With the 2022 offseason wrapping up with training camp, here are six potential free agents in 2023 that the Steelers need to be watching.
The Steelers focus right now is on getting their current roster ready for the regular season, but some in the organization have eyes on next year. This team should once again have a nice amount of cap space, and with a new franchise quarterback on the roster, don’t be surprised to see this team add some aggressive new faces.
Now, predicting free agents this far out is a tough game, as new deals get signed all the time. That said, obvious names who are likely to stay with their teams via franchise tag or new deal I’ve tried to not include (sorry Quenton Nelson fans). That all said, here are six potential free agents the Steelers need to be scouting for 2023.
Steelers should scout McCoy
Consistency is the name of the game for Erik McCoy, and that is something that the Steelers have been lacking at center for some time. Sure, they drafted Kendrick Green with the intention of having him play center, but we all know how that turned out. The team put a band-aid on the position with Mason Cole, but he is an average player at best.
While McCoy hasn’t become an elite center by any means, he has been a productive one that consistently grades out well with PFF. Unless Cole plays lights out, an upgrade over him should be considered. McCoy wouldn’t be cheap, but he could finally lock down the center position and help continue the overhaul of the offensive line.
Steelers should scout Ya-Sin
Rock Ya-Sin has had an interesting career to this point. Despite being a raw prospect, he saw a lot of f playing time early with the Colts and predictably struggled. Each season he improved though, and last year, despite not being an every-down starter, he finally looked the part of a capable cornerback. This offseason saw him get shipped off to the Raiders, and he should start.
Ya-Sin was once heavily on the Steelers radar. Supposedly he was going to be the pick before the team traded up for Devin Bush. While he was a raw prospect coming out of school, he has progressed nicely during his career to this point. Unless he flames out with the Raiders, he should continue to be viewed as a fine starter.
The Steelers cornerback room is in a really weird spot. They are lacking that true top starter and their starters are all on shorter deals. Ya-Sin may not move the needle there much, but he would be another starting body to add to the mix. Considering the pre-draft interest, don’t be surprised to see Ya-Sin get targeted by Pittsburgh in the offseason.
Steelers should scout Ford
A name I was incredibly high on a few years ago when he went undrafted, Poona Ford would be a great fit for what this defense will likely need next season. Ford is a prototypical nose tackle with the ability to rush the passer. He has become a steady presence for the Seahawks line since signing there.
The issue with Ford has always stemmed from his size. While his 311 pounds is fine for a lineman, he is only 5’11, making him one of the shortest defensive linemen in the league. That said, he uses that to his advantage, as his lack of height allows him to play low. Despite his lack of height, he has become a key starter in the league.
More than likely, Tyson Alualu is playing in his final season in the league, meaning the Steelers will be looking for a nose tackle once again. Ford fits the mold of a modern nose, as he can plug the run and generate some pass rush. He would be a key addition to a line that may experience a lot of turnover next season.
Steelers should scout Amos
The Steelers are in an identical situation at safety this year as they were last year. Minkah Fitzpatrick is entrenched at free safety while Terrell Edmunds is a good, not great, strong safety in the final year of his rookie deal. While there is a chance Edmunds continues to sign with Pittsburgh, the team may look elsewhere at safety instead.
A name that makes a lot of sense is Adrian Amos. One of the most versatile safeties in the league, Amos can lay either safety spot well. Put him in the box and he can play the run, he can cover deep, and can even line up one-on-one with tight ends. He has strong instincts and can be a playmaker in the secondary.
Amos will be getting up there in age next year, but he should still have a few strong seasons left in him. Pairing him with Fitzpatrick would create a dynamic and versatile safety tandem. The team clearly isn’t set on Edmunds long-term, so upgrading is a distant possibility next offseason. Amos would be a great fit for what this team wants moving forward.
Steelers should scout Edmunds
On the flip side of things, there is a potential Edmunds that the team should have interest in next season. Terrell’s brother, Tremaine Edmunds, was taken before the Steelers safety, and to this point, he has carved out a better career. A freak of nature with the size and athleticism to dominate, Edmunds would be a quality inside linebacker to sign.
Unless Bush balls out this season, he is more than likely not going to be around for next season. Myles Jack, meanwhile, will still be under contract, but he can easily be cut if need be. His previous play hasn’t been great, so he is far from a lock from being around a year from now. The team will likely need a new face here sooner than later.
Edmunds regressed slightly last season, but he is still a top option in the league. The Bills will likely try and retain him, but they have quite a few big deals that may cause him to enter free agency. He can play the run and use his size well in coverage. The Steelers were all over him before he was drafted, and he could land a huge deal to come here.
Steelers should scout Brown
Easily the biggest name on this list and arguably the biggest name entering free agency next season, Orlando Brown has developed into one of the best tackles in the league. He suffered a massive pre-draft fall due to horrible testing numbers, yet he has developed into one of the top left and right tackles in the league.
He was franchise tagged by the Chiefs this season, but the two sides failed to agree to a new deal before the deadline passed. Negotiations seem to be souring there, and if he ended up as a free agent, the Steelers would be fools not to pounce. Brown is seen as one of the top offensive linemen in the league and would be a lynchpin on this new line.
It certainly wouldn’t be cheap, as Brown will likely become the highest-paid offensive tackle, but landing him would be huge. Nothing makes a quarterback’s life easier than good blocking, and Brown would provide that. He has to be considered if he is made available. Easily he is the name the Steelers should be most closely following.
The Steelers are still a far way off from the next offseason, but with a surplus of cap space and a rookie quarterback to build around, they need to be following who their options will be to sign next year. Keep an eye on these six future free agents as potential fits with the team next year.