New acquisitions Malik Reed, Jesse Davis ready for fresh start with Steelers
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Malik Reed was aware a trade was in the works — he just didn’t know the destination — before he was dealt from the Denver Broncos to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday.
Jesse Davis wasn’t as cognizant. He was caught off guard when the Steelers swung a second deal before setting the 53-man roster and acquired him from the Minnesota Vikings, his employer for only five months.
Although their reactions varied, Reed and Davis welcomed the chance to join their new organization. Reed, a 26-year-old outside linebacker, and Davis, a 30-year-old offensive lineman, showed as much by arriving in time to practice Wednesday — even though a four-day break waited on the other side.
“It’s a new opportunity, a fresh start, and I’m happy to be here,” Reed said. “I’m happy to meet the guys and see what type of guys they have here. We’re here to win games, and that’s what I want to do.”
Reed caught a flight from Denver to Pittsburgh on Tuesday and arrived shortly before midnight. After catching a few hours’ sleep, he awakened at 5:50 a.m. and reported to UPMC Rooney Sports Complex to take a physical. He was on the practice field a few hours later.
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When he spoke with reporters after the workout, Reed still hadn’t gotten a chance to meet with Brian Flores, one of his position coaches. Davis introduced himself to some of his fellow linemen on the field while practice was underway.
When the Steelers return to practice Monday, Reed and Davis will have less than a week of preparation before the season opener Sept. 11 in Cincinnati.
“Some of the things they do on defense, the terminology is different but the techniques are the same from where I came from,” Reed said. “I’m trying to get it all down. I pride myself on being smart and being able to pick up on things quick.”
Reed said he took reps at both outside linebacker spots. He is expected to be used as the top backup behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. He started 34 games in his three seasons with the Broncos, sharing time with starters Von Miller and Bradley Chubb and contributing 13 sacks over the previous two years.
He sees similarities between the two systems.
“They do a lot of great things on defense here,” he said. “I see how they get after the quarterback and how aggressive they are, and I feel like I fit in here really well. I’m ready to embrace any opportunity I get.”
Reed was caught in a numbers game in Denver and anticipated being traded.
“I heard there was a lot of interest, and the Steelers were asking about me,” Reed said. “I was more than happy to be able to come here.”
Like Reed, Davis entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. He played every offensive line position except center in five seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He was used at right tackle last season and moved inside to right guard after signing with the Vikings in free agency.
Davis didn’t expect to be on the move again so soon.
“It happened so quick,” he said. “I didn’t really understand what was happening at the time. Everything always sorts itself out.”
In his first practice with the Steelers, Davis said he took snaps at right guard and right tackle while playing on the second team.
“Wherever this organization needs me, that’s where I’ll be,” he said.
Since arriving in the NFL in 2017, Davis has started 72 of 80 games played. His struggles at right tackle last season — he allowed eight sacks — could make Davis more valuable inside where the Steelers have Kevin Dotson and James Daniels at the guard spots.
“I think he’s experienced enough that he’s capable of learning multiple positions as he gets exposed to our system of offense,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “This is the third team he’s been on, and he’s been in the league for a number of years. I don’t think that’s a stretch from a conversation perspective.”