Remaining Free Agent options that the Steelers need to sign

Even with most of their needs filled, there are quite a few free agents the Steelers should look into signing to better the team in 2020.

While the Steelers have already had a successful free agency period, there are still moves that can be made to fill out this roster. While the Steelers still have the draft to help fill a lot of these holes, the free-agent market is ripe with options that could come in and either help bridge the gap for a rookie or even take drafting the position off the board entirely.

While big names like Jadeveon Clowney are still available, the type of contract he would sign would be well out of the Steelers price range. This list will only target players that would realistically be options for the Steelers. As well, the targeted players will be at positions of need or positions that could frankly use the depth. To reiterate, this isn’t a list of the best free-agents remaining on the market, it is a list of the best free agents that are realistic options for the Steelers.

Also worth noting, these guys contracts would have to follow the typical guidelines for how the Steelers do deals. Typically, the only 1-year deals the Steelers give are for the minimum (they don’t do 1-year “prove it” deals like a lot of other teams do).

If the Steelers were to go after one of these guys below and sign them to an above the minimum salary, they would be for a Mark Barron/Eric Ebron type of deal (a 2-year deal that the team can get out of after the first season, essentially making it a 1-year deal).

Aaron Lynch, Edge, Chicago Bears

2019 Stats: 16 GP, 0 GS, 6 tackles, 2 sacks

Aaron Lynch has had an up and down NFL career. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2014, posting 6 and 6.5 sacks in each of his first two seasons as a role player. He fell out of favor there and landed in Chicago two years ago and has found a niche role there. As a reserve, he posted 3 sacks in 2018 and 2 in 2019. He isn’t an every-down player, but he knows how to get after the QB.

These stats aren’t amazing, but for a reserve, it would provide a decent option to give either of the starters a breather. The Steelers current depth at the position is unproven, as both Ola Adeniyi and Tuzar Skipper have barely played in the NFL. Bringing a guy like Lynch in would mean the Steelers don’t have to draft a player there and it would give more capable depth to the position. As well, based on other similar players this year, Lynch should be had for the minimum based on his stats and amount of playing time.

Darron Lee, ILB, Kansas City Chiefs

2019 Stats: 16 GP, 2 GS, 31 tackles

Darron Lee may be a bust as a former first-round pick, but he could become quite the reserve with the Steelers. After losing Tyler Matakevich and cutting Barron, the Steelers are suddenly thin at ILB as Ulysees Gilbert III is penciled in as the backup. While Gilbert looked good in the limited role he had last season, it is still a risk to go into next season with him coming off the bench in case of injury.

Lee has started 38 games so far, and while his play has left a lot to be desired, he would be more than adequate as a reserve. As well, he played 57 percent of the special team’s snaps. Considering his athletic profile, he would be a valuable backup and special teams’ demon. He could likely be had for the minimum, but worse comes to worst could see a deal similar to what Stefan Wisniewski got.

Clayton Geathers, S, Indianapolis Colts

2019 Stats: 15 GP, 10 GS, 54 tackles, 1 int

Clayton Geathers has always been a guy that plays like a Steelers player. He is a throwback, hard-hitting, run-stopping option in the secondary. While his coverage skills are below average, he would be a steady presence and valuable depth to both S spots (he has played both FS and SS). Even more interesting, he could sub in as the SS and let Terrell Edmunds play more in the box in dime situations, a role that better suits Edmunds.

Like Lee, Geathers was also a steady contributor on special teams last year adding to his overall value. His biggest issue is his health, as injuries have contributed to his decrease in playing time. That said, as a third option, he wouldn’t be seeing the field often. His value is likely above the minimum, but considering he is still available, a cheap two-year deal that pays him a little above the minimum should get the deal done with him.

Paul Richardson, WR, Washington Redskins

2019 Stats: 28 receptions, 245 yards, 2 TDs

Paul Richardson is a speedy deep threat that after a promising start in Seattle, flamed out with the Redskins. While a “big name” on paper, he has only had one year of actually decent production (2017 in Seattle). While his lack of production isn’t ideal, he would really be fighting for a depth spot on the roster, not a starting gig. That said, he could be a valuable depth player if he makes plays like this.

As well, he should be had for the minimum as his injury history and production will likely keep a large contract away from him. Geronimo Allison, a younger option that had almost identical production last year, signed a minimum deal recently that would likely be identical to what Richardson would realistically get. While a rookie likely would and should still be brought in, a veteran presence with some speed on the cheap would really help complete this depth chart.

Tony Jefferson, S, Baltimore Ravens

2019 Stats: 5 GP, 5 GS, 21 tackles

Dipping back into the S market, as that position is one of the thinnest on the team, Tony Jefferson would be a great addition for the Steelers. He spent the last three years in Baltimore and was consistent and productive. He was cut this offseason due to him missing most of last year with an injury. That said, he has always been productive and has experience at both FS and SS. As well, he was cut, meaning he wouldn’t count towards the comp formula next year.

Similar to Geathers, he would be an option to come in at SS and allow Edmunds to take on more of a box role in dime. It would also give the team their proverbial “next man up” as Jefferson is a more than adequate starter. In terms of value, Jefferson likely won’t sign for the minimum due to his experience, but his value is clearly at a low. He would do well with a 2-year deal that pays him a couple million per year that the team can get out of next year if worse comes to worst.

Devonta Freeman, RB, Atlanta Falcons

2019 Stats: 656 rush yards, 2 TDs, 59 receptions, 410 yards, 4 TDs

While I’ve been a strong proponent that the Steelers don’t need to add an RB this offseason, Devonta Freeman is an intriguing option. He is a complete back that contributes in the passing game but has struggled with injures and an inflated contract, which ultimately led to him getting cut (meaning he wouldn’t count toward the comp formula). With the devaluation of the RB position, he could see a 2-year deal that pays around 3 million per year considering top options like Todd Gurley could only net 6 million.

His signing would add a great player to spell James Conner (who has struggled with his own injuries) and essentially give an upgrade over Jaylen Samuels this year. As well, with Connor set to be a free agent next offseason, Freeman could be kept around and serve as an interim starter while a likely rookie comes in to take over. Him being on the roster wouldn’t deter Benny Snell either, as Snell would see his carries when a power back is needed while Freeman would take Samuels carries and receptions.

While the Steelers are likely done with free agents, there are still options out there the Steelers could add to fill out the roster. While a deal with one of the first few options is more likely than the last few options (who would see larger contracts), all of these options address a need or upgrade options currently on the roster. With the Steelers Super Bowel window almost closed, now is the time to add a few more veteran options to best help the team.