It's a huge off-season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They've lacked postseason success for over a handful of years now, not even making the AFC Championship since the 2016-2017. In fact, that was the last time the black and gold won a playoff game, over six years ago. General manager, Omar Khan will get his first full off-season in his new position, including heading the 2023 NFL Draft.
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Last year, Khan was quite aggressive in free agency, signing both Mason Cole and James Daniels, who helped improve the offensive line greatly. Khan will look to make signings that have that kind of impact. The team has several needs, most notably linebacker, cornerback, and the lines on both side of the ball. Without further ado, here are some realistic names that Khan should be going after this off-season:
LB David Long Jr.
The Steelers went out and addressed the middle linebacker position last off-season by bringing in Myles Jack on a two-year, $16 million deal. Now, they may have to do so again with Devin Bush likely on his way out of town. Tennessee Titans linebacker, David Long would be the perfect guy to bring in, coming off his best season in his four-year career.
He started a career-high 12 games for the Titans, and Pro Football Focus rated him as the 13th-best linebacker out of 84. Long was top-six in both run defense and pass rushing grades amongst linebackers, but his coverage did leave a lot to be desired. Because of his minimal track record and average coverage skills, he shouldn't demand too much money in free agency. Bringing in a thumper to stop the run would be a smart signing by Khan.
CB Jamel Dean
One of Khan's top priorities this off-season should be re-signing Cam Sutton, the team's most reliable cornerback. As we know though, things happen when money is thrown out there. There has to be a backup plan, and Jamel Dean of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be just that. If Sutton is re-signed, it makes the signing of another corner in free agency unlikely, thus why it's Plan B essentially. Dean has been the No. 2 corner in Tampa Bay for a few seasons now, with Carlton Davis as the No. 1.
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That's no disrespect to Dean though, as he has established himself as a legitimate starting corner in the NFL. Of the 120 qualifying cornerbacks, he ranked tied-for-10th in 2022 according to PFF. While he is more known for his skills in man coverage, he can perform in zone as well. Spotrac projects Dean to get a three-year, $26+ million deal this off-season. That would be a good deal for Khan and the Steelers if Sutton's return falls through.
DL Sheldon Rankins
Regardless whether or not the team brings back Larry Ogunjobi, the defensive line still needs to be addressed this off-season. Whether that's through the draft or in free agency, Khan needs to add one or two defensive linemen, such as Sheldon Rankins. After spending his first five seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Rankins has been with the New York Jets for the last two years.
Rankins has 23.5 sacks in seven NFL seasons, showing an ability to generate pressure from the inside. After a difficult 2021 campaign in which he started just three contests, he bounced back in 2022. With the Jets having to eventually pay Quinnen Williams a large amount of money, Rankins will likely be available at a relatively cheap price.
OT Taylor Lewan
Yes, Barstool Sports' Jersey Jerry has already photoshopped Lewan into a Steelers uniform (several times). The nine-year offensive lineman loves the Steelers' colors, and he's been transparent that the Titans will probably cut ties with him this off-season. Lewan's mentioned several teams that he would be interested in on his podcast Bussin' With The Boys, so the Steelers interaction seems to all be in good fun. With that being said, Khan should at least pick up the phone if the veteran left tackle hits the market.
NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 28: Taylor Lewan #77 of the Tennessee Titans jogs off the field after the coin toss before a NFL preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Nissan Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Bears defeated the Titans 27-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Now, he may not have much left in his game at this point. After two major knee surgeries, who knows if he has another Pro Bowl appearance in him. Lewan should be on the market for a cheap price due to those injuries, and he would have an opportunity to start. At the very least, it would provide competition for two-year OT Dan Moore Jr., who failed to take a leap forward in 2022. Additionally, Lewan would bring some nastiness back to Steelers football, a physicality component that has been missing for a few years.
Who do you want to see the Steelers sign in free agency? What position should be of the biggest priority for Khan? Who do you think the team will end up signing? As always, please share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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