Some teams are known for making huge splashes and others, like the Pittsburgh Steelers, tend to do just enough during free agency every year to get to the draft in April with a specific strategy in mind. The organization wasn't completely quiet, however, throughout the first two days and change of the NFL's legal tampering period. They lost a key piece in Cameron Sutton, but have made both internal and external moves to set the franchise up for success in 2023. Let's grade each signing so far.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan. | Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post Gazette
1.) Nate Herbig - IOL - A-
This is quite possibly the least sexy signing of them all, but at two years and only $8 million, he's a huge pickup for Pittsburgh. He is only 24 years old, but has played in a total of 44 games, starting 28 of them. ESPN analytics had him as the sixth-best lineman when it came to run-block win rate in 2022.
At the very least, he will challenge, and maybe light a fire under, Kevin Dotson for the starting spot at left guard. This signing indicates Herbig will be the guy, though and Dotson will back him up. Failed 2021 third-round pick, Kendrick Green has likely seen the last of his regular season time with the Steelers.
2.) Damontae Kazee - B+
Kazee returns, but no word yet on Terrell Edmunds. The six-year veteran was injured half of the 2022 season, but still played in nine games and came up with two interceptions. He is an extremely versatile player and his return softens the blow of losing Sutton. He will either be playing next to Minkah Fitzpatrick or in more of a hybrid role.
It was imperative that Pittsburgh brought back Kazee, Edmunds or both. One of those tasks is checked off the list and while contract details have not yet emerged, one can assume that it is on more of a team friendly deal.
Steelers safety, Damontae Kazee stretches during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
3.) Larry Ogunjobi - B+
Some are upset about the three-year, $28.75 million Ogunjobi is expected to sign to come back to the Steel City. The franchise really had no choice. The defensive line class in free agency and the draft isn't incredibly deep and Cameron Heyward was really the only one heading into the offseason that could be trusted to be consistent on the offensive line.
Ogunjobi's sack numbers were down in 2022 (1.5), but he was a much better run defender than anticipated. This is the same guy that signed a three-year, $40.5 million with the Chicago Bears a year ago and lost out because of a failed physical. Now, it's almost like the Steelers get him at a bargain if he performs at a high level.
4.) Patrick Peterson - B
Pittsburgh needed a cornerback after losing Sutton and uncharacteristically went after an older player entering his age-33 season. He will certainly bring in a leadership aspect, but the coaching staff better be sure he can still play because if he under performs... it's going to be a long 2023 season in the secondary no matter who the organization decides to draft.
Former Minnesota Vikings cornerback, Patrick Peterson (#7) will reportedly be signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. | Photo Credit: minnesotavikings.com
Peterson will be a great mentor to whoever is drafted and can definitely still play. He had five interceptions in 2022. The reason this grade is lower than expected is because the team needs to start being confident and investing in this position. Doing that with someone who plans to retire in two seasons isn't exactly a home run.
Steelers Address Linebacker Position Wednesday Morning
5.) Cole Holcomb - B-
The newest alleged signing will be Holcomb. Reports came out on Wednesday morning that he would be coming to Pittsburgh on a three-year deal. This very well could turn into the best one of the offseason, but the low grade is in part due to his injury history, only starting 10 games in 2020 and seven in 2022. He had season-ending foot surgery during his last season with the Washington Commanders.
Holcomb had a career-high 142 tackles in 2021 and is known as a solid run-stopper, which was a must for whoever is going to play next to Myles Jack. This grade could fluctuate depending on the nature of the deal, but he is clearly part of the organization's future plans. If he plays to his potential, this B- will be an extremely cold take.
What grades are you giving the Steelers moves so far in free agency? Let us know in the comments below!
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