With free agency around the NFL getting closer, the Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of work in front of them. They have 27 players on expiring contracts whom they either must extend or risk losing. There should be some interesting free agents to target based on the current bunch set to become free to negotiate with other clubs on March 9. The Steelers have cap space to work with.
Don't be surprised if the franchise searches in the bargain bin pile for potential solutions to several of its vacancies.
Becoming a cap casualty is never enjoyable, but it does provide a silver lining. Typically, they are solid players who haven't lived up to their contract value. Either they were injured too often or were just overpaid on their current deal. That could lead to some intriguing options for Pittsburgh to go after.
Sitting $1.58 million over the salary cap, the Green Bay Packers have work to do. They could make a handful of cap casualties happen, so they could have some spending change in free agency. One name who is cited as a potential cap casualty for them is Elgton Jenkins. He has been a terrific offensive lineman for them, but injuries and age have become factors working against him.
Pittsburgh Steelers could target potential cap casualty Elgton Jenkins in free agency
Jenkins is expected to be cut before the start of free agency. The Steelers could be in need of someone of this potential free agent's ilk. Pittsburgh could see its starting left guard, Isaac Seumalo, depart in free agency. It would be a tough loss to see the seasoned veteran leave a young offensive line.
Adding Jenkins as a replacement could ease those concerns.
Jenkins, now 30, may present challenges if the Steelers consider signing him to a lengthy contract. After becoming a potential cap casualty, the free agent shouldn't be demanding top value. His season-ending fibula injury from Week 10 of this past season should also lower his value on the open market. The Steelers could find a gem if his health checks out.
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Finding a replacement for Seumalo will be crucial if he departs in free agency. The organization has prided itself on investing in the trenches in recent years, and neglecting the need at left guard would be unwise. Signing Jenkins would provide an established lineman who can start at left guard and replace Seumalo adequately.
He has plenty of starting experience to work with.
Jenkins was a jack of all trades for the Packers during his seven years with the team. He started games at four different positions up front for Green Bay over the years. Those include left tackle, right tackle, left guard, and center. His ability to play multiple roles could become especially valuable during an injury stretch. Jenkins is an obvious choice for the Steelers to target if the Packers cut him.