With the salary cap increasing across the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have a good chunk to spend this offseason. They have 27 players scheduled to become free agents in the coming weeks, and most of their cap space will likely be allocated to re-signing many of their own. When free agency hits, the team could have little money to spend, but they could open more with various cap moves.
The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will battle in the Super Bowl once again.
There are two teams that no one expected to reach this point in the campaign, but they have overcome the odds. Both of these clubs show that Art Rooney II could be right about just finding the right quarterback to boost the Steelers over the hump. If they want to get back to the big game, they must have a successful offseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers could be scouting several free agent targets during the Super Bowl
Rashid Shaheed, WR, Seattle Seahawks
First up on potential free agent targets participating in the Super Bowl this week is receiver Rashid Shaheed.
Pittsburgh was rumored to have a significant interest in the speedster leading up to the trade deadline, but he chose Seattle over the Steelers. That might have dented the black and gold's ego to an extent, but it has worked wonders for Shaheed. He has produced a strong second half with the Seahawks.
While Shaheed hasn't been a superstar for Seattle, he has produced in significant moments, especially in the NFC Championship game. If he can create plays at the Super Bowl, then his status in free agency will rise. The receiver could be in for a significant payday if that scenario happens. The Steelers held trade interest in Shaheed and could push that into this offseason.
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Jaylinn Hawkins, S, New England Patriots
Few expected the Patriots to reach the Super Bowl, but they showed exactly how the Steelers could return to relevance. You have to struggle a couple of seasons and luck out with a franchise-caliber quarterback. Pittsburgh remains in the mushy middle, as New England appears ready to contend for years to come. And some of that is because of their strong defense.
Jaylinn Hawkins has flown under the radar and is scheduled to hit free agency after this season concludes.
He has been a solid safety for them, and the Steelers could use some help in the secondary. Jalen Ramsey could become a cap casualty, and DeShon Elliott is returning from a season-ending injury. Hawkins would be a terrific choice to bring into the fold if the Patriots don't re-sign him.
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks
It will be interesting to see if Pittsburgh can re-sign free agent Kenneth Gainwell at a reasonable price, but it seems unlikely. They could go in a couple of different directions this offseason to add a running back to pair with Jaylen Warren. Kenneth Walker III would be a massive addition in free agency if the Seahawks fail to re-sign him. He could be a splash addition that launches the offense to new heights.
Walker is coming off a solid campaign, which rivals some of his best seasons. He has continued that strong push during Seattle's playoff run. He has a strong pedigree and is expected to command a significant contract this offseason. Pittsburgh wants to become a dominant rushing offense, and if they're serious, they should consider signing Walker. It could open up more options for them.