Free agency primer from a Steelers perspective
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Never in the 30 offseasons that preceded it since the NFL introduced unrestricted free agency had the Pittsburgh Steelers added more than the 11 free agents they signed away from other teams last spring.
That 2023 was the first full offseason under general manager Omar Khan is probably not a coincidence.
Consider that the Steelers signed a total of just 10 external free agents combined over the 2019, 2020 and 2021 offseasons. And among the 11 signed last season, six spent the season (when healthy) atop the depth chart at his respective position. That made the second consecutive year the Steelers got six starters via free agency. For context, there were several instances over the past few decades when the Steelers’ foray into free agency was little more than picking up some spare parts and backups.
Make no mistake, like Tom Donahoe and Kevin Colbert before him, Khan envisions building a sustainable winner via the draft. It’s in the Steelers’ DNA to develop and re-sign their own. And even after binging on unrestricted free agents last season, the organization can pride itself more on finding at least three rookie starters in the draft, with at least a couple more projecting as possible starters down the line.
Still, free agency remains an important part of roster-building.
“We’re looking at everything, and I have an obligation to this organization, to the players, to the front office, to every member of Steelers nation, to look at every option and every way of trying to improve this team,” Khan said at the NFL Combine last week. “And we’re going to do so.”
The free agency aspect of that improvement process formally begins at noon Monday, when teams are permitted to start negotiating with the agents of players whose contracts officially expire at 4 p.m. Wednesday. It is at that moment that new deals for unrestricted free agents can be signed.
Luckily for the Steelers, none of their unrestricted free agents-to-be are considered major losses. For example, none are in CBS Sports’ compilation of the top 100 UFAs.
But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of talent available on the open market. Nor that the Steelers don’t have plenty of holes to fill. A quick look at what the Steelers might be looking for:
Quarterback
Everyone from coach Mike Tomlin to Khan to president Art Rooney II has expressed the need for “competition” to push Kenny Pickett.
That could come from Mason Rudolph, who outperformed Pickett last season when he started the past final four games (including playoffs). But Rudolph is wont to at least test the market. If the Steelers go outside the organization via the free-agent route, don’t expect the likes of Kirk Cousins, who expected to command big money. If the ballyhooed Russell Wilson option doesn’t pan out, the ceiling then becomes the likes of Ryan Tannehill or Gardner Minshew.
Center
Arguably the most glaring hole in the starting lineup, the Steelers already have scheduled a meeting with recently released former Buffalo Bills center Mitch Morse. There is no shortage of other veteran options: Andre James (formerly of the Raiders), Connor Williams (Dolphins), Lloyd Cushenberry (Broncos), Aaron Brewer (Titans), Tyler Biadasz (Cowboys), Coleman Shelton (Rams) and Evan Brown (Seahawks).
Cornerback
Expect nickel/slot to be addressed on the cheap again. But could the Steelers splurge for an outside corner to play opposite Joey Porter Jr.?
The cost for a high-level CB is much more than, for example, a center. Among seemingly limitless options include former Bengals DB Chidobe Awuzie, Sean Murphy-Bunting (ex of the Titans) and Adoree’ Jackson (Giants). Former Steeler Steven Nelson joins versatile Kendall Fuller (ex of the Commanders), former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore (Cowboys) and Ronald Darby (Ravens) as options age 29 or older.
Wide receiver
Like corner, the market is flooded with receivers of various skillsets. The Steelers and former Clairton and Pitt star Tyler Boyd always have been linked. The Steelers never have swung big at WR in free agency, probably eliminating the likes of Michael Pittman Jr. (Colts) or Marquis “Hollywood” Brown (Cardinals). The Commanders’ Curtis Samuel is an intriguing option.
Inside linebacker
Is longtime rival and former Raven Patrick Queen on the radar? He wouldn’t come cheap. Frankie Luvu emerged as one of the NFL’s best pass-rushing ILBs with the Panthers. Lavonte David (Buccaneers) has borderline Hall of Fame credentials but is 34. Willie Gay Jr. (Chiefs) and Azeez Al-Shaair (Titans) might not have the coverage chops the Steelers need.
Special teams
It is more likely than not that special teams captain Miles Killebrew re-signs, but there is a need at punter. The Steelers could give longtime veteran Thomas Morstead (Jets) a look. Cameron Johnston (Texans), Tommy Townsend (Chiefs) and Rigoberto Sanchez (Colts) are multi-year NFL punters on the market. Braden Mann was in Steelers’ camp last year but ended up punting for the Eagles.