Linebacker Jeremiah Moon could be the next NFL player with the unusual opportunity to play for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens.
NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reported that the Steelers have claimed Moon, who the Ravens waived on January 25.
The Ravens placed Moon on waivers to make a roster spot available for tight end Mark Andrews. The Pro Bowl tight end is coming off injured reserve to play in the AFC championship.
Pittsburgh’s claim for Moon will occur the day after the Super Bowl.
“Steelers award of Jeremiah Moon off waivers from Ravens deferred until after Super Bowl,” Wilson posted on X.
#Steelers award of Jeremiah Moon off waivers from #Ravens deferred until after Super Bowl @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 26, 2024
An undrafted free agent in 2022, Moon played in eight games for the Ravens during the 2023 regular season. He had 12 combined tackles, including 1 tackle for loss and 2 forced fumbles.
Moon played mostly on special teams, but he had 99 snaps on defense as well.
He also dressed for Baltimore’s first playoff game against the Houston Texans.
Steelers Claim LB Jeremiah Moon Off Waivers
Because the Steelers are adding Moon prior to free agency, they will need to re-sign the former undrafted free agent to have him on the 2024 roster. But Moon is an exclusive rights free agent, so he will not be able to test free agency the same as unrestricted players do.
Essentially, the Steelers will have to place a tender on Moon to keep him in Pittsburgh.
Moon signed with the Ravens after not getting selected in the 2022 NFL draft. Baltimore then signed the linebacker to its practice squad at the beginning of the 2022 season. He spent that entire campaign on the Ravens practice squad and didn’t appear in the 2022 regular season.
After 2023 training camp with the Ravens, Moon didn’t make the team. But, he again signed with the Baltimore practice squad. Moon spent the season bouncing back and forth between the team’s practice squad and active roster.
This will be Moon’s first tenure with another NFL organization besides Baltimore.
Moon played six seasons in college at Florida. Appearing in 46 games, Moon posted 151 total tackles, including 14 for loss. He also had 8 sacks, 4 pass defenses and 1 forced fumble with the Gators.
How Could Moon Fit With the Steelers in 2024
Even though it’s nice to get a player from a rival and the division champions’ roster, adding Moon shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than a flier.
But Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora argued that it’s one worth taking.
“Overall, he’s worth a flier even if the circumstances of his addition are a bit unusual,” Kozora wrote. “I like his size and run defense if he can become more technical. There’s no guarantee he will make the team, but he could stick as the No. 4 outside linebacker if Markus Golden doesn’t return.
“He’s bigger and stronger than someone like Kyron Johnson, who carved a role on special teams but is far too undersized to have a defensive role in Pittsburgh’s system.”
Depending on Pittsburgh’s linebacker situation, Moon could provide valuable depth at the position. He also has the potential to develop into a key special teams player for the Steelers.
