The Steelers were limited in free agency due to cap restrictions, but the team ought to regret not making these eight deals.
The Steelers had a relatively quiet free agency period due to the cap restrictions the team had. While they were never going to be major players this offseason, there were still some budget moves that should have been made by this team. With so many losses to this team, adding as many quality new players this offseason would have been a boost. Here are the eight offseason moves that the Steelers will regret not making.
Steelers should have signed O’Shaughnessy
While the Steelers made a big draft investment when they drafted Pat Freiermuth in the second round of the draft, there is still a huge question as to who will be the third option. While seemingly not a huge need, Freiermuth will likely have to develop a bit before being counted on as a regular contributor. Having a better third option can help keep the pressure off Freiermuth as he develops into his own role.
Of all the deals handed out to tight ends this offseason, James O’Shaughnessy would have made the most sense for the Steelers. O’Shaughnessy isn’t much of a receiver, but he is more than a capable blocker. With Eric Ebron set to serve as the primary receiving tight end, having a capable blocker as the third-string option would still ensure that the Steelers got value out of O’Shaughnessy even after Freiermuth took on the second tight end role.
With his contract coming in at just above the minimum, he would have been cheap enough to sign as well. O’Shaughnessy would have fit what the team needed at a very affordable price, and the Steelers may regret not adding him this offseason.