Free agency might not be over, but it has certainly slowed down. The Pittsburgh Steelers went into the free-agent signing process with tons of cap space to work with. This offseason appeared to expose Steelers general manager Omar Khan, who made a splash by acquiring DK Metcalf in a trade right as free agency started. However, he didn't find much luck trying to land some big fish on the open market.
There were mixed results from Khan and Pittsburgh's long-time head coach Mike Tomlin. If Aaron Rodgers joins the franchise, their entire outlook on free agency this offseason might change. They still have money to work with if they want to add other free agents, but quality options are dwindling.
Khan did some good things, but it wasn't a perfect report card for him this time.
Pittsburgh Steelers didn't have the kind of free agency most hoped for
The Good:
Mason Rudolph, Quarterback: B+
There is less pressure on signing Rodgers since they have Mason Rudolph on the roster as their fallback option. He played this past season with the Tennessee Titans, but he rejoins Pittsburgh as a player who can start for them this season if needed. Rodgers will likely sign with the club and shove Rudolph into a comfortable backup job. He gives the team the stability they need moving forward.
Juan Thornhill, Safety: B
With Damontae Kazee sitting in free agency, Pittsburgh needed safety depth. They added Juan Thornhill after the Browns moved on from him. He is a quality depth option for the Steelers heading into next season. He is coming off a rough campaign, but he can play a role on defense and start if Minkah Fitzpatrick or DeShon Elliott were to get injured.
Kenneth Gainwell, Running back: B
The Steelers were smart to add a depth guy at the running back position who can return kicks. Kenneth Gainwell only signed a cheap one-year contract. They aren't risking too much with this addition. If things work out well, Pittsburgh can have a reliable complementary back with Jaylen Warren and someone who could push Cordarrelle Patterson off the roster as their top returner.
READ MORE: 3 most likely time frames for Aaron Rodgers to sign with Steelers
The bad:
Darius Slay, Cornerback: C+
It's hard not to ignore the similarities Darius Slay has coming to the Steelers compared to someone like Patrick Peterson. The difference is that Slay is coming off a great season despite recording zero interceptions. They needed to add a starting cornerback, and Slay should give them good snaps, but you don't know how he will hold up because of his advanced age.
They could've targeted a younger player as a long-term answer.
Brandin Echols, Cornerback: C-
The slot cornerback position continues to be a thorn in the side of their defense. Instead of investing in a solution, they deferred to signing Brandin Echols. He will compete with Beanie Bishop for the starting spot, but he can also play outside. While Echols's contract won't cost much, the Steelers should have targeted a better option in free agency to fix the slot position once and for all.
Esezi Otomewo, Defensive lineman: D
Many had high hopes for Khan to address the defensive line issues in free agency and the draft. Pittsburgh decided to keep its eyes on the draft, but it did add some lackluster free agents. Esezi Otomewo has been an NFL journeyman who could compete for a roster spot. He didn't cost much, but Otomewo is nothing more than a player who will battle to make the team this preseason.
The ugly:
Malik Harrison, Linebacker: D
It's hard to be too judgmental of the Steelers signing Malik Harrison. He is younger than Elandon Roberts, but it will be difficult for him to replace the former run-stopper. Roberts was the heartbeat of the defense at varying points. Harrison has big shoes to fill, and costs more than Roberts did in free agency. Khan will look terrible if Harrison struggles in Pittsburgh.
Daniel Ekuale, Defensive lineman: F
It's not Daniel Ekuale's fault that his addition was disappointing. Pittsburgh is desperate to find replacements along the defensive line, but it failed to do that in free agency. They signed Ekuale to be someone who can start for them if they can't draft someone. The Steelers couldn't land a reliable replacement for Larry Ogunjobi, which puts them in a bad light.