NFL free agency has been a whirlwind so far, and while the Pittsburgh Steelers have been more passive than most hoped they would be, there is still work to be done. While the team has passed on some of the biggest signings, they can’t be done shaping their roster.
Pittsburgh still has a laundry list of question marks. Who is going to be the quarterback? Who can step up and start along the defensive line? And, of course, how does George Pickens fit this new offense?
This week, some of those answers should materialize.
While everything won’t be tied up nicely until after the draft, this next week presents the Steelers with the opportunity to make a few more strides with their roster. Here is what their checklist should look like to hit the ground running this week.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to boost their trenches in free agency
While many expect the Steelers to target the defensive line early in the NFL Draft, this team also needs to land some talent and depth along both lines in order to provide some flexibility come draft day. Right now, there is a glaring hole at defensive end that needs to be filled.
Pittsburgh has options though. They could sign a natural defense end type to fill that void while also adding a rookie for depth and the future. If that is the plan, Charles Omenihu would make a lot of sense.
Conversely, the team could also add a nose tackle into the fold on the cheap. That would allow Keeanu Benton to have the flexibility to kick out to 3-4 end when the Steelers are in their base defense. Likewise, you still have the draft to add talent to this room.
The defensive line isn’t the only issue though. While the offensive line has its starters in place, depth is thin everywhere else. Adding a backup center with guard capability would make sense.
Meanwhile, a legitimate tackle to provide depth and push both of the starters would be a major addition. You could go for the veteran experience like George Fant or the reclamation project in Jedrick Wills.
While it’s true that the Steelers missed out on the top names along both lines, there is still talent that can and should be added to both groups.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to add some selective weapons in free agency
While the team landed some splash in the form of D.K. Metcalf, they shouldn’t stop there. Finding some more offensive help is a must, as this team needs to better fill out its depth chart.
Another receiver would be a good starting point. I’m skeptical of the future of George Pickens, and while Metcalf is a viable replacement for him, you need someone else in the room. Elijah Moore would be a cheap route-running option to provide this offense something unique to their receiver room.
It doesn’t stop with the receivers. A cheap third tight end makes sense. This offense wants to run a lot of heavy personnel, so adding a cheap veteran would make sense. The tight end market has been cool this year, so they could get a good depth player at a reasonable price.
They can also use some splash on defense. While they should be done adding to the cornerback room, they could use a viable third safety for certain packages and depth. Sign me up for Jordan Fuller who can play either spot and also rotate in during three safety looks
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to sort out their quarterback room in free agency
Probably the biggest question on the team right now is what they should do at quarterback this offseason. It seemed like Justin Fields was the primary option for the team from the get-go, but an uncompetitive offer saw him decide to sign with the Jets.
Sam Darnold quickly came off the board, leaving the Steelers having the choice of Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson. Given their age and recent performances, neither of those options seem at all appealing.
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Pittsburgh did bring back Mason Rudolph, a savvy move considering his experience here and ability to start in a pinch potentially. If you ask me, he would be my choice for the year with a rookie or similarly ranked veteran behind him to compete.
No matter what the plan is, the room needs to be shored up this week. If Rodgers or Wilson is your guy, get him under contract. If not, add whatever other mid-range veterans you want and set your sights on the draft. The lack of clarity at quarterback is limiting this team right now.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to put George Pickens on the trade block
I’d love for the Steelers to add another capable veteran receiver in order to be able to shop George Pickens before the draft. I was out on Pickens shortly after the offseason started. Following the trade and extension for Metcalf, you now have your top option to build around.
Pickens can still be part of this offense, but his issues off the field with immaturity make it hard to want him to stay this year. You can likely get a decent draft pick or two back for him, and it would help restock the shelves after you send your second-round pick for your new receiver.
The top veteran receivers are off the board, and while teams can and will settle for what is left, Pickens would look like quite the prize. Trading Pickens now makes sense, as trying to cope with his issues off the field is no longer worth it.