While the Steelers have a formidable roster set up, adding a few veterans to fill some holes could prove vital for a Super Bowl push
With the main components of the NFL offseason finished, talk has now turned to training camp and team functions as the Steelers prepare to begin the 2020 season. That said, with holes still on the roster, the Steelers would be wise to be looking for upgrades to their depth chart. Seeking out starters at this point is risky, as anyone left in free agency has been passed over by every team a few times now. That said, the Steelers can still find talented help.
While the Steelers roster is well built after the draft, there are still a few causes for concerns, specifically at depth along the defense. That said, the Steelers aren’t flush with cap space right now either. Given how close they are to the cap, any free agent they would try to bring in would either have to sign for the minimum or sign a cheap two-year deal to space out his cap hit. This is easily doable with the free agents still on the market though.
While none of these options should be expected to make the pro bowl this year, they could provide stability and talent to the depth chart. Having capable backups is important, and keeping them on the cheap is vital in building a sustainable roster. With all of this considered, here are the four best bargain free agents the Steelers need to target.
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.
WR Tavon Austin
The Steelers top four WRs are set this upcoming season, but behind them, there are a lot of question marks. Even more concerning is that as of now, the backup slot WR is Ryan Switzer, who has proven during his time here that he isn’t a capable starting WR. Thus enters Tavon Austin, a guy that could do everything Switzer does but better.
This isn’t to say Austin is some sort of elite talent, he isn’t, but he can do the same things Switzer does but at a more effective level. Need a slot WR? Austin averaged 15.1 yards per reception in Dallas. Want a returner? Austin isn’t perfect, but on tape has more pop than Switzer. Simply put, Austin is an upgraded version of Switzer.
Like Jernigan, Austin is likely looking at a veteran minimum contract for the 2020 season due to his lack of a perfect role. For that cost though, the Steelers could add a more dependable depth player who would likely produce more if he had to. He makes a lot of sense as a gadget player, slot WR, and return man, something the Steelers tried with Switzer but failed to produce with.
ILB Jake Ryan
While the Steelers are rightfully high on Devin Bush entering his second season, there are still a lot of question marks about the ILB unit as a whole. For starters, Vince Williams is projected to start next to Bush, and while he has been a steady presence on the defense, he saw his role reduced last season. Behind them is Ulysees Gilbert III, a young player who flashed in the preseason but needs to prove more before seeing considerable time on defense.
In steps Jake Ryan, a former Packers draft pick who has bounced around recently due to an injury. He has obvious talent; one simply has to look at his tape from 2016-2017 to see that he can be a contributor on defense. While his obvious injury issues make it unlikely he sees anything more than reserve snaps, having a dependable third option is smart in case a starter goes down.
Because of his injury history, his contract likely won’t be for much more than the minimum. Adding a veteran with his talent even though the injury question is there at that price is beyond fair and would strengthen the unit as a whole going into 2020.
SS Tony Jefferson
The biggest name on this list as well as the one that makes the most sense has to be Tony Jefferson. After adding one of the best FS in the NFL in Minkah Fitzpatrick last season, the Steelers are staring at a problem across from him in Terrell Edmunds. This isn’t to say Edmunds is a horrible player, but he may be out of position as a pure SS. His style and strengths seem to indicate he would be best served as a pure a box safety and perhaps even a sub package LB.
With the current roster depth, this won’t be possible, as the Steelers have no options outside of their two starters on the roster. Jefferson would change that, and he would provide the Steelers with flexibility at the position. The team utilized three safeties often last year, so it’s not like there would be a lack of playing time for anyone on the roster. Adding Jefferson means the team can get more creative with Edmunds and have a savvy group protecting against the deep pass.
As well, Jefferson would provide some veteran leadership to a young group. Mix that in with his playstyle, and the Steelers would have a formable trio at safety. Now, the biggest issue will likely be his cost, but considering the time he has spent on the market, he may be willing to take a two-year deal worth in the range of 2-3 million dollars a year. Pricier than the other options on this list, but still a bargain for what he would bring to the Steelers.
While it is unlikely the Steelers add any free agents before camp, keep in mind the four players listed above. Each of them has their share of deficiencies, but for the right price, they could be solid additions to the Steelers depth chart. Moves like these could pay dividends down the road for the Steelers Super Bowl hopes.