4 former rivals Pittsburgh Steelers must consider signing in 2021
By Scott Long
The Pittsburgh Steelers starting lineup is mostly set, but there are still plenty of free agents available that they can sign to add some depth to their roster.
While the Steelers rarely make big splashes in Free Agency, they do look for bargains, with players who can serve as depth pieces on the roster, and help the team when injuries inevitably arise.
While the team gained depth in the draft, there are still several spots where the team could improve, specifically by adding a veteran presence. Edge rusher, Offensive tackle, and cornerback represent three position groups that could benefit significantly by the team bringing in a free agent.
While there are plenty of free agents available, the team should look to fill some of its holes soon, and there are some familiar faces available. There are several free agents still out there who have played for Steelers rivals in recent years. Here are four that the team should consider going after.
CB Darqueze Dennard
After letting go of Steven Nelson, and losing Mike Hilton in Free Agency, the Steelers cornerback room is set to look very different this year. The team did bring back Cameron Sutton, and does still have Joe Haden, but has very little experience outside of those two. Justin Layne has not turned out to be what the team hoped he would be, and while the team appears to be high on James Pierre and undrafted free agent Shakur Brown, it wouldn’t hurt to bring in a veteran.
Darqueze Dennard fits that bill for Pittsburgh. Dennard is a former first-round selection, who was heavily linked to the Steelers prior to being drafted, has plenty of experience playing in the AFC North after spending his first six seasons in Cincinnati. While he hasn’t lived up to the high expectations that came along with being a first-round pick, Dennard does have seven years of NFL experience and has started 24 games in his NFL career, per Pro Football Reference.
While Dennard likely wouldn’t provide top tier play, he would provide the Steelers with a veteran presence who can play outside, and allow Sutton to play inside when three receivers are on the field early in the season, while they figure out what the roles for Pierre and Brown will be.