4 free agency do-overs for the Pittsburgh Steelers
By Andrew Falce
Steelers free agency do-over #1: cheap veterans
There is nothing better than a veteran minimum contract in the NFL. It is the literal cheapest way to add talent to the roster. The Steelers constantly make use of this deal, and this year was no exception, as the team added almost a dozen players to a minimum contract. There is essentially no risk in these deals, so I am all for it.
Upon a quick look through other free-agent deals though, I found a handful of other players that I would have liked to see join the team. They signed for similarly cheap deals with other teams, and for one reason or another, I think they would have been great additions to the team.
Jamison Crowder is a player I have always liked watching. Despite lacking elite athleticism and size, he is a savvy route runner out of the slot with good hands. He would have been a cheap slot solution and also serve as a potential return man.
In a similar way, Isaiah McKenzie would also have been a fine addition. He could work out of the slot and provide the team with a potent returner. Neither receiver got more than the minimum, and either would have been a welcome addition to a relatively shallow room.
On defense, Amani Oruwariye has always been a player I have had an interest in. The former Penn State product had intriguing traits, but he was a raw coverage player, causing him to fall to the fifth round. He shined at times with the Lions, including a six-interception season as a sophomore, but was never a consistent player. He signed with the Giants on a minimum deal this offseason.
Rounding out the group is versatile defensive back, Bobby McCain. The Steelers had a lot of interest in him a few years ago, and he has developed into a hybrid safety/slot cornerback combination. Considering the current state of the slot position for the defense, McCain would have been a smart addition. He also signed with the Giants on a minimum deal.
None of these guys would have moved the proverbial needle much, but they would have been cheap depth that could have filled in at multiple positions. If the Steelers had a do-over, I would want them to add some more veteran minimum deals.