6 free agency deals the Steelers missed out on during 2022

Steelers missed on Collins

The Cole move was a puzzling deal, but even more surprising was the team re-signing Chukwuma Okorafor. While Okorafor is an average tackle, he garnered a deal worth almost 10 million dollars a year. Compare that to the deal that La’el Collins got, and it isn’t even close to a good deal, as Collins would have been an actual upgrade along the line.

Collins isn’t a perfect right tackle by any means, but he is a stout run defender that can also hold his own against some of the top pass rushers. Compare that to Okorafor, who is average in both of those categories, and it is puzzling to see Collins get so much less than Okorafor. The Bengals got the better deal here, as Collins is one of the better right tackles in the league.

The only argument you could make against Collins is that he would have been yet another new face on this line. Okorafor has been a regular presence on this line for a few years now, so he helps keep the right side of the line consistent. That said, this team should have been looking to upgrade, not remain consistent. Collins would have done just that this offseason.