Pittsburgh has focused most of its energy on Aaron Rodgers regarding the free agency market. The Pittsburgh Steelers remain in contact with the elderly quarterback but haven't received an answer. With the NFL draft now just days away, the club should consider reviewing the remaining free agents on the open market.
The time to strike could be now.
The Steelers can't wait forever on Rodgers, and their draft plans cannot depend on his decision. They could always return to other options left in free agency if their draft plans don't go as they mapped out. Intriguing free agents are still available, and Pittsburgh should consider signing them at bargain deals while they can.
Pittsburgh Steelers must consider signing cheap free agents before draft
J.K. Dobbins, Running back
There is a massive hole at the running back position for the Steelers. Najee Harris jumped ship in free agency, and Pittsburgh must locate a replacement in the draft or on the open market. They have expressed plenty of pre-draft interest in the position, so it's safe to say they will address that need in the upcoming event. If they somehow whiff at filling that need, they could turn to J.K. Dobbins.
Different intriguing names remain in free agency at the running back position. Dobbins would fit like a glove into what the Steelers are planning. They appear to want a run-by-committee approach going into next season. Dobbins is used to that, but they could also take a free agent like Nick Chubb and mold him into a new player as his career dies down.
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Asante Samuel Jr., Cornerback
Steelers general manager Omar Khan signed Darius Slay earlier in free agency, but they could consider other moves in the secondary. Asante Samuel Jr. is still available as a free agent. The young cornerback has struggled to defend against the run, but he has shown top-tier coverage skills. Slay claimed he would be comfortable mentoring, so this could be a perfect spot for Samuel.
The former Chargers cornerback is coming off a season-ending shoulder injury, which he suffered away from team activities. Reports claim that he could struggle to return from his injury in time, which could be the cause of his waning interest.
Khan showed tons of interest in Samuel in the pre-draft process, and it would be best for him to be a depth guy who could eventually steal the job from Slay.
Tyler Boyd, Wide receiver
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin seems to like Tyler Boyd, especially since he is a local Pittsburgh product in the NFL. Many connected Boyd and the team last offseason, but no contract ever materialized. Reports later claimed that people inside the Steelers locker room didn't like Boyd since he spoke poorly against the organization during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals.
That dislike of Boyd in the locker room could be intact, but time changes things in the NFL. Boyd played with the Tennessee Titans last year and produced underwhelming numbers. The Titans were terrible, but you would've liked to have seen Boyd do better. The Steelers could use the veteran as a depth receiver who can play almost every spot at the position. Maybe time heals all wounds.