It's hard not to be excited when free agency begins even if the Pittsburgh Steelers are not normally big spenders during intense couple weeks leading into April every offseason. It can be expected that the organization will try and resign some guys who were on the team in 2022 while also taking a look at inexpensive external options that fit certain needs.
It will give everyone a better idea of what will become a priority during the 2023 NFL Draft. There are some current players who are set to be on the roster come September, but the next few weeks could be the writing on the wall for them.
Steelers wide receiver Steven Sims (#82) warms up prior to a rivalry matchup against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2022 regular season at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | JORDAN SCHOFIELD/STEELERNATION (JSKO_PHOTO TWITTER)
1.) Steven Sims - Wide Receiver
Sims was an unexpected surprise in 2022. He became the team's return man after early struggles from Gunner Olszewski and despite the occasional ball security issues, was a bright spot on special teams for the majority of the year. He even made some nice plays down the stretch at wide receiver.
With Calvin Austin III set to make his professional debut in 2023, if Pittsburgh also targets a wide receiver in free agency, it could be an incredibly difficult hurdle for Sims to make his wake back onto the 53-man roster barring another injury going forward. He had a nice impact, but adding a bigger name at the position could send him to the practice squad come the season.
2.) Mark Robinson - Inside Linebacker
Robinson didn't get much time during his rookie season after being selected in the seventh round. That was expected, although fans were excited by his explosiveness and hard-hitting ability during his first professional preseason. If the Steelers bring in someone to play alongside Myles Jack, it would hint that Pittsburgh doesn't exactly have the faith in Robinson
Steelers linebacker, Mark Robinson participates in his first-ever training camp in 2022 at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | PHOTO CREDIT: JORDAN SCHOFIELD / STEELERNATION (JSKO_PHOTO TWITTER)
It could get even worse for the second-year player if the franchise decides to go after inside linebackers in both free agency and the draft. He will end up right back where he started in 2022 or potentially even worse. It would be the best news of his offseason if the team holds off on his position in March.
3.) Montravius Adams - Defensive Line
Pittsburgh's depth is extremely weak on the defensive line. This group is absolutely going to need reinforcements to come in over the next few months and Adams could see his current #1 spot on the depth chart disappear extremely quickly. He is in a similar position as all three here. If it's not free agency, it's going to be the draft or both.
Adams only started nine games last season and while he will be in the rotation come the beginning of the 2023 season, the Steelers could definitely be looking for someone to jump into the starting role over him. It won't be Javon Hargrave, but Pittsburgh will look to add pieces in this area.
Steelers defensive lineman, Montravius Adams warms up on the field at Acrisure Stadium before a 2022 regular season matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield Steeler Nation / (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Steelers May Not Touch Highly Criticized Position During Free Agency
It's by design that no offensive lineman is on this list right now. In terms of free agency, it's quite possible there won't be any big additions until the draft rolls around. The three guys above, however, could see their roles heavily reduced before the Steelers even select the new batch of rookies in late April.
Do you think these three guys could have a bad free agency period without even entertaining offers from other teams? Let us know in the comments below!
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