Malik Hooker
Out of every current free agent on the market, Malik Hooker is the best fit for the Steelers. When healthy, Hooker is a premier free safety that is comfortable playing deep. While the Steelers have one of, if not the, best free safeties in the league in Minkah Fitzpatrick, Hooker would still have a valuable role on the team. For starters, he would instantly be the top backup safety for the team, and he could play in sub-package defense.
What would make the most sense is signing Hooker and playing him at free safety when a slot corner is needed. That way, Fitzpatrick can serve as a hybrid slot defender and play closer to the line. This makes the Steelers defense more versatile and gives them additional slot options to consider. At worst, he is a top-depth option for the team.
Given his injury history, his contract likely wouldn’t be for much over the veteran minimum. This means he would be a cheap depth option that could play a role on the defense. Even if the Steelers want to give their young corners a chance to prove themselves, having a player like Hooker would still better the secondary.
While the Steelers will likely take the team they have now into camp, injuries and disappointing play could lead to mid-camp additions. If the team does make such a move, any of the eight names on this list are some of the best remaining free agents left on the market. If a move were to be made, it should involve one of these names.