The Pittsburgh Steelers for the first time in the Kevin Colbert era had significant cap space to work with heading into the 2022 off-season. The Steelers had many holes to fill, the most daunting was the fact they still needed to find a quarterback to replace long time Steeler, Ben Roethlisberger. Shortly after the tampering period began however, Pittsburgh filled many of their needs with solid starter quality players, most of which whom signed team-friendly deals. Overall in free agency, the Steelers have made as much buzz as anybody and are sitting in a unique spot before the 2022 NFL Draft. They do still have some needs when it comes to the secondary and receiver positions, along with depth along the offensive line. Steeler Nation can expect to see most, if not all these positions addressed in the draft. But with some cap space still available and possible restructuring of current player contracts still on the table, Pittsburgh might not be done in free agency quite yet, and these are two players they should target in free agency:
1) Tyrann Mathieu
Yep, we know, we've all heard it. The Tyrann Mathieu rumors are swirling and seemingly will not stop anytime soon, or until he signs with a team. Would he be the perfect fit for the Steelers' secondary? Yes. Is there money available to sign Mathieu? Yes. Is there mutual interest from both parties involved? Yes! According to Mathieu himself, he confirmed that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin did reach out and the both of them spoke to each other on the phone.
Chiefs safety, Tyrann Mathieu poses at Arrowhead Stadium against Steelers. | Photo by David Eulitt / Getty Images
“It’s still cool talking to all the coaches, the different coaches, 'cause some of these guys I’m fans of,” Mathieu said. “Mike Tomlin calling your phone. He like ‘Hey oh, this Mike T,’ you know, so just being able to talk to these guys, man, it’s a blessing.” - Tyrann Mathieu on The Jordy Culotta Show
Not only would it make sense for the Steelers to be interested in Mathieu, but it would make sense for Mathieu to also be interested in the Steelers. Mathieu has possibly only one big contract left in his career and a place like Pittsburgh would be the perfect place to change that to give him possibly yet another big contract years down the road. Playing alongside Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick will only help Mathieu in the long run and give him the support cast he needs to have another big season. Mathieu also has expressed that leadership and the thought of overall team atmosphere are some of the factors that are playing into his decision. Tomlin is a known staple when it comes to leadership in the NFL and not only for what he does on the field, but off as well. Also, the Steelers defense is relatively young as well, so this team has a lot of growing to do yet and Mathieu's veteran presence may just be the icing on the cake for what could be one of the top defenses in the NFL.
Steelers On the Short List of Teams for Mathieu
2) Jerick McKinnon
Last season, we saw exactly why they took Najee Harris in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Harris was and will be the key to the offense for many years to come. But the they still have questions as to who will be the number two running back on the depth chart. We have seen Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland Jr. share that roll over the past few seasons and do an average job to say the least. The Steelers could very well look to the late rounds of the draft and add another running back to the depth chart, but one option available in free agency is former Kansas City Chiefs running back, Jerick McKinnon.
McKinnon has had injury issues in the past, but he put on a great performance during last season's playoffs, most notably against Pittsburgh where had recorded over 140 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. He would be yet another weapon on the offense for them next season and would give quarterback Mitch Trubisky another running back with exceptional pass-catching ability.
Chiefs running back, Jerick McKinnon gets loose against the Steelers last season. | Chiefs Digest
What do you think of Tyrann Mathieu and Jerick McKinnon, #SteelerNation? Would you like to see them in black and gold next year as well? Let us know in the comment section below!
