6 free agents the Steelers have to keep an eye on in 2022 offseason

Steelers should consider Peppers

Staying in the New York area, the Giants have another player that the Steelers were extremely high on in the draft process. The do-it-all safety Jabrill Peppers is set to be a free agent in 2022, and the team could finally see him don a black and gold jersey. He fits all of the requirements the team looks for when signing defensive players (young, athletic, and has draft pedigree) and he has the added bonus of the team having a plethora of pre-draft interest in him.

With Terrell Edmunds set to likely depart, Peppers would be a one-for-one replacement for him. While Edmunds is the better all-around player at this point, Peppers could start at strong safety initially before kicking down to a box role assuming a rookie is brought in and develops. His speed and tackling would make him a natural there, thus making him a logical signing for the next offseason.

While far from an elite defender, a low-risk deal with Peppers screams of a Steelers type of move. He can be penciled in as a starter, an early-round rookie can develop behind him, and when they are ready, Peppers can kick into the box.

Peppers can also serve as a returner, making him valuable in multiple facets on the field. With Edmunds likely set to leave, Peppers could be brought in to keep this secondary filled with talent.