The Pittsburgh Steelers will most likely never be a team who makes a splash move in free agency by adding a top player on the market. They tend to stick to what they know by adding talent through the NFL Draft, while signing lesser known free agents from other teams who help bridge the gap in positions of need. Is this philosophy painfully boring for Steelers fans? Yes. Has it worked well for them? Also yes.
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This offseason, there are quite a few positions of need for the Steelers such as inside linebacker, cornerback, and wide receiver that we have covered extensively here at SteelerNation.com. While the long term answers will be answered via the NFL Draft, there are some current free agents who have connections to the Steelers who may end up helping this team become a serious contender in 2023.
According to 93.7 The Fan's Andrew Fillipponi, there are three available free agents who fans should keep their eye out on when free agency officially opens on Wednesday, March 15th. Not only would all three of these players provide depth at key positions of need, but they also would be well within the Steelers' price range for a free agent signing. Additionally, all three, in some way, have a connection to the Steelers. Interestingly enough, all three of the players mentioned are also from the 2019 NFL Draft Class:
Steelers free agent moves to keep an eye on (from a trusted source):
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) March 7, 2023
CB Byron Murphy (if Sutton walks)
ILB David Long (a WVU Mountaineer)
OLB Chase Winovich (A Pittsburgh HS legend)
Not a lot of sex appeal here. Just dudes to plug holes.
Byron Murphy: Cornerback
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Cardinals' Cornerback Byron Murphy
Byron Murphy makes sense on a number of different levels. One, he fits a position of need. Two, he is coming off of his first contract with the Arizona Cardinals. Three, he was heavily linked to the Steelers during the 2019 NFL Draft where the Steelers instead decided to trade up and select Devin Bush. Murphy is also only 25 years old and is coming off a pretty mediocre 2022 season, which may end up working in favor of the Steelers in terms of hypothetical contract negotiations. As mentioned by Fillipponi, signing Murphy becomes increasingly likely if Cam Sutton decides to play for a new team in 2023. However, there is still at least some possibility of the Steelers wanting to bring in Murphy even if they elect to bring Sutton back to Pittsburgh.
Unlikely, but still possible. While Murphy has played outside the numbers at corner, he arguably can be best utilized in the slot as a nickel cornerback. He would undoubtedly serve as an upgrade over current slot corner, Arthur Maulet. Murphy's contract projection is difficult to estimate, as he has had an up and down career with the Cardinals. If he somehow stays on the free agent market for long enough, the Steelers may be able to lure him on on a team-friendly deal.
David Long: Inside Linebacker
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Titans' Linebacker David Long
David Long has been mentioned quite a few times here at SteelerNation for a possible plug and play inside linebacker for the Steelers, and for good reason. The former West Virginia Mountaineer has done incredibly well for himself after falling to the 6th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. When healthy, Long has proved to be a valuable inside linebacker who has the ability to play all three downs.
He is a bit undersized at 5'11 and 227 pounds, but makes up for it with a high motor and can also play on special teams, which is something that the Steelers value tremendously.
The Steelers currently have a plethora of questions to answer with their inside linebacker unit. First and foremost, they need to decide on what to do with impending free agents Devin Bush and Robert Spillane. Additionally, they must figure out if Myles Jack is worth the $11.25 million cap hit for 2023 (Spotrac). If any, or all three of these linebackers are elsewhere next season, the likelihood of David Long getting a serious look from the Steelers grows tremendously.
Chase Winovich Contract: Defensive End / Outside Linebacker
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Chase Winovich with the Patriots in 2021
Bring the Pittsburgh kid home. Simple as that, right? The addition of Chase Winovich would not only make Yinzers all across the 412 happy, but would also provide quality depth at an extremely critical positional group, outside linebacker. Wino has primarily been a backup and special teams player during his stints with both the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns. He would most likely serve in a similar capacity for the Steelers.
Before the 2019 NFL Draft, it was all but a foregone conclusion that he would find himself in the black and gold. Many thought he would be the Steelers' third round selection at pick #66, but the team ultimately decided to go with wide receiver Diontae Johnson, probably for the best. Winovich would eventually be selected only a few picks later by the Patriots, who he most likely spent his entire childhood hating as a lifelong Steelers fan.
Perhaps the most intriguing reason to consider signing Winovich is that he would most likely come in on a team-friendly deal. It would most likely fall a little bit above the league minimum. This reunion just makes too much sense. Chase Winovich is destined to become a Pittsburgh Steeler.
The best option for the Steelers?
What do yinz think about these three players? Is there one in particular you would especially like to see the Steelers bring in? Are there any other free agents you realistically think could be in Pittsburgh in 2023? Let us know in the comments what you think!
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