It may not be the same spectacle it once was, but a nomination to the NFL Pro Bowl still carries significant weight in evaluating the success of a player’s career.
The Pittsburgh Steelers would be wise to target those elected to the Pro Bowl this year. They could target several pending free agents who will hit the open market and were elected to the honor. With enough spending money to go after headlining names in free agency, Pittsburgh would be wise to target quality players. A couple of big moves could boost their team to a new level this offseason.
As the offseason quickly becomes the league’s primary focus, teams will search for the best possible additions through free agency and the NFL Draft in the coming months.
Acquiring new players on rosters around the league. The Steelers could be scouting some free agent targets who were elected to the Pro Bowl. They have a great chance to make quality additions.
Pittsburgh Steelers could target multiple pending free agents selected to the Pro Bowl
Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts
It seems like a crazy idea, but Daniel Jones is more palatable for being a starting quarterback than he was around this time last offseason.
He found a strong landing spot with the Indianapolis Colts this past season, where his career was revitalized. However, after suffering a season-ending injury and now set to enter free agency, his market value remains uncertain. A short-term deal could make sense if the Steelers choose to pursue him.
Jones created strong numbers during his first year with the Colts. Many wrote him off as a starter in the league, but those tunes have changed. During 13 starts this past campaign, Jones totaled 24 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and 3,101 passing yards. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is known for molding quarterbacks, and Jones could be the perfect option if his contract is reasonable.
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Devin Lloyd, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars
It's his first Pro Bowl selection, and it couldn't have come at a better time for linebacker Devin Lloyd. He is scheduled to hit free agency in March, and he could find a quality payday. Consistency has been key to his career, and that should pay off if he becomes a free agent. Lloyd is only 27 years old and was a first-round pick by the Jaguars during the 2022 NFL Draft. He could be a nice target.
Pittsburgh must figure out what it is going to do with Patrick Queen before they consider another free agent acquisition. If they cut Queen, those savings could be used to add another big contract with Lloyd. According to Spotrac, Lloyd is projected to sign a lucrative three-year contract worth $60.42 million. That's a hefty sum, but if it fixes their problem in the middle, then it's worth it.
Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After announcing he could consider another team this offseason, Mike Evans could be hitting free agency. Tampa Bay would love to bring him back, but the veteran receiver wants a shot at competing. If the Steelers truly go all-in this offseason and bring Aaron Rodgers back, Evans could consider them as a possibility. The seven-time Pro Bowler would be a terrific fit next to DK Metcalf.
Evans would likely attract significant interest if he reached the open market, though a return to the Buccaneers remains a possibility.
Expect him to hit free agency and see if he can join a contender. The Steelers might not be his top choice, but they could be under consideration. Spotrac projects Evans to sign a two-year deal worth $26.62 million, a bargain price for the aging playmaker.