10 upcoming free agent with obvious ties to the Steelers

Steelers could sign Jaylon Johnson

A name that seemingly everyone is linking to the Steelers this offseason, it isn’t hard to see why on paper. Johnson will likely be one of the top free-agent cornerbacks if he were to hit the market, and Pittsburgh needs a running mate next to Joey Porter. Johnson wouldn’t just be an improvement there, he would give the team one of the best cornerback duos in the league.

Johnson has been a rising player in the league and has gotten better with every season in Chicago. Despite his strong play, it appears as though he is on the outs with the team. He was a hotly rumored trade deadline target, and Pittsburgh was supposedly a potential landing spot. Despite his strong play, he could enter free agency this year.

In the brief window that was open for prospects to meet with teams, the Steelers were doing their due diligence on Johnson. The team didn’t ultimately select a cornerback in that class, but the rumors were there. It would be a huge upgrade to this defense if they could land another viable starting cornerback like Johnson.

While the other cornerbacks on this list have been potential slot options, Johnson isn’t. Signing him would still leave a big hole there, but it gives this team two top outside options. That could pay dividends for this defense after so many issues in this position.