With free agency upon us, these are the five pending free agents that just feel like fits for the Steelers in 2022.
The Steelers will certainly have a more active free agency period than usual due to their surplus of cap space. While they won’t be signing every big name on the market, they should be able to land a few bigger names. This list isn’t every top name on the market, but instead, it’s focused on the five names that just make the most sense for the team.
These are the five free agents I think have a great shot at getting signed by the Steelers.
Steelers may sign Brown
A bigger name but at the bottom of this list, the idea of adding a mauling right tackle like Trent Brown is certainly appealing. That said, the team already has a tackle in that mold still on the roster in Zach Banner. The team seemingly still has plans for the underwhelming tackle, as he hasn’t been moved off this roster yet. Considering his contract would make him far too expensive to be figured in as a backup until he is cut, I will assume he is the penciled-in starter.
That said, if the team were to go after a free agent tackle, Brown is a logical option. Given he is a right tackle only and has some injury history he won’t be in line for a mega deal. That said, when healthy, there are few tackles that can succeed as he does. Again, the Banner situation will have to be worked out first, but assuming he leaves, Brown is a likely free-agent add for this team.
Steelers may sign Raymond
I genuinely do believe a receiver is going to be joining this roster as a free agent and as a draft pick this offseason to replenish the depth set to be lost. While targeting a cheap deep threat such as Marquise Goodwin, it made more sense to add a slot capable player who could still stretch the field. Kalif Raymond is just that, as the smaller receiver can play out of the slot as well as use his speed to burn defenses.
While Raymond is a far cry from JuJu Smith-Schuster, he is a more capable slot option than Ray-Ray McCloud. As well, Raymond can return kicks and punts if need be, further adding to his value. He shouldn’t be counted on to be an every-down starter, but adding Raymond adds some depth all over the field as well as getting more athletic in their receiver room.
In terms of a next contract, Raymond will likely be playing in the 2-3 million dollars a year range. That is extremely affordable for a valuable reserve and special teams return man. The team can and would still target a bigger name in the draft. Raymond would just allow for more depth at multiple positions. He would be a cheap and quality addition to a roster that needs some speed.
Steelers may sign Evans
While the Steelers are likely to add a rookie linebacker at some point in the draft, adding a capable starter in case Joe Schobert is cut is a smart safety net. While the linebacker free agency room isn’t filled with great names, the team could find more of a run-stopper to pair with Devin Bush given his struggles there last season.
Rashaan Evans makes a lot of sense for this team because of that. The former Titan checks off a lot of boxes for the Steelers. He was a first-round pick, the team had immense interest in him, and he shouldn’t be signing a mega-deal this offseason. While Evans saw his role shrink last season as he was taken off the field in passing situations, he is still a capable run-stuffer.
While signing Evans wouldn’t fix the team’s run defense issues or their off-ball linebacker problems as a whole, it would give the team more flexibility in the draft. Adding Evans means the team won’t be forced to select a linebacker if the right guy doesn’t fall to them. Evans can come in on run downs and be pulled like he was with the Titans. He would be an affordable option on a short-term deal.
Steelers may sign Jackson
The first of two “big names”, Donte Jackson would be a great fit for a Steelers secondary that is lacking speed. His ability to track receivers and keep up with some of the best athletes is a huge plus for him as a player. The agility and straight-line speed that he has been lacking from some of the other members of the cornerback room, so adding Jackson just from that point would make sense.
Beyond just his speed, Jackson is a well-established coverage cornerback that can make smart reads in both zone and man schemes. He has a knack for taking the ball away on top of all of this, making Jackson one of the younger true top options in the game. He is only 26 right now as well, meaning that he should have at least four more great seasons ahead of him.
While names like J.C. Jackson or Carlton Davis are superior players, they will likely cost at least 5 million more a season than what Jackson will get. Due to him being perceived as that “next wave” of free agent corner should yield a more team-friendly deal. His speed and coverage ability would be welcomed on this defense and frankly, is needed for a team tasked with covering Ja’Marr Chase twice a season.
Steelers may sign Daniels
My top name on the free agency market and it really isn’t close. James Daniels is a physical and talented interior lineman that possesses some position flexibility. While naturally a guard, he has seen some work at center and can hold his own there. While I personally would play him at guard, it at least keeps the team more flexible in the draft when they target interior linemen.
While Daniels is neither the best guard nor center in this draft, he is still an intriguing player with an immense amount of potential. While Ryan Jensen is arguably the best center and Brandon Scherff is the best guard, Daniels isn’t that far behind them. As well, both of those options should receive deals far more expensive than what Daniels will get, meaning adding him would be a more team-friendly option.
The best part about all of this is that Daniels is only 24 right now. That means you could realistically be signing an 8-10 year starter along the interior who hasn’t even reached their ceiling yet. Daniels is a mauling interior presence that can move guys around with ease. The Steelers have to have him at the top of their free-agent wants in 2022.
While the Steelers are a notoriously timid team in free agency, this offseason should see that change slightly. With more cap space than usual, expect some bigger deals to be made with some more impact names. If it were up to me, these five free agents would be my top priority to add to the roster once the new league year begins.