Fans are excited for free agency as the Pittsburgh Steelers have roughly $60 million in cap space heading into the offseason. Omar Khan and the front office could create more spending cash if they choose to make contract maneuvers between now and when free agents can start talking to other clubs. Pittsburgh wants change, and the best way to show good faith will be through roster moves.
The Steelers should be aggressive in free agency once again. Khan has routinely found ways of adding quality players during this period of the offseason through free agency or on the trade market, and he must make a splash once again. Failing to do so could cause an uproar with the fanbase.
Signing any of these free agents from important positional groups could boost the morale of the fanbase.
One free agent the Pittsburgh Steelers could target at each positional group
Quarterback: Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
Most fans believe the best action would be to re-sign Justin Fields to a short-term contract. Different reports have been conflicting with the future of Fields in Pittsburgh. Some believe he is their first choice, while others would be surprised if he returned. Expect last year's backup to have a healthy market, so the Steelers better sign him before free agency.
All signs point to Russell Wilson being their backup plan if Fields decides to become a free agent. If he makes it to the open market, his price and list of opportunities elsewhere could be too good to pass on. Wilson should have limited interest due to his age and the poor conclusion to last season. Fields is the best option to be the future at the quarterback position, but they better sign him soon.
Running back: J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers
With Najee Harris's future still in question, the Steelers must keep all options open. Omar Khan openly expressed interest in bringing Harris back but also glowed when he spoke about the crop of incoming rookies in the draft. Locating a running back who could be a terrific duo might be tricky. They must find a cheap option in free agency to pair with Jaylen Warren.
Enter J.K. Dobbins into the fold, who could help solve the Steeler's issues at the running back position. Dobbins should sign a cheap two-year contract as a free agent, which makes the injury-prone player a good bet. He is coming off his longest and most productive season yet in the NFL. If Harris skips town and Pittsburgh wants to sign his replacement, Dobbins makes sense.
Wide receiver: Darius Slayton, New York Giants
Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live mentioned earlier in the offseason that Darius Slayton could be a target in free agency.
Everyone wants a top name at the receiver position while sifting through different free-agent choices. The Steelers want to add playmakers to their offense this offseason, whether through free agency or the draft. It might be a better tactic if they attack the need in both offseason events.
Slayton just turned 28 in January, so he fits the mold of what Pittsburgh seeks age-wise in free agency. This pending Giants free agent has had a productive career in the NFL despite not being a top weapon on offense. He can play inside and outside, providing a nice dynamic to the Steeler's offense. He might not be a splash signing, but Slayton would be an upgrade.
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Offensive line: Joseph Noteboom, Los Angeles Rams
Most overlook the offensive line as a need since Khan has invested a lot of draft picks into the group. If Pittsburgh wants to become similar to the Philadelphia Eagles, they must keep adding to the trenches each offseason. Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu will be the starting tackles, but neither are proven commodities.
The Steelers need to add a free agent or two who can provide depth and possibly push Jones or Fautanu for their starting jobs. Joseph Noteboom is coming off a season of struggles, but he would be a cheap addition. The versatile offensive lineman has played both tackle spots and has slid into guard throughout his NFL career. The perfect blend of versatility and experience Pittsburgh needs.
Defensive line: Milton Williams, Philadelphia Eagles
It's easy to connect the dots between Milton Williams and the Steelers. Pittsburgh's Andy Weidl is a force in the front office, and he directed the Eagles to draft Williams. That should convince them to consider signing the newly crowned Super Bowl Champion. Their biggest issue when targeting this free agent will be his expansive market.
His price is reasonable at $12 million per season over the next three years. Williams deserves that pay raise and could receive more if teams get into a bidding war. The Steelers would love to add Williams to help rebuild their defensive line for the coming campaign. Missing out on this free agent wouldn't be the end of the world since the draft has talent.
Cornerback: Asanta Samuel Jr., Los Angeles Chargers
Donte Jackson will hit free agency, and the Steelers seem prepared to let him go.
Jackson was a solid addition to the secondary but fell apart late in the year. They must add insurance to the cornerback position this offseason, and free agency might be their best option. Joey Porter Jr. showed signs of struggle last season, which could prompt a big move. They could go big game hunting when they review the market.
Asante Samuel Jr. is someone the Steelers expressed tons of pre-draft interest in. He did not get selected by Pittsburgh, but their level of interest in that process could continue with him as a free agent. He also has NFL bloodlines since his father played in the league for 11 years. Mike Tomlin would love to add Samuel as a top cornerback for his defense.