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Per Adam Schefter, former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Anthony Chickillo has signed with the New Orleans Saints on a one-year deal.
Former Steelers’ LB Anthony Chickillo reached agreement on a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, per @RosenhausSports.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 21, 2020
Drafted in 2015, Chickillo is designated as a linebacker but spent most of his time as a core special teamer for the Steelers. When he did find himself on the field for the Pittsburgh defense (only 1,053 defensive snaps in his career), it was as a 3-4 edge rusher. In his 65 games played, he has started 9 and produced 8 sacks with 11 tackles for a loss. He has also caused 3 fumbles in process.
According to Chickillo’s Pro Football Focus profile, he has played over 1,200 special teams snaps in his career already with over 200 in each of the last four years. He has graded as a quality special teamer with 25 tackles and only one penalty.
Anthony Chickillo appeared in 11 games for the Steelers in 2019, playing 13% of the defensive snaps and 51% of the ST snaps.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) May 21, 2020
The former Miami Hurricane looks to be coming to New Orleans as an additional camp body at this time, but will enter the an edge rusher group that has been looking for its clear and consistent third option. Feels unlikely right now that he will surface as that option, however.
Chickillo did have to navigate some legal issues last year after he was arrested during the Steeler’s bye week. He was then placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List after an alleged altercation with his then girlfriend. However, all of the charges against him were dropped and he was removed from the list just a couple of weeks later in November.
The 6-foot-3 255-pound edge rusher will have to impress immediately and consistently if he wants grab a spot among a very busy defensive line this offseason.
The Saints will have to make a corresponding move to make room for this signing as they were already at 90 following the addition of Ty Montgomery and subsequent release of Mitchell Loewen.
What do you think of the signing? Just a camp body or more? Let us know in the comments! Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC, “Like” us on Facebook at Canal Street Chronicles, and make sure you’re subscribed to our new YouTube channel. As always, you can follow me on Twitter @RossJacksonNOLA.