The Steelers are not in a great spot right now. Their financial insecurity and failure to produce a competitive roster have been an ongoing problem. They don't have a quarterback on the roster besides Skylar Thompson, but they only have 40 million to spend this offseason. That might seem like a good chunk of change, but it isn't much to turn over a troublesome group.
Free agency officially begins March 12 in the NFL, and Pittsburgh wants to be competitive in that market. To open cap space, they can use different contract maneuvers. Veteran players who have not performed to their contract status could become casualties.
If the Steelers want to compete and make some noise in the playoffs, they must make all the correct moves.
Wide receiver
Potential options: Stefon Diggs, Amari Cooper, Tee Higgins
We have all been demanding an upgrade at receiver since last offseason!
If the Steelers want a veteran coming off an injury who could be a buy-low option to have a big payoff, then look no further than Stefon Diggs. He possesses similar diva qualities that George Pickens presents, which could scare off the team. You cannot deny the magnificent production throughout his career. Diggs played in Buffalo for a while, so the colder elements don't scare him.
Going from one veteran receiver to another with Amari Cooper. He would be a decent addition who shouldn't cost an arm and a leg to sign. This free-agent option is coming off a poor season, so it is concerning when you think about him turning 31 in June. He might not have had a great year in 2024, but Cooper would be a steady veteran to help bring along a young group.
Now, the free agent every NFL team is hoping to land in free agency...Tee Higgins!
He will be on the radar of each NFL team needing receiver help this offseason. Higgins choosing the Steelers appears unlikely at the moment. He is the best receiver on the market and will get paid handsomely. Spotrac has the fifth-year receiver, possibly making north of 25 million per year on a new four-year deal. Pittsburgh would love to land him, but others want him just as bad.
Cornerback
Potential options: Donte Jackson, Mike Hilton, Jourdan Lewis
Most people are not talking about the holes at the cornerback position for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh wants to see Donte Jackson re-sign with the club before free agency. Having a veteran choice to start games opposite Joey Porter Jr. would help. Jackson had the most interceptions in a season during his career, so that could price himself out of town. His lone year with the Steelers was up and down, but he would be a nice return if his next deal isn't astronomical.
Going from one Steelers member to a former player, Mike Hilton. They must fix their long-standing issues at slot cornerback. It has been a problem ever since Hilton departed for Cincinnati in 2021. Maybe the bridge of a return is burned to a crisp, but bringing him back would be sweet. The former undrafted free agent is the exact fix that this defense has been searching for.
One slot cornerback to another as we go from Hilton to Jourdan Lewis. Imagine him and Pickens becoming teammates after they had a scuffle right after the final whistle of their Week 5 matchup. Sometimes, things happen in the heat of the moment, and it could become water under the bridge. Lewis has tons of experience in the slot and would be a quality addition.
Quarterback
Potential options: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Drew Lock
Will the Steelers go with Russell Wilson, Justin Fields or an outside option?
Some have swayed back and forth between either Fields or Wilson being the right call. Most fans want Fields to become the starter next season. He has the upside and provides elite mobility, which Mike Tomlin claims he needs at the position. The former top pick led the club to a 4-2 record and didn't make many mistakes. Fields wasn't perfect in his starts, but he provides a higher ceiling.
When it comes to Wilson, don't count him out of the running yet. It seems like Las Vegas is a prime landing spot for the Super Bowl-winning quarterback if he chooses to leave Pittsburgh. There are plenty of past connections for him there. Wilson is unpopular with the Steelers since he was a key factor in their five-game skid to finish the season.
The Steelers need to add another veteran in free agency and someone in the draft. Drew Lock is someone who has some draft pedigree and has a good amount of starting experience in the NFL. Pittsburgh loves that combination, and signing Lock to a short-term contract at a cheap rate is sensible.
READ MORE: Steelers mock offseason: Making all the right moves to appease the fanbase
Defensive line
Potential options: Milton Williams, Teair Tart, Osa Odighizuwa
If the Steelers want to know what it's like to win in the postseason, then maybe poaching players from the Eagles is in their best interest. Andy Weidl has stolen players from his former employer before, and Milton Williams could be next. Williams has quickly come to life in Philadelphia and has been a key piece to their defensive front. His youth and expansive production will have the Steelers interested.
He might not get you a bunch of numbers in terms of rushing the passer, but Teair Tart could be a nice fallback choice. He fits the mold of what the Steelers want to accomplish. Art Rooney II said he wants their defense to be stout against the run, which is Tart's specialty. You can connect the dots.
He might not be the perfect fit for Pittsburgh, but Osa Odighizuwa deserves a mention. The fourth-year player out of UCLA has developed into a quality starter along the defensive front. He includes a lighter frame than the Steelers would prefer up front, but you cannot deny his numbers. Odighizuwa is coming off his best season and could be another free-agent target.
Since the draft is a strong group, the Steelers may address this need in that process.
Running back
Potential options: Najee Harris, Javontae Williams, Nick Chubb
Most have written off Najee Harris returning to the Steelers, which might come to fruition. The veteran rusher has produced consistent 1,000 rushing-yard seasons in Pittsburgh, but he lacks the explosiveness that this offense needs. Unless he has a poor market and scurries back to safety with the Steelers in free agency, he is good as gone.
If the organization attacks the need during free agency, Javonte Williams will get a call. They showed pre-draft interest in him four years ago, and they will consider him. He has struggled to stay on the field during his first stint in the NFL, but his level of play when healthy is promising. Williams could become an upgrade over Harris if he can stay on the field.
Injuries are a part of the game. No one knows that better than Nick Chubb. He was on pace to have one of the best careers of a running back before suffering a devastating injury. He returned this past year, but he never looked the same. Chubb would be a low-risk signing and could provide magnificent results if he returns to form.
Since the NFL Draft is stacked with talented running backs, don't be shocked if they refuse to sign anyone.