Ranking the 8 best free agents available for the Steelers
By Andrew Falce
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.
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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.