4 Bargain free agents the Steelers need to be targeting

NT Timmy Jernigan

Timmy Jernigan has had an up and down career so far to this point, which has likely aided in him still being available as a free agent. While he started as an unstoppable force in the middle in his early career, he has become more of a hot and cold pass rusher but a dependable run stopper. As well, he will be 28 this upcoming season, meaning he shouldn’t be a candidate for regression during the next few seasons.

While the Steelers seemed primed to allow Tyson Alualu to be the first man up to play NT, believing he can make that shift to a position he has never truly started at seems like a risk. Behind him is Daniel McCullers, a fine backup who lacks any upside as a starter. While rolling into the season with these two may be ok, finding a true starter with fewer question marks is far more appealing.

While Jernigan won’t be the force Javon Hargrave was, he should be a more dependable and proven option than any of the other players currently on the roster. Given his position and inconsistencies, his price tag should be low, and maybe even at the minimum if he stays on the market much longer. For the price, Jernigan would be a steady presence on the defense.