The Pittsburgh Steelers have traditionally not made a big splash in free agency. That doesn’t mean that they ignore the process, but the Steelers have a model they use to evaluate players and they rarely deviate from it. Pittsburgh has brought in big-name players like Joe Haden, Jeff Hartings, James Farrior, and even Kevin Greene in the first free agency period in 1993, but it is the exception, not the rule.
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Steelers CB Joe Haden picks off Tom Brady in the team's win over the Patriots.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' NFC North Offensive Line Additions Made A Big Impact On 2022
Last season, the Steelers addressed the offensive line by signing James Daniels from the Chicago Bears and Mason Cole from the Minnesota Vikings. The pair of offensive interior linemen solidified and greatly improved the play of the offensive line in 2022. The Steelers have multiple needs to fill out a thin roster and they could very well turn back to the NFC North this offseason to address them.
The Steelers are likely after roster moves to have approximately $20 million dollars to spend in free agency after releasing William Jackson III and Mitch Trubisky. Pittsburgh could free up as much as $30 million dollars if they are aggressive in restructuring contracts or make a surprising cut like Myles Jack or Ahkello Witherspoon.
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Steelers Myles Jack
The NFC North has some intriguing affordable options that Pittsburgh could target to give them flexibility heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. The Steelers have needs on both lines, cornerback, linebacker, and wide receiver. If they look North to fill those positions in free agency, here are the top options available to them:
Adrian Amos
Amos had a down season in 2022 for the Green Bay Packers and he will be 30 years old in 2023. However, he is a top bounce-back candidate and a change of scenery could do him a world of good. Amos and Minkah Fitzpatrick would be a formidable duo at safety and if the Steelers decide to move on from Terrell Edmunds, he could mentor a mid to late-round draft pick while providing quality play.
The Steelers have turned to free agency in the past for safety help and Amos, despite his pedigree, should be an affordable option. A gamble on Amos could pay off in a big way for the Steelers.
Patrick Peterson
Peterson does not fit the Steelers’ usual model for a free agent, but last season, he was the Vikings’ best cornerback. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he was still graded as a top-five coverage corner in the NFL. The Steelers have expressed interest in bringing back Cam Sutton, but if the market for Sutton gets out of control, Peterson could be a low-key option that is expected to command a one-year deal for approximately $5 million dollars.
Peterson is still playing at a high level and could give the Steelers the flexibility to bring a rookie cornerback along slowly. If he performs as he did in 2022, it would give the Steelers an upgrade at the position.
Robert Tonyan
Zach Gentry is a free agent and Connor Heyward is the smallest tight end in the NFL since they started playing Super Bowls. Tonyan would be a massive upgrade as a receiver over Gentry and is an underrated blocker. He was a favorite target of Aaron Rodgers, but injuries slowed him last year. Green Bay was already skeptical, judging by the one-year deal they signed him to heading into last season. He could give the Steelers a very dangerous 12-personnel package paired with Pat Freiermuth.
Tonyan fits the Steelers’ profile of a productive player who is undervalued heading into a second contract. He should also be an affordable option for the black and gold.
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Steelers' former Vice President of Football Operations and current general manager smiles while on the field in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Steelers and Omar Khan have to be aggressive during free agency to fill roster holes without breaking the bank. The NFC North has a couple of solid veteran secondary options that should be affordable, and the Steelers have demonstrated in the past that is the position they are most likely to bend on their typical free agency profile.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Who do you want to see the Steelers target in free agency? Please comment below, or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
