The Pittsburgh Steelers' preparation for their 2024 season began earlier than they would have liked, with a Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills sending them home. After having a 2023 offseason that was considered near-perfect, the 2023 regular season was a challenging roller coaster to navigate. Looking ahead to 2024, the Steelers need to bolster their roster and give new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith all the tools he needs to field a potent offense. There are some possible free agent names that Pittsburgh could see fitting their needs.
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Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting during a Tampa Bay Buccaneers minicamp
Steelers Could Add Defensive Depth In 2024
The cornerback room for the 2023 season seemed to be brimming with potential and talent, with Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, Joey Porter Jr. and Corey Trice Jr. Pittsburgh felt confident. A season-ending injury in training camp took Trice Jr. out of the position group, with both Peterson and Wallace consistently underwhelming at cornerback.
The Steelers will get Trice Jr. back but need more certainty in their secondary depth. Jaylon Johnson is a young cornerback who would be a great fit if the Chicago Bears decide to let him hit free agency. The former 2020 second-round pick turned in his best season as an NFL player in 2023 with four interceptions, a forced fumble, and a defensive touchdown. Pittsburgh loves their turnovers, and Johnson could provide more of those in 2024.
Another possible cornerback match who is a little better known is Sean Murphy-Bunting. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Bunting in the second round of the 2019 draft, and the cornerback played for the Tennessee Titans in 2023. In Tennessee, Bunting turned in his second-most tackles of his professional career, along with two interceptions. His desire to welcome contact gave him two forced fumbles and one recovered, both of which the Steelers would love to see in 2024.
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Defensive tackle Bilal Nichols puts rushes quarterback Mac Jones during a game against the New England Patriots
Injuries ravaged the Steelers at linebacker in 2023, so having the right people on the roster in case that situation happens again is crucial for Pittsburgh. Khaleke Hudson was a late pick in 2020 for the Washington Commanders, playing bit roles on defense for the first three seasons of his career. In 2023, though, Hudson turned in an impressive campaign with 74 tackles (previously a season-high of 14 tackles in 2020) with one sack to go with them. The Steelers could keep his upward trend going if they see him fitting into the position room in 2024.
Pittsburgh saw a lot that they liked out of 2023 second-round pick Keeanu Benton, and they could be seeking something similar in free agency for 2024. Bilal Nichols would bring experience from the Las Vegas Raiders with his six years in the NFL and consistency on the defensive line. Nichols is a defensive lineman who won't light up the stat sheet but can be a reliable role player in whatever situation he is called upon. He has played in every game for the past three seasons, which is a stability the Steelers could prioritize.
Steelers May Seek Offensive Help In 2024 Free Agency
It's no secret that the Steelers were not impressed by the performance of Mason Cole in 2023, so filling that piece on the offensive line will be vital ahead of 2024. If the Denver Broncos let their center hit free agency, Pittsburgh would certainly be watching former 2020 third-round pick Lloyd Cushenberry. After being thrust into the starting role as a rookie, it took a few years for Cushenberry to find his feet, but 2023 was his best season as an NFL lineman. He is seen as a highly sought-after target, with Pro Football Focus ranking him as the 57th-best free agent for the 2024 season.
Cushenberry looks like an immediate upgrade from their challenging season with Cole, but the rising value of the center means he won't come cheap. Pittsburgh wasn't afraid to spend money where they saw a need in the 2023 offseason, so this time around, they should have the same approach. No matter who starts at quarterback in 2024 for the Steelers, they should make sure that the snaps are better than what happened in 2023.
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Center Lloyd Cushenberry gets in position on the offensive line
The Steelers had the right idea when they traded for Allen Robinson II ahead of the 2023 season: bring in a veteran to add experience in a young receiver room. Robinson didn't seem to add the stability they hoped for, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't try for the same impact again in 2024. While Robinson has crossed the 30-year-old point that makes his age a concern in the NFL, Van Jefferson brings in five years of NFL experience at 27 years old.
While Jefferson didn't turn any heads with his 2023 season as an Atlanta Falcons' receiver, his role won't be to light up the scoreboard. If the Steelers see value in what Jefferson can bring to their young position group, statistics won't be on their mind. Every move the Steelers make ahead of 2024 will be done with their new Smith-run offense and star-studded defense in mind. Whichever way the Steelers choose to go, they will have plenty of options to sort through before they start their 2024 campaign.
Which free agents do you want the Steelers to target ahead of 2024?
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