Accumulating free agents commonly doesn't come at a cheap price. Those who sign big deals in the first couple of days of free agency usually outshine those added to the roster during the quiet days of the offseason. If the Pittsburgh Steelers are searching for cheaper alternatives still on the market, there are more than enough discounted players trying to find a landing spot.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan has been hard at work with some subtly big moves in free agency as he attempts to reestablish his roster. He has the ultimate job of making Mike Tomlin proud and securing a possibility of Super Bowl contention. Free agency has seen plenty of players fly off the board, but that doesn't mean there are still good values available for the franchise to consider.
Khan must have these free agents in contract negotiations to help his depth chart.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should target these low-budget available free agents
Joe Flacco, Quarterback
He might not be a starting quarterback anymore, but Joe Flacco could be a perfect backup. Witnessing the long-time member of the Baltimore Ravens jump sides to join Pittsburgh toward the end of his professional career would be baffling. Don't expect Flacco to jump onto the roster and steal anyone's job, but he did that with his two most recent employers. He started 11 games over the past two campaigns.
You wouldn't sign Flacco to shove him into the starting spotlight. He would be a backup who can start for you when needed. At this point in his career, Flacco is a strong-armed passer who can be careless with the ball. His starting experience, blended with a solid locker room personality, should aid his addition in free agency. The Steelers wouldn't have to pay much for the 17-year veteran.
Jedrick Wills Jr., Offensive tackle
Everyone points to Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu as the clear choices to start at both tackle spots. That is a fair assumption after Dan Moore Jr. got paid massive amounts of money to sign with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. The Steelers now head into next season with two starting tackles who haven't shown enough.
This could create a point of concern moving forward.
Khan and Tomlin have made it apparent they want to invest in the trenches. If they want to keep that going, Pittsburgh should sign free agent Jedrick Wills. He is young and could have development left in the tank. Tack on that he is a former first-round pick with pedigree, and Tomlin might start to salivate. Wills has struggled in the NFL, but he could be a swing tackle who becomes a backup plan.
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Elijah Moore, Wide receiver
Khan made a significant move at the receiver position by adding D.K. Metcalf, which should clear up offensive inefficiencies from last season. Other than Metcalf and George Pickens, they are without too many exciting pieces. They need depth and guys who can challenge Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III.
Ideally, the Steelers can find a cheap depth player to play inside and outside. Elijah Moore is a young free agent who will be 25 when the new season begins. He has never produced any significant production in the NFL, but he is a steady depth player.
Moore can play in the slot and on the outside if necessary. Don't expect Moore to break the bank on his deal during free agency. He is a young receiver with some position flexibility that could entice the Steelers.