3 AFC North Free Agents The Steelers Could Be A Perfect Match For

Given the salary cap situation, the Pittsburgh Steelers may not be heavy spenders once free agency comes around in a month or so. Some internal re-signings are likely, but it's hard to envision a big splash given the team's history in the off-season, as well as the money that may be available. It is no secret that the offensive and defensive lines along with the cornerback, wide receiver and linebacker positions need to be addressed before the organization plays the next meaningful snap. 

In June of 2022, Pittsburgh targeted a divisional foe in Larry Ogunjobi after his three-year deal with the Chicago Bears fell through due to a failed physical. He was a very nice addition to a defensive front that needed some reinforcements and his familiarity with the division was a bonus.

Could general manager, Omar Khan go after other divisional opponents who are set up to be free agents in 2023? Ogunjobi was his signing after he took the reigns following the 2022 NFL Draft. There is a ton of value bringing in former enemies. It's a keep your friends close, but enemies closer kind of thing.

There are a plethora of players who suited up for the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns in 2022 and nothing would upset them more than a 2023 free agent landing with the Steelers.

Staying away from what has been talked about recently like signing Jacoby Brissett, Marcus Peters or Germaine Pratt, which players from Pittsburgh's division rivals could find themselves wearing the black and gold later this year?

Steelers Make Splash On The Offensive Line

1.) Ben Powers, OG - Baltimore Ravens

If the financials could be worked out, Powers would be a fantastic addition to the offensive line. The unit for the Steelers in 2022 was the healthiest in the entire league, but the left side could certainly be given a boost. Powers was drafted in the fourth round by Baltimore in 2019 and has been consistent enough to earn a lucrative, but potentially affordable contract.

Pro Football Focus has Powers listed as the 30th ranked free agent and predicts his contract will land somewhere around the $9 million a year mark. Cutting Mitchell Trubisky, in theory, could open up the room. Powers is an incredible pass blocker and would come in to replace Kevin Dotson on the left side of the line.

2.) Brandon Allen, QB - Cincinnati Bengals

This could possibly be the least sexy free agent signing one could drum up in their brain, but it's realistic. Trubisky's future will dictate what the Steelers do at quarterback, but Allen will be entering his seventh season since being drafted in 2016 and has been in the same room as Joe Burrow and Zac Taylor the last few years.

Who knows? Maybe Allen could serve as an extremely inexpensive backup option to Kenny Pickett. He wouldn't be the ideal #2, but it was his role with the Bengals and Pittsburgh may need to conserve cash to spend it in other places. This wouldn't be earth-shattering, but it could make sense.

3.) Taven Bryan, DL - Cleveland Browns

This is one of the most important positions for the Steelers entering the off-season. The team's defense may be the highest paid in the NFL, but the big men up front need reinforcements and depth is key. Bryan had a solid 2022 season for the Browns, starting 16 games and contributing six QB hits, three sacks and two tackles for loss.

His one-year deal in Cleveland was worth just $4 million and he could land in that range for 2023 as well. He is a massive 6'5" and nearly 300 pounds. He would be an awesome player to have alongside Cameron Heyward and would allow Khan to look away from the position the first two days of the draft.

Out of these three, who would you want the Steelers to sign in March? Let us know in the comments below!

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