5 players the Steelers should aggressively pursue in 2022 free agency

2. Steelers should pursue Stephon Gilmore

Although Pittsburgh’s defense has excelled the last couple of seasons, cornerback hasn’t been one of the strongest spots. With Joe Haden soon to depart, the cornerback unit will surely be the inferior group on the Steelers’ defense.

To keep this defense elite, Pittsburgh needs to make a run at Stephon Gilmore. The five-time Pro bowler was awarded Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 but has since tore his quad and been traded from New England to Carolina.

Gilmore has returned from injury and is proving that he is still an elite defender. At the conclusion of the season, he will be free to sign anywhere he wants and will be seeking a worthy contract. Top corners are making between $15-20 million annually, surely the 31-year-old Gilmore will want to be around that range.

While Pittsburgh has the space, that is a huge asking price, but it won’t hurt them to try and negotiate a deal. Adding Gilmore to a roster with T.J Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick will give the Steelers a Super Bowl caliber defense.