Ranking the 8 best free agents available for the Steelers

Justin Houston

Much has been said about the Steelers’ lack of edge depth this offseason. While Quincy Roche was a great pick in the sixth round, expecting him to serve as the number three edge rusher as a rookie is a stretch. Cassius Marsh is also not the answer, as he is more fit as a special team’s option and an emergency defensive player if injuries forced him in. There are quite a few intriguing edge rushers still on the market, but none of them are as good as Justin Houston.

Houston has been one of the league’s best sack artists for the past ten years, and despite becoming more of a rotational player with the Colts last season, Houston still netted eight sacks. Add in his body type being on the bigger side (like Bud Dupree’s) and you have a player that would compliment this room really well.

Now granted, if he were to be the number three, he would have to be on a cheaper deal. That said, the team was reportedly targeting Ryan Kerrigan before he signed with the Eagles, so perhaps the Steelers would throw more than the minimum at him. As well, if an injury were to occur, Houston would be a fine short-term starter. Don’t expect an imminent signing to occur, but if the situation presents itself and both sides can agree to a price, Houston would make a lot of sense for the team.