Matt Bowen of ESPN just dropped an article that listed the top 50 pending free agents and their perfect destinations. Some found new homes, while others returned to their current teams. It was a long list that saw a handful of pending free agents on the Steelers roster who could find mixed results when they hit the open market.
Pittsburgh has the flexibility to make moves in free agency with their abundance of cap room. They could make some noise in free agency with some bombshell moves. If they want to land some of these top 50 talents, they will have to put in the work. Landing players in free agency isn't always just about the money.
Steelers fans will have mixed emotions about who Bowen believes would be a perfect fit.
Charvarius Ward, CB, San Francisco 49ers
The highest-ranked free agent projected to the Steelers in this article is Charvarius Ward. The veteran cornerback would be a terrific addition for Pittsburgh. He is a good fit schematically in their defense and could take pressure off Joey Porter Jr. His abundance of starting experience and press coverage abilities make him enticing.
Bowen explained, "Ward has the man-coverage ability to press or pedal off the ball, along with the backfield vision to make plays in zone coverage. I see him fitting nicely opposite Joey Porter Jr. in a Steelers defensive scheme that played single-high coverage over 50% of the time last season."
You cannot deny that Ward would be at the top of the Steelers list in free agency. They need a solid veteran on the outside instead of hoping Cory Trice catches lightning in a bottle. Ward expressed that he would like to play on the East Coast, which Pittsburgh would accomplish. He will be 29 in May, so if the Steelers sign him, they better not get too generous with the length of the deal.
Justin Fields, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Many in Pittsburgh would be relieved if Justin Fields ends up with the Steelers. Most who root for The Black and Gold would love to see Fields return as the starting quarterback in 2025. He might not be great, but he could grow into a better player compared to other options this offseason. Bringing Fields back over Russell Wilson remains the most sensible choice.
"With his dual-threat ability and improved footwork and vision in the pocket, the Steelers could re-sign Fields over Russell Wilson," wrote Bowen.
Mobility is something that Mike Tomlin demanded during his end-of-season press conference. He wants a quarterback who can move with the ball in his hands, which points directly toward Fields being the choice over Wilson. Unless Fields locates a new home during the tampering period, he would be wise to get another shot in Pittsburgh.
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Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Here is where Bowen could get fans in a tizzy. He believes Najee Harris's best destination is to return to the Steelers. ESPN isn't the only one, and it sounds like there could be mutual interest in a possible contract extension during free agency. Gerry Dulac reported that he believes Pittsburgh wants him back and would be willing to re-sign him with a new big-money contract.
Bowen reasoned, "The best fit for Harris -- based on his traits and ideal role -- is re-signing in Pittsburgh to share touches with Jaylen Warren."
Harris sticking in Pittsburgh would only prolong their problem of an anemic offense. No one in the NFL is afraid of their offense producing points. Harris might have over 1,000 rushing yards per season in his first four years in the NFL, but he doesn't have game-breaking speed. Keeping the same players as their former first-round pick would only prolong their issues.