The Top 5 Remaining Free Agents The Steelers Should Target

Pittsburgh Steelers general manager, Omar Khan has been relatively active in 2023 free agency thus far. There have been a plethora of external signings while the organization also retained key pieces of the defense in Larry Ogunjobi and Damontae Kazee. That doesn't necessarily mean the moves are done being made. 

With cap space left, according to Over The Cap, and restructures of TJ Watt and Diontae Johnson's contracts still possible to gain more financial freedom, Khan may not be done. There are still several very great options out there and it starts with bringing back one of Pittsburgh's own since he was a rookie.

1.) Terrell Edmunds, Safety

Bringing back Edmunds and having a full season with him, Kazee and Minkah Fitzpatrick would be a great win for the defense. This unit started to gel late in 2022 once Kazee returned from the IR. Edmunds still remains on the open market. 

He admitted he would take his time signing somewhere in 2023, unlike 2022, but the fact that no one has picked him up is good news. He's not an All-Pro, but has gotten better each year and is a consistent, often healthy part of the defense.

2.) Rock Ya-Sin, Cornerback

Despite the addition of Patrick Peterson, the cornerback room is still light and inexperienced. Peterson is more of a fit for a zone scheme and all the weight of the pass defense can't fall on the soon-to-be 33-year old's shoulders. 

Ya-Sin was linked to Pittsburgh early in the offseason and should be a reasonably priced option. He would likely contend with Levi Wallace for the other starting spot and this would allow the organization flexibility with the 17th overall pick.

3.) Bud Dupree, Linebacker

After being released by the Tennessee Titans, Dupree has hit the open market. He would have to take a significant decrease in pay and welcome a backup role, but there's no doubt he was at his best when he was playing his final years in Pittsburgh. The edge rusher depth is currently extremely light and a move needs to be made. What's better to do than bring back a familiar face who knows the system?

4.) Poona Ford - Defensive Line

Sure, Ogunjobi is back, but the group is still lacking depth. Isaiahh Loudermilk hasn't exactly proved himself and DeMarvin Leal will only be entering his second season after having some injury issues in 2022. Ford had seven QB hits, six tackles for loss and three sacks a season ago and his current availability could potentially lead to his price point dropping a bit. He would absolutely be a solid signing if the financials make sense.

5.) Mecole Hardman, Wide Receiver

Will the Steelers bring in a veteran wide receiver or go after one in the 2023 NFL Draft? The young receiving core in the locker room could use a veteran who has also been a part of a winning culture for some time. Hardman certainly fits the bill there as a two-time Super Bowl champion. He dealt with injuries in 2022 and shouldn't be demanding a high price.

This would provide significant competition to Calvin Austin III and after not seeing the 2022 draft pick play all of his rookie season due to an IR stint, the Steelers can't rely on his consistent production in 2023. Hardman could be a key part in the offense.

Time Will Tell If The Steelers Make Any More Key Free Agent Signings

We'll have to see if the Steelers make any more significant moves as the franchise begins to focus solely on the draft, but these options above wouldn't hurt the team. There are still needs all over the place and it's extremely important to have a better understanding of how the 2023 roster will shape up as the draft quickly approaches.

Would you be happy if the Steelers signed any of the above free agents? Let us know in the comments below!

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