10 upcoming free agent with obvious ties to the Steelers

The Steelers have a specific type when they look to bring in new players in the offseason. No matter if it is by trade or signing, Pittsburgh has a long track record of targeting players with pedigree or players that they had shown interest in during their respective pre-draft process.

While last offseason was a bit of a change of pace, the top offseason targets for this team tend to follow this outline. With a lot of needs on this team, there would be a wealth of free agents to target this year. Here are ten free agents that have ties to the Steelers this offseason.

Steelers could sign Ty Johnson

On the surface, running back isn’t a huge need for this team. Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris are both set to return next year, and both were core contributors to this offense down the stretch. The only question that needs to be answered is the contract situation for both players.

Finding a third running back would be good for this offense. While the impending running back market is full of elite names, the Steelers need a budget option that provides something different for the team. Ty Johnson best fits that bill with his speed and ability to provide an offense a change of pace back.

The Steelers showed interest in Johnson by bringing him in for a visit before the 2019 draft. He ended up landing with the Lions as a late pick and while he has never been a true starter or even a primary handcuff, he does a lot with a little. Add in his receiving ability, return skills, and cost (he shouldn’t cost more than the minimum) and you have a great cheap target for Pittsburgh in free agency.