While the Steelers roster still has quite a few holes on their roster, they need to avoid these four free agents heading into training camp.
The Steelers did a good job of improving their roster this offseason despite numerous departures. That said, there are still holes that can be filled. While on paper some names sound appealing, not every top name is a logical fit for this team. Here are four free agents that the Steelers must avoid heading into training camp.
Steelers must avoid Fisher
There were some post-draft rumors that the Steelers were going to target tackle Eric Fisher to add to their offseason roster. While the former top pick has developed into a decent starting left tackle, adding him to this current group of players would make very little sense. A deal for Fisher would likely not be cheap for starters, as even average linemen get paid well in this league.
Beyond that, the Steelers starting linemen are set right now. Dan Moore had his fair share of issues as a rookie, but he looked better by the season’s end. There is good reason to be excited for him as he should grow heading into his second season. While many dislike him, Chukwuma Okorafor signed a relatively large deal this offseason and should be penciled in as the starter for at least this season.
While Fisher is an established player, he is far from a perfect one. On top of all of this, he does have some recent injury issues. The big problem with him is his fit though. Unless an injury opened the door for him, there is no clear spot for Fisher on this roster. Given his likely expensive price tag, a deal between both sides makes little sense.
Steelers must avoid Williams
While the idea of stealing a former standout from a rival may sound appealing, the Steelers should have no interest in former Raven’s defensive lineman Brandon Williams. While remembered as a staunch run defender and a prototypical run-stuffer, Williams would be without a clear fit for this defense moving forward.
The issue with him is that he is a nose tackle only at this point. With Tyson Alualu already manning that spot and Montravius Adams right behind him, Williams would likely struggle to find a true role. Add in him being on the roster and taking a spot away from a younger player and a deal between both sides just doesn’t make much sense.
Williams is also beginning to show his age. He has struggled with some minor injuries over the past few seasons and even when healthy was being subbed out more regularly. While in theory adding a player like Williams to a defense that struggled to stop the run would be a good thing, adding him doesn’t make a slot of sense based on the current makeup of this roster. Unless an injury occurs, Williams and the Steelers aren’t a great pairing.
Steelers must avoid Jones
The Steelers lost three of their top receivers from last season, and while three new faces have since been added in free agency and through the draft, this team is lacking any sort of veteran presence. A top name still remaining in free agency is former Titan and Falcon Julio Jones. While age is beginning to show in the former superstar, he is still a capable receiver for a team in need.
The Steelers, in theory, could benefit from adding a capable veteran to the fold. While Jones would fit that billing, his style of play is already well accounted for on this roster. Miles Boykin, Chase Claypool, and even George Pickens can play the Z receiver role for this team. At this point, that is the only realistic spot that Jones could play, so he would be entering a crowded room.
If the Steelers wanted to add to the receiver room, getting a more established slot receiver would make sense. There are a few veterans that would make sense there. Jones isn’t one of them though. While there are teams that could use a player like him, Pittsburgh wouldn’t be a great fit for him at this point.
Steelers must avoid Haden
The most personal name on this list, Joe Haden was quite the addition to the Steelers when they signed him after Cleveland cut him. While he quickly became the top cornerback for this team, age began to show itself in the veteran. While still a savvy coverage player, his speed was becoming a liability for this defense.
While the Steelers cornerback room is far from great, adding Haden would accomplish very little. While he could start in a pinch, any of the three names above him on the depth chart would likely represent better options than him at this point. I doubt Haden would want to be a backup, and even if he did, he offers nothing in terms of special team’s value.
While moving on from a defensive staple for so long isn’t easy, it is a move that has to be done. The Steelers defense doesn’t need a player like Haden around right now as he would have no defined role on the defense. Unless the cornerback room gets decimated, Haden coming back doesn’t seem likely.
While the Steelers still have plenty of holes on the roster, not every free agent is a good fit for this team. In particular, these four available players wouldn’t contribute much to the current makeup of the roster. It would be a waste for the team to add any of these four players.