Free agency is almost upon us, and for once, it looks like the Steelers are going to be legitimate players. They have a lot of cap space and various routes to create more. While a quarterback contract will eat into that amount slightly, they should still be more active than usual this offseason.
Given the team’s recent struggles, they need all of the help that they can get.
While the defense is already a highly paid unit, it still needs some more help both in terms of depth and even with starters. The secondary is riddled with question marks while the front seven needs an injection of talent.
As I have already done with the offense, I’ve compiled a list of my personal preferences for who this team targets on defense by position. Not all of these guys would be starters (they don’t need to be), but each would have a role to play.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive free agents to target by position
DL: Eddie Goldman
The defensive line is one of the trickiest free agent pools to target this offseason. This team needs an infusion of talent with the likely departure of Larry Ogunjobi and the lackluster depth options. With the defensive line draft class deep, how this team manages the room will be key.
Instead of taking anyone flashy and paying a heavy price for them, I think finding a capable nose tackle makes the most sense. That way, depending on how the draft goes, you can kick Keeanu Benton out to base end if needed, or if you land a better end prospect, keep Benton at nose tackle.
Eddie Goldman makes the most sense for this reason. He won’t cost much, and could even come in at the minimum for the year. He can hold his own as a run defender and someone who takes up space in the middle of the defense.
It would be a low-risk move, and Goldman wouldn’t even be guaranteed a spot on the roster. He would provide insurance and flexibility for the defense though so you can stay flexible in the draft.
EDGE: Dennis Gardeck
On paper, the Steelers don’t need to spend much, if anything, on a fourth edge rusher. They have three great options already, so spending anything significant on a backup makes no sense. That said, this team has enjoyed (and relied) on edge depth the past few seasons, and an upgrade could be justified.
Dennis Gardeck is the perfect fourth-edge rusher. He is comfortable playing in a reserve role and has never served as a primary starter for the Cardinals. That said, he has been productive as a pass rusher when called upon.
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Better yet, he has been a core special teams player every year in Arizona. This provides him with an instant role and keeps the depth at the position deep. It won’t be that cheap, he will likely cost a couple of million a season, but would be well worth it.
LB: Khaleke Hudson
Assuming Elandon Roberts is brought back, there isn’t a huge need to bring in a notable free-agent linebacker. The team will be three deep and will also have Mark Robinson as the special teams player. Any free agent brought in should be close to the minimum.
Last year the Steelers showed interest in Khaleke Hudson. He was a college safety who converted to linebacker and was productive with Washington on both defense and special teams. He ended up signing with New Orleans but didn’t last there, and ended the season in Cleveland.
At this point, you wouldn’t want Hudson to play significant snaps on defense, although he could come in and play in an emergency. He can play all over special teams though, so he would add value there instantly.
CB: Byron Murphy
Cornerback is one of the biggest needs on the roster right now. The second spot across from Joey Porter is in question, and the team could also use a better slot option. You do have Cory Trice around, but he is just as much of a question mark as anyone else.
That is why I love Bryon Murphy as a pending free agent. He is still young and is coming off his best season as a professional. He can play on the outside and kick inside to the slot when required. This allows Trice to still see snaps on defense and continue to develop while providing a top-level contributor on defense in Murphy.
The issue will come down to cost. Murphy is expected to command $20 million or more a season, and signing a player like that is against the trend of what the team usually does. That said, they would get a top-level defender that still allows Trice to play and continue to develop.
S: Richie Grant
The team can use a third safety with the pending departure of Damontae Kazee. Likewise, the team could use some help in the slot. And if their third safety could contribute there that would be all the better.
Richie Grant was a high-draft pick who found some early success as a starter. He settled into a backup role last year which should keep his cost down next year. He has the size and ability to play either safety spot, and he can also kick into the slot if needed.
It doesn’t hurt that the Steelers had shown interest in him before he was drafted. He can be a chess piece on defense for a relatively cheap cost, and he can compete for slot snaps. For what is needed on defense, adding a viable depth safety like Grant makes a lot of sense.