10 realistic free agents the Steelers could sign in 2024
By Andrew Falce
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Steelers could sign Keith Smith
My first three names for realistic signings are a punter, a backup center, and a fullback. Can you hear it? All of the yinzers in unison are chanting Super Bowl! Super Bowl!
In all seriousness, the signing of Arthur Smith has likely made fullback a bigger priority for this offseason than we may have anticipated. An offense centered around the run will naturally like to have a lead blocker, but Smith in general has utilized a fullback on offense a healthy amount.
On the surface, I would like to see the team give Connor Heyward a shot there and carry four tight ends so he can retain his role there. That said, he isn’t a great blocker, and Pittsburgh seems content with his role as a hybrid tight end.
Why make things difficult? Keith Smith, Atlanta’s fullback from the past five seasons (including the three that Smith was the head coach) is a pending free agent, and he would fit exactly what this offense would want in their lead blocker. He can block, and work short yardage, and as a former linebacker, he is a great special teams player.
No, this isn’t going to get fans super excited, but having a more traditional fullback seems like a need for an offense led by Smith. This signing makes a lot of sense on paper due to Smith’s ability not just on offense but also on special teams.