2023 free agent targets based on first half of Steelers season

The Steelers have had some obvious struggles this year. Here are some high-profile free agents Pittsburgh could target during the 2023 offseason. 

If the Pittsburgh Steelers were to be honest with themselves there are various areas on the roster that could be improved immediately through free agency at the end of the season. The Steelers offensive line is kind of a mess with the Steelers lacking a true left tackle.

The Steelers are lacking a true #1 cornerback that could potentially lock a #1 receiver down in man coverage throughout a game. Yet, there are some free agent options to consider that would turn these weak spots in the roster into strengths.

There are some intriguing free agents to boost the O-line

Possibly my favorite option of all free agents this year would be a player by the name of Elgton Jenkins. Jenkins is set to be a free agent at the end of the season. He has played various spots on the offensive line for the Packers, yet filled in for David Bakhtiari in an 8-game stretch in 2021 that had Jenkins as the 5th-ranked tackle in the NFL. If Bakhtiari wasn’t possibly the best pass blocker in the NFL I doubt the Packers would let Jenkins go. However, the Packers likely won’t be able to afford to pay Jenkins the kind of money he will command as he is probably the best left tackle in free agency in 2023.

Another player worth mentioning would be Orlando Brown Jr. a former Raven who was traded to the Chiefs with high expectations. However, a tumultuous stay with Kansas City and stalling contract negotiations could see both parties wanting a fresh start. Pittsburgh could be a place for Brown to get a fresh start.

The secondary will need help as well

Jamel Dean of Tampa Bay is far and away the best cornerback prospect in free agency. He is in his prime and would give Pittsburgh a true #1 corner that has been battle tested and can handle almost any receiver in the game 1 on 1. With this likely being Tom Brady’s final season and the super bowl window rapidly closing in Tampa, Dean may look for a nice contract with a team that could be a competitor in the next 2 or 3 years while he is in his prime. Pittsburgh fits that description.

If the Steelers are unable to sign Terrell Edmunds this offseason, then Safety may be a position of concern. Mike Edwards from Tampa Bay is a pretty good option. He is an up-and-comer who may look to leave Tampa for a team that can compete soon. Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell from Cincinnati could both be on their way out as the Bengals drafted 3 safeties in 2022. With the Bengals seemingly taking a step back this season Vonn Bell in particular may look to find a starting role on a team in which he could compete in the postseason for the next 2 or 3 years.

Pittsburgh is a few smart moves away from a reload

The Steelers are set to have just under $8 million in cap space for 2023, however, multiple players are due for extensions and restructuring that should free up a significant amount of space. Contracts for Chukwuma Okorafor, Cam Heyward, Myles Jack, and William Jackson are counting for nearly $58 million in cap right now.

Mitch Trubisky will also account for $10 million against the cap and if he isn’t restructured on a backup deal he would likely be traded. The Steelers have options to make a play for some high-powered free agents that could change the dynamic of this roster. So if you’re expecting a total rebuild you may be disappointed as Pittsburgh has some options to reload.