10 realistic free agents the Steelers could sign in 2024

Steelers could target Sean Murphy-Bunting

Everyone is salivating over some of the top cornerback names in the market to pair with Joey Porter on the outside, but I have my eye on Sean Murphy-Bunting. This is twofold, as I expect him to not be among the initial wave of big contracts, meaning he shouldn’t break the bank. As well, he is experienced in the slot and as an outside cornerback.

Murphy-Bunting is coming off a cheap one-year deal with the Titans. He was an everydown starter for every game he was healthy for, and instead of being a hybrid slot and outside cornerback, the Titans kept him strictly on the outside. I would argue that was to the detriment of Murphy-Bunting.

He had his best seasons in Tampa Bay when he was used as a Cameron Sutton-esque outside and inside cornerback, and given his ability as a run defender, I really think a full-time move inside isn’t a bad option for Murphy-Bunting. To me, I would rather see the Steelers get a clear upgrade at slot cornerback and let their younger names figure out the outside cornerback spot.

Oh, and can we forget that the Steelers had Murphy-Bunting in for a pre-draft meeting before he was drafted? He can be an inexpensive slot upgrade and can also factor into the outside cornerback rotation. If the Steelers are content with adding another free agent to this room, Murphy-Bunting makes a lot of sense.