4 potential Steelers free agent targets who are ripe for the picking

DL Eddie Goldman

Pittsburgh’s run defense was a major issue in 2021. In fact, the Steelers remarkably finished as the worst run-defending team in the league in terms of both yards allowed and yards per carry surrendered, according to Team Rankings.

While Tyson Alualu will be returning this year after spending 15 games in IR last season, Stephon Tuitt has officially retired from the NFL, and the Steelers could use another stout defender in the middle of their defense.

Eddie Goldman would provide this. Though he doesn’t offer a lot in terms of pass rush ability, he’s a player you could plug into the middle of the defensive line in base and in obvious run situations to help plug holes.

Admittedly, fellow Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks would have been a better fit, but he was recently snatched up by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Steelers might be signing Larry Ogunjobi, but he would have a very different role on the DL than Goldman. They really need a run-defending specialist.

Even after the Minkah Fitzpatrick extension, the Steelers have plenty of money to work with and more can be created with relative ease. These four players would help Pittsburgh be more competitive in 2022 and they are each still available in free agency.