The Recipe for Success for the Steelers in Free Agency

With the legal tampering period just hours away, I wanted to give to you my last-minute wish list for the Steelers in free agency. In years past, you may have remembered by perfect offseason plan article that I put together. While I was not able to muster the time to put that together this year, I did want to give my two cents on what the Steelers should do during the free agency period.

Let’s begin with the in-house free agents and take a look at which players deserve to return to Pittsburgh on new deals.

Bring Back

Justin Fields
Elandon Roberts
Ben Skowronek

Justin Fields and Elandon Roberts are the only two significant players I desire to bring back. I would certainly be open to bringing back James Daniels as well, but much will depend on the price. He also does not play the same style of football as the other starters along the Steelers offensive line, which could create systematic challenges.

Trade

I am not foolish enough to wish Minkah Fitzpatrick leaves Pittsburgh, but in fairness to him and the organization, it may be in the best interest of both parties to part ways. This will give Minkah Fitzpatrick a chance to win a championship on a new team, and it could potentially result in a second-round pick for the Steelers. If there is a market for Minkah, I would explore those options and then follow up by signing Talanoa Hufanga as a replacement. This would give the Steelers two physical safeties on the back end.

Outside Free Agents

QB: If the Steelers bring back Justin Fields, no signing at quarterback makes more sense than reuniting with Josh Dobbs. For one, the scheme would hardly need to change in the event Fields gets injured, and for two, Josh Dobbs is still an incredibly solid veteran whose smarts and football acumen could be of great benefit to Fields.

RB: I am never a fan of spending big money at the running back position simply based on supply and positional value. This draft is loaded at running back, so I will not lose sleep if the Steelers do nothing to add to the position in free agency. However, if they do make a move, I hope it is for none other than Nick Chubb. A year further removed from his gruesome injury should only improve his play from where it was last season, and Spotrac has his market value projected at a very modest $3.3 million. I anticipate Chubb getting more than that, but either way, he would make for a great value signing for the Steelers.

WR: Unfortunately, the receiver market is not robust with youthful options. One name I do find intriguing is Amari Cooper, who was not utilized much in Buffalo but displayed no signs of regression early in the season in Cleveland. At the very least, Cooper is a high-end WR2 who will provide veteran maturity and stability to a room in desperate need of such. Rondale Moore could make for an under-the-radar signing with big dividends as well.

TE: No need to bother.

OL: One player I believe the Steelers could get a huge discount on is Jedrick Wills, who has struggled with injuries that have rattled his consistency. With injury concerns when it comes to Troy Fautanu, it is crucial the Steelers add depth at the position. Sua Opeta and Mekhi Becton are two intriguing names at guard. Opeta would be for depth, while Becton would come in to start.

DL: If the Steelers want to add competitive depth behind Keeanu Benton, a player like Javon Kinlaw would make sense. There are injury concerns with him as well, but his upside is much higher than any current Steelers backup.

EDGE: Outside linebacker may not be a need, but man, could you imagine adding Chase Young to the fold? I believe he has been playing out of position the last couple seasons, and in Pittsburgh, he’d be able to move around depending on the package and situation. This could unleash the potential we all know he has, and it could help keep T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith fresh. He also adds a bigger-bodied presence to the position group to compliment the undersized Nick Herbig.

ILB: Big-Play Willie Gay is all I’m gonna say. Make it happen, Steelers! He will take this linebacker room to a whole new level with his speed and athleticism.

CB: I would be fine if the Steelers waited to address cornerback, considering the free agent pool does not dry up as quick at this position. Having said that, I do think Asante Samuel, Jr. would be a great fit on defense. The Steelers need more security than just Beanie Bishop in the slot, and they need someone opposite Joey Porter, Jr. as well. Samuel will provide some splash to a Steelers secondary that could use a refill in said department.

S: If, in the rare event Minkah gets moved, bring in Talanoa Hufanga. He is not as athletic as Troy Polamalu, but he comes pretty close in the physicality department. Add Samuel and Hufanga to this secondary, and this defense is back on the upswing.

What are your thoughts on the above suggestions? Which free agents do you want the Steelers to bring in? Be sure to share your thoughts on this in the comment section below!