Steelers 6-Pack Of Economical Free Agent Leftovers From Last Season's Roster

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Omar Khan have been busy in free agency. The Steelers have been aggressive in bringing in interior offensive linemen, inside linebackers, and a future Hall of Fame cornerback in Patrick Peterson. Khan has also made news for some of the players that left the black and gold for what they hope will be greener pastures.

The Steelers were not able to re-sign Cam Sutton which is a big loss. They wanted to retain the cornerback, but were not willing to overpay. Devin Bush, Robert Spillane, Steven Sims, and Terrell Edmunds were all allowed to leave with very little effort to retain them publicly. They did agree to bring back Zach Gentry last week, but there are still notable names that played for the Steelers in 2022 that do not have contracts.

Here are the six free agents from the 2022 Steelers that have the best chance to still get an offer from the Steelers to at least come to camp. That doesn’t mean they should or will be invited, but this six-pack has the best chance to make it off the shelf if they agree to economical contracts for 2023.

Myles Jack ILB

Jack was a cap casualty and they cut him loose to free up money to bring in other free agents. The former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker was plagued by injury in the second half of last season and had a disappointing beginning with the Steelers. He is still unsigned and could be brought back with a more team-friendly deal. At the right price, he is a viable solution to pair with Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts as a coverage linebacker.

During last week's installment of Friday Insider on DK Pittsburgh Sports, Dejan Kovacevic said not to rule out a return of Jack. 

"Do not rule out a return for Myles Jack at some markedly lower price," Kovacevic wrote. "Management loved him, and he fit well with the defense. The only non-fit was the $11.25 million cap hit. It only makes sense that the Steelers would want to wait to see how the draft unfolds before revisiting Jack."

Benny Snell RB

Snell is an interesting case for the Steelers. He has been a disappointment at running back, but he is an excellent special teams player. He has not elicited much interest as a free agent and the Steelers could bring him back to bolster the special teams unit and serve as depth in the running back room in case of emergency.  

Miles Boykin WR

Boykin played in 16 games for the Steelers, but was only targeted three times in 2022. He saw the field as a blocking wide receiver on running downs and the former Notre Dame classmate of Chase Claypool has impressive measurables, but it has not translated into production. The Steelers only have five wide receivers under contract at this point and they could elect to bring him to camp, but they likely do not spend very much for the privilege.

Marcus Allen LB

Allen was part of the 2018 draft class, and the Steelers kept him around for special teams last season. He was part of significant controversy in the Carolina Panthers victory, but Allen was drafted as a defensive back. After 48 games in five seasons, he is not capable of playing in the secondary. Allen has played a little at linebacker and has been almost exclusively a special teams player. The fan base wouldn't love it, but he is a cheap option.

Derek Watt FB

Watt is another special teams ace, but Connor Heyward is a better option at fullback. Watt plays a position that is basically obsolete, and he does not have the skill set like Heyward to be a versatile weapon in the passing game. He is 30 years old and even though he is TJ Watt’s brother, there are cheaper options on special teams and the Steelers will not carry two fullbacks. Pittsburgh likes to pair brothers together, but if he is retained, it will have more to do with his name than his talent at this point. 

Chris Wormley DL

Wormley spent three seasons with the Steelers and had a very productive 2021 campaign. He will be 30 years old during the next NFL season, but with Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi already on the roster another, aging defensive lineman seems like a reach. The Steelers have DeMarvin Leal and likely will spend a draft pick on another rookie defensive lineman. Wormley made over $4 million dollars last season, but would have to take a substantial pay cut to be back with the Steelers.

Steelers Free Up Cap Space For Free Agency After Expected Release Of William Jackson III

The Steelers and Khan still have roster holes to fill and they likely will bring back a few more players from last season’s roster. Tyson Alualu did not make the list because of the steep drop-off in production and there is still a good chance he retires. William Jackson III was due over $12 million dollars before he was released and the chance he would accept a 90% pay cut also kept him off the list.

Mason Rudolph has made it clear he wants no part of the Steelers, although after seeing that no one else was interested, floated a trial balloon that he would be open to returning. Pittsburgh should not consider it. He is not and will never be the answer in Pittsburgh at quarterback. The team will be looking elsewhere for the third arm in camp and is more likely to draft a quarterback late or find a cheaper less controversial option. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Are you hoping any of these six free agents return to the team? Please comment below, or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.