It's not easy sitting in the limbo of free agency as you await a new opportunity. Those free agents waiting for a new contract could have the biggest payoffs. There should be no shame in bargain bin shopping, especially with some quality options still out there. Pittsburgh will remain active in free agency but don't expect many more splash moves.
The remaining Black and Gold free agents could be waiting for a while. Some might have a new home soon, while others might have to wait until after the NFL draft. It's a harsh business in professional football, but these free agents should land new homes sometime soon. Nothing will be easy for them, but they deserve another shot.
Steelers could see these leftover free agents leave for a new home
Russell Wilson, Quarterback
Everyone in Pittsburgh knows about the Aaron Rodgers news by now. No matter how that saga concludes, don't expect Russell Wilson to return. There is a rift between their starting quarterback from this past season and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Both parties wanted complete control, but they couldn't locate a resolution.
All signs point to Wilson leaving Pittsburgh after one campaign.
Wilson has been in contact with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants during the early portion of free agency. He has visited both franchises with the hope of landing a new contract. Both clubs need a starting quarterback, but the Steelers have Mason Rudolph penciled in as their starter as Rodgers debates his future. Expect Wilson to play elsewhere, and Smith should be happy.
Preston Smith, EDGE
Most applauded Steelers general manager Omar Khan after adding Preston Smith before the trade deadline. He should've provided plenty of possibilities to their defense as a proven edge rusher in the NFL. Instead, Mike Tomlin refused to give him opportunities, even when injuries started to occur. You can blame most of Smith's failures on the coaching staff, but that's nothing new.
After the season concluded, they cut Smith to save cap space. He remains on the open market. Don't expect it to happen, but it's not impossible to see a scenario where Smith returns to Pittsburgh on a cheaper contract. If he struggles to find a job as a free agent, Khan should be willing to reach out to him. He would provide a starting caliber veteran on the depth chart.
READ MORE: 3 clearance-isle free agents who could boost Steelers' offensive depth chart
Calvin Anderson, Offensive lineman
Calvin Anderson going back to the Steelers makes the most sense.
He is a depth tackle, for which Tomlin still needs on his roster. Anderson is a swing tackle who can fill that void. It was a lackluster year for Anderson after not doing much this past campaign. Ideally, the Steelers would find an upgrade, but they need an answer. Re-signing Anderson would take the pressure off adding a swing tackle in the draft.
Anderson joined Pittsburgh this past year with hopes of applying quality depth. This free agent shouldn't cost too much to re-sign, and it appears to be a safe move for the Steelers. He can battle competition in training camp to win some depth roles across the offensive line. He can play both offensive tackle spots. Anderson seems to be a fair bet to return with the club.
Damontae Kazee, Safety
Expect the Steelers to sign a safety during free agency or add one in the draft. They need a solid third option behind Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott. They are currently without that option as Damontae Kazee sits in free agency. He was with Pittsburgh for three years, where he carved out an impactful role. He should have some choices for his new home.
Different free agents make sense for Khan to target besides Kazee. They could go after someone like Marcus Epps with the level of connections he has to Pittsburgh. When it comes to Kazee, he is getting older, and he hasn't been able to stick on the field enough during his time with the Steelers. Expect the 8-year veteran to land elsewhere.