6 free agents Steelers should break the bank for in 2022

Steelers must sign Davis

The first of two cornerbacks on this list, Carlton Davis has been a classic case of the best-case scenario working out in the draft. He was taken due to his size, speed, and potential while at Auburn, and he has improved every season since being drafted. Now he is a premier player at his position and is looking to get paid.

The Steelers have a present need at cornerback with both Ahkello Witherspoon and Joe Haden set to be free agents. While there is a good reason to believe that Witherspoon will be back, the team could still use more talent at cornerback. This team rarely breaks the market when signing anyone, but they have a track record of being more aggressive at cornerback with both the Haden and Steven Nelson deals from years back.

Davis would be a natural fit in this offense as well. He has the size and speed to play in man and can hold his own in zone coverage. While a complete lock-down cornerback, he does a great job of limiting the opposing team’s top receivers. The Steelers struggled in coverage down the stretch, so getting a player with Davis’ skill set would be huge.

Davis will likely want to get paid as a top-three cornerback this offseason. That means he will make at least 19.5 million on his new deal, and there is a good chance his average yearly pay is 20 million dollars. That is a lot of money to give to a non-quarterback, but it would be worth it for the Steelers. Adding Davis would take cornerback off the needs list entirely. He has to be a target worth spending up for.