The Pittsburgh Steelers headed into the off-season with some questions around certain positions on the roster, including quarterback and wide receiver. They heavily addressed those in the 2022 NFL Draft by double dipping on both of them, and now have most of their roster questions answered.
However, there are still quite a few free agents available after the draft that could have a big impact for the Steelers. Let's take a look at some of the players that I am sure Steeler Nation would love to see sign with the Black and Gold this summer.
Justin Jackson, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
The Steelers neglected to address one area of need that has been pointed out by several members of Steeler Nation, and that was backup running back. Now, they did sign some intriguing undrafted free agents, but that is far from reassuring as almost anyone would agree that Najee Harris needs someone to help carry the load. Jackson would be a solid compliment to Harris' bruising style, as he has a quick first step and can contribute on all three downs.
Jackson isn't the prototypical size for a workhorse running back at 6' tall and just 200lbs, but he carried the load in college at Northwestern and has done it for individual games when playing for the Chargers. Jackson also shouldn't command a large contract, as there are still several good backs on the market. Across his four NFL seasons, Jackson has accumulated 1,040 rushing yards with a very nice 5.0 yards per carry, while also adding 65 receptions.
Justin Jackson scores touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018. Credit: USA Today Sports
Eddie Goldman, DT, Chicago Bears
It would not shock me at all if the Steelers elected to add some experienced depth to their defensive line, as the depth behind their starters is rather young. Goldman would be a true run-stuffing, nose tackle that could provide some assurance behind Tyson Alualu. Yes they re-signed Montravius Adams, but he is more of a hybrid NT/DE in their system being able to assist at both spots.
Goldman spent his first six NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears and has been effective throughout his career against the run in the center of the defense. Early in his career, he displayed a little bit of juice rushing the passer as well, but he has been given less opportunities in that regard in recent seasons. He has 13 sacks in his career, but only 1.5 of those coming in the last two seasons.
Jarvin Landry, WR, Cleveland Browns
Now, this is likely the least likely name on my list that the Steelers would decide to offer a contract to, but it makes a ton of sense when you dig into it. The team currently has two proven wide receivers in their system, two wide receivers that were let go by their previous teams, and two rookies as their presumed top six wide receivers on the depth chart. Also, the only member of this group over the age of 25 is Anthony Miller, who could be on the outside looking in currently for a roster spot depending on what happens this summer. So a veteran presence could definitely be needed.
Landry could help solve the veteran presence problem as he will be entering his 9th NFL season and is currently 29 years old. There is also currently not a clear option to take over in the slot of the team this season, as the wide receivers at the top of the depth chart currently have primarily played on the outside. Landry on the other hand has been used heavily in the slot throughout his entire career, both with the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns. Over the course of his career, Landry has accumulated 688 receptions, which is more than double the career leader currently on the Steelers roster (Diontae Johnson, 254).
Jarvis Landry and MInkah Fitzpatrick in the 2021 Pro Bowl Skills Competition. Credit: USA Today Sports
Tashaun Gipson, S, Chicago Bears
With the recent signing of defensive back Damontae Kazee, many believe that the Steelers are all set at the safety position. However, there is a chance they could look to add more depth as there is a chance that Kazee could be viewed as a safety/slot hybrid in sub-packages as opposed to a backup to either Terrell Edmunds or Minkah Fitzpatrick. Gipson is someone who could potentially be a backup for both of the presumed starting safeties.
Gipson is entering his 11th NFL season and has started a total of 132 games at either free safety or strong safety. His experience at both spots would be very valuable to the team as it would provide a veteran presence to be able to fill-in should an injury occur. Gipson also wouldn't command an expensive contract, as his contract last season with the Bears was for a total of $1.835 million which is a very affordable rate for someone with his experience and still playing at the level his is.
Takkarist McKinley, EDGE, Cleveland Browns
This is definitely one that will leave some of Steeler Nation scratching their heads, as McKinley suffered a torn Achilles in late December last season. That would mean he is currently just under five months into his recovery with a long road still in front of him. However, there is still a chance he is able to contribute in 2022.
Assuming he is able to remain on schedule with his recovery, McKinley could be a low risk/high reward signing late in the summer and fight for a spot behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. The Steelers met with McKinley at the 2017 Scouting Combine as well as brought him in for a visit prior to the 2017 NFL Draft, but he was off the board prior to them selecting Watt just four picks later. Talk about catching a break, right? But it shows the interest was there at one point, and the Steelers have always shown interest in players off of their first contract that they showed interest in prior to them being drafted. He has never played more than 61% of the defensive snaps in a season, but in a rotational role, he could provide some pass rushing excitement if he returns to full health.
What do you think about this potential list of targets for the Steelers? Let us know below who you think the team should target and why you think they could help the Steelers in 2022!
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