Grading the Steelers 9 free agent signings from 2022 moves

Steelers sign Daniels

Contract: 3-years, 26.5 million

Grade: A+

While James Daniels was the Steelers most expensive free-agent signing, he is easily the best player that they brought in and it isn’t even close. When you factor in his play, their need along the interior, and the price he ultimately signed for, landing Daniels was a huge get for this team. Despite the heavy contract, this is an easy “A” grade for the team.

Daniels has been one of the most consistent starters for the Bears over the past four seasons. He can play any position along the interior, although his best tape has come at guard. He has good athleticism, great reach, and a nasty demeanor as a blocker. The moment the ink dried on his contract he became the best lineman on this team, and it isn’t particularly close.

While nearly nine million a season is a considerable amount of money, Daniels is well worth it. He will only be 25 this season on top of all of this, meaning he likely hasn’t even hit his prime as a player and could be a top-end starter for the next eight-plus seasons. This deal was a huge one for the team, and while he was costly, Daniels will be worth every penny.

The Steelers had an extremely active free agency period in 2022. While not every move was exciting or perfect, the team added a lot of talent where they needed it. While these grades are subject to change, here is an initial look at the free agency haul from Pittsburgh’s 2022 offseason.