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5 Pittsburgh Steelers free agents who won’t be back in 2022

By Tommy Jaggi

Pittsburgh Steelers center J.C. Hassenauer (60) and linebacker Ulysees Gilbert (54) and cornerback Joe Haden (23) and fullback Derek Watt (44). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers center J.C. Hassenauer (60) and linebacker Ulysees Gilbert (54) and cornerback Joe Haden (23) and fullback Derek Watt (44). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Trai Turner (51) Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports /

Steelers OG Trai Turner

I cautioned fans not to have too high of hopes for Trai Turner when the Steelers signed him this past offseason. While Turner is a former three-time Pro Bowl guard, his play over the past two seasons declined drastically before joining Pittsburgh. In 2022, he was the second-lowest graded offensive guard in football, according to Pro Football Focus.

While Pittsburgh was able to acquire Turner at a reasonable price considering his reputation ($3 million cap hit, via Over the Cap), he has been an utter disappointment this year. On an offensive line full of inconsistency and inexperience, the veteran is arguably the weakest link of the unit.

It seems likely that the Steelers will either explore adding a quality option at guard in free agency or address the position early in the NFL Draft. Even if this isn’t the case, there will be dozens of cheap free-agent options that could fill the void for this team.

The offensive line is currently in samples, and Trai Turner isn’t helping. The Steelers gambled on the former Pro Bowler, but they have no incentive to bring the nearly 29-year-old guard back for another season. He will hit the free-agent market in 2022.

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