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5 players the Steelers should aggressively pursue in 2022 free agency

By Jaleel Grandberry

Oct 25, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead (72) blocks against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead (72) blocks against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Bears Akiem Hicks
Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) yells Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

The Pittsburgh Steelers have many positions they need to upgrade and they can start by pursuing these 2022 free agents.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have remained competitive over the last few seasons, but there have been obvious holes in the roster. If the Steelers want to return to elite status and compete for a Super Bowl, they must address the missing pieces. That can start with the pending 2022 free agency.

With Ben Roethlisberger likely heading to retirement, the offensive line still in need of improving, and a few gaps in the solid Pittsburgh defense, the Steelers will need to target all types of players. Some voids will be filled with young players in the draft, but most should be answered with proven veterans.

Pittsburgh will have the cap space to do it, as they are projected to have over $47 million in 2022, per OverTheCap. That means it will be a matter of how aggressive the team is willing to be, and if players want to come to the Steel City. The latter is out of the Steelers control, but who they target isn’t, so here are five players Pittsburgh should aggressively pursue in 2022 free agency.

5. Steelers should pursue Akiem Hicks

Akiem Hicks emerged as one of the league’s most dominant interior defensive linemen during his time with the Chicago Bears. Hicks had seven or more sacks in three straight seasons from 2016-18 and was selected to the 2018 Pro Bowl. His production has since declined, but he still is a productive veteran on the interior for Chicago.

Hicks is currently playing on the last year of a four-year, $48 million contract that he signed with the Bears, and while he said he would love to finish his career in Chicago, the two have been unable to agree on an extension.

Hicks, who will soon be 32, is removed from his prime but still productive. With Pittsburgh being rather light on the interior defensive line, Hicks can bring his veteran leadership and quality play. This depth will strengthen an already good defense and can be done at an affordable price. Hicks signed for $12 million a year during his prime, with him now aged and his market not as robust, he should be able to be brung in on a one-year contract worth less than $10 million.

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