The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting ready for the NFL's new league to begin in mid-March. There has been nonstop talk about the quarterback position, but as every day passes, it seems as if the team is going to give Kenny Pickett one more chance to prove his worth as a future franchise signal-caller. There are several other areas that need to be addressed, however. Free agency is a tool that General Manager Omar Khan was not shy to use in 2023, and given the lack of depth in several areas, fans can expect the front office to actively be looking for upgrades to the roster.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stares off into the distance as he stands on the field in Pittsburgh, PA.
Anyone who has been paying attention knows that the Steelers need assistance on both lines as well as the cornerback, linebacker, safety and wide receiver positions. With only seven total draft picks (as of now), Pittsburgh can't fill every void at the end of April with collegiate prospects. Free agency will be pivotal if the organization wants to become a contender in 2024.
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette hosted one of his weekly chats on Tuesday. A fan was curious about the upcoming free agency period and what the beat writer expects from Khan and co. He mentioned several positions, and while he brought up four, was focused on the team bringing in starters in two areas where it will likely be needed.
"ILB and CB -- targeting starters. A No. 3 WR. Maybe a DL," Fittipaldo wrote.
Cornerback is the easiest one to pick out of that group. Joey Porter Jr. was fantastic during his rookie season, but Levi Wallace is a free agent, Patrick Peterson is nearing 34 years of age and no one is quite sure what to expect of Cory Trice Jr. Ideally, the team would have their top two starters on the outside set in stone prior to April's draft.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A6557-544x306.jpg "Steelers Joey Porter Jr.")
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Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. runs a drill during his first professional training camp as the team practices at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
If Cole Holcomb never suffered a season-ending injury in 2023, Fittipaldo might not have mentioned the inside linebacker area as a position that the franchise needs to target a starter. After tearing his ACL, Holcomb might not even be ready for the 2024 regular season opener. That would leave Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson as the starters, potentially. Bringing in a big-name free agent like Patrick Queen might solidify the position in the long run.
It's very possible that the Steelers add both a cornerback and linebacker in free agency that are expected to start in 2024 (and maybe beyond). The other two positions that Fittipaldo mentioned are interesting as well. The draft class at the defensive line position is not as deep as it has been in years past so free agency could be the best avenue to bolster the unit. The wide receiver draft class is incredibly deep, so it will be interesting to see if Pittsburgh still targets a veteran like Tyler Boyd.
It's also possible that the Steelers keep Allen Robinson II around if he agrees to take a pay cut. He was a lock to be released with a large cap hit, but hasn't yet as free agency looms. It was reported that his representatives met with the Steelers' brass during the NFL Scouting Combine, which means returning on a new, and less expensive deal, is a possibility.
Pittsburgh is known as an organization that loves to draft and develop. With a salary cap that is going to increase year after year, the Steelers are going to have to get into the habit of spending more during free agency. This will be a good year for it with some solid options at cornerback, linebacker, wide receiver and defensive line. The draft will be critical as well, but improving the roster with experienced players that have proven themselves could make a huge difference.
Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers captain, Cameron Heyward (left) and Head Coach, Mike Tomlin (right) talk to one another during a 2022 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Haven't Had Linebacker Security Since Ryan Shazier's Spinal Injury
Pittsburgh knows what it's like to have a dominant linebacker. The last one that comes to mind was Ryan Shazier and after his career tragically ended due to injury, the team attempted to make a draft day splash not too long after in trading up for Devin Bush. Everyone is aware of how that went. While Holcomb and Roberts would be a solid duo, the Steelers need to find a long-term solution at the position.
Do you agree with the direction Fittipaldo sees Pittsburgh going in free agency? Let us know in the comments below!
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