In addition to working out former University of Arizona outside linebacker Taylor Upshaw on Monday, the Pittsburgh Steelers also worked out edge rushers Aaron Patrick and Nathan Latu, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.
Veteran Steelers outside linebacker Markus Golden suddenly retired on Friday, so the team is in need of a pass rusher. Jeremiah Moon, Kyron Johnson, Julius Welschof and DeMarvin Leal are in competition for the No. 4 OLB spot.
Upshaw started all 13 games on the defensive line for the Wildcats in 2023, recording a team-high 8.5 sacks, a mark that tied for fourth in the Pac-12. He also made 31 total tackles (16 solo, 15 assists) with 11.5 tackles for loss, tied for third in the Pac-12, forced one fumble, six quarterback hurries, and one pass breakup.
Upshaw was a four-year letterman at Michigan (2019-2022) before transferring to Arizona. He appeared in 37 games in his career along the defensive line with two starts.
Patrick has not played in a NFL game since 2022 when he was with the Denver Broncos. In Week 6, he suffered a torn ACL and was placed on injured reserve. The injury occurred when Patrick was forced out of bounds and collided with a league official. As he did so, his foot planted on a fabric mat used to cover broadcast cords and cables, and caused his knee to bend awkwardly.
On Nov. 17, Patrick launched a lawsuit against the NFL, the Chargers and ESPN for “unspecified damages, including lost bonuses and future earning potential.”
Patrick, who went undrafted out of Eastern Kentucky, signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad on Dec. 14, 2020. The Broncos signed Patrick to their active roster off of the Jaguars practice squad on Sept. 23, 2021. On Aug. 29, 2023, Patrick was waived by the Broncos.
Latu is the twin brother of San Francisco 49ers tight end Cameron Latu. Nathan Latu played at Snow College, a JUCO school, before transferring to Oklahoma State. Steelers running back Jaylen Warren also played at Snow College.
At Oklahoma State in 2023, Latu played in all 14 games and started five, including each of the first four and the Texas Bowl win over Texas A&M. He was credited with 31 total tackles on the year to rank second among OSU’s defensive linemen. He had 3.0 sacks to tie for third on the team and first among defensive linemen.
