a good addition for the Steelers’ defense.

UPDATE

Taco Charlton recently put this out on his personal Twitter page. This deal might be done...