Malik-Harrison signs with Pittsburgh Steelers - Ravens lose linebackers again in 2025 NFL free agency

Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik-Harrison signs 2-year, $10 million deal with Pittsburgh Steelers. Patrick Quinn's reunion would energize Mike Tomlin's team.

Malik-Harrison joining Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 NFL free agency - Ravens' new setback

Malik-Harrison joining Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 NFL 

The divisional decline reminds me of the loss of Patrick Quinn

For the second year in a row, the Baltimore Ravens have snatched a key linebacker from their arch AFC North rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. On March 10, 2025, NFL Network reporters Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported that linebacker Malik Harrison has signed a two-year, $10 million deal with the Pittsburgh team. The deal, reported by Milk-and-Honey Sports, signals a new shift in the balance of power in the division - which took place after Patrick Quinn moved to Pittsburgh in 2024 (3-year, $41 million deal).

 

Harrison, selected by the Ravens out of Ohio State with the third pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, now assists Queen in the Steel City - adding strength and identity to Mike Tomlin's group of linebackers. The addition strengthens Pittsburgh's defense, and sets them up for a tough matchup against their former team.

 

Harrison's journey: From assistant to starter

The 27-year-old, 6-foot-3-inch tall, 255-pound linebacker brings versatility to Pittsburgh. In five years with Baltimore, he has appeared in 76 games and 34 starts, and has become a reliable contributor on defense and special teams. In the 2024 regular season, he recorded 54 tackles (3 for loss) and 2.0 sacks in 15 games - demonstrating physicality against the runner and the ability to pressure the QB.

 

Harrison's ground became special in the 2024 season. As a backup to second-year linebacker Trenton-Simson, he was a regular member of the special teams. But in Week 11 (ironically against the Steelers), he replaced Simson as the starter. In his last seven games, he has collected 36 tackles (15 solo) and 1.0 sack - including 8 tackles (2 solo) and 1.0 sack in a 35-14 win over the New York Giants on Dec. 15, 2024. In two regular season games against the Steelers in 2024, he had 9 tackles - proving his strength for a new team.

 

Harrison's contributions to the Pittsburgh team

Harrison's arrival fills a void at linebackers for the Steelers. Analysts say he could play a similar role to Elandon Roberts - who was a strong base linebacker and excelled as a run blocker. In the X, Steelers pundits like Alex Kozora declare Harrison a "runner crusher" - endowed with special teams experience to suggest a transition to younger players when Roberts' tenure ends. At 27 years old (early March 2025), Harrison has 372 defensive snaps in 2024, which would boost his ranking.

 

Familiarity with the Ravens' method gives Pittsburgh a tactical advantage. Reunited with the 2024 Pro-Bowler-Queen, he will bolster a Steelers defense that is already renowned for its toughness. "He's a versatile ILB, and is physical in the running game," ex-user @FrostyTalksFB said - which fits Mike Tomlin's tough style.

 

Ravens lose, Steelers win

With Harrison gone, the Baltimore team lost linebacker depth. Roquan-Smith and Trenton-Simson are the only players who are present - the Ravens will have to solve this in free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft. Harrison's move to Pittsburgh is doubly painful - the intensity of the opponent and the departure of Patrick Quinn. Ex-user @Deezer007 said - "Malik Harrison joined the Steelers! Steelers go to hell!" - expressing the anger of Ravens supporters.

 

So far, the Pittsburgh team is taking advantage of the "legal tampering" period (beginning March 10, 2025). According to Behind the Steel Curtain, along with Harrison, the Steelers have also signed cornerback Darius Slay - who will strengthen their defense after the wild-card loss against Baltimore in late 2024.

 

Future view: Steelers vs. Ravens in the 2025 season

Missing Harrison forms the basis of the story for the 2025 season. He could prove his worth in annual duels with former teammates. His increased physicality and defensive impact could be decisive for opponents.

The new league season will begin on March 12, 2025 at 4 pm EST - Harrison's formation will be official then. Now Steelers fans are celebrating this shrewd acquisition, and Ravens fans are celebrating their victory as well.

They mourn as they return to their enemies.