Free agency probably won't be as active as prior years for Pittsburgh. They have limited cap space currently, but they could find ways to add more between now and the start of the offseason. With the Steelers reaching the playoffs with limited resources, they might try to go all-in right now. It will be interesting to see how the black and gold handle this offseason.
Trades could be another route and fans already seem intrigued by a few potential options out there, one name being Justin Fields. The Steelers need to be smart with their cap space and try and solve their current quarterback dilemma. The most important position in football is in question for this group and there are plenty of other things on the to-do list.
Trenton Brown could be a great upgrade over Dan Moore Jr. In free agency
Trenton Brown has come under scrutiny with his work ethic in past seasons. That is one of the reasons why he fails to find major cash flow when free agency becomes an option for him. He couldn't cash in last time, but he hopes to as the 30-year-old likely only sees one good contract for the rest of his career.
No matter what concerns there are with his work off the field, his work on the field has always been solid as a starter for the New England Patriots. Finding an upgrade over Dan Moore Jr. should be on top of their to-do list this offseason. Brown has expwrience starting on both sides.
The Steelers need a solid right tackle so they can slide Broderick Jones back to left tackle. You can't trade up for a tackle only to have him play on the right side, which is his off side. Adding Brown would provide a solid veteran, but his questionable work ethic and potential price will not make him a likely option for Pittsburgh.
Kenny Moore II would be a tremendous but expensive upgrade at slot cornerback
It was a tough end to the Indianapolis Colts season after the lost their last game and were knocked out of a potential playoff birth. They had a couple bright spots on their team and it seems like that club will have a bright future despite the dissapointing conclusion to their campaign this year. One of the bright spots was Kenny Moore II.
Steelers fans might not be too familiar with him, but he has been one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL over the past couple of years. That should be music to the ears of Pittsburgh as they have been dying for a quality option in the slot since Mike Hilton left the team years ago. Moore would be a tremendous add, but his price tag might be too much for the Steelers to afford.
Another thing that fans need to think about is amount of money that should be invested into this defense. It's already one of the highest paid groups, so it might be wise to try and save some money to invest on offense. Moore would still be a good pickup and something that the team needs.
Slot cornerback is another need the Steelers need to find an upgrade at. Chandon Sullivan has not been good and neither Patrick Peterson nor Elijah Riley have been great in that spot. Getting someone like Moore would be a nice upgrade, but his cost will likely be too much for this club to handle right now.
Kirk Cousins will not be signing with the Steelers in free agency
Kirk Cousins will lead the pack as the top quarterback available in free agency, unless the Vikings decide to re-sign him before then. He has been a quality starter overall throughout his NFL career and he should be able to fetch a lucrative short-term contract of around two to three years this offseason.
The Steelers claim they are going to be loyal to Kenny Pickett heading into next season, but that has to be taken with a grain of salt. If the club truly believed that he is their future quarterback then they would've started him over Mason Rudolph as soon as he was healthy. That did not happen and it will light the spark of signing a free agent quarterback.
Bringing a guy into the building when free agency kicks off will only cost more money rather then drafting a guy. Cousins is a good starter and might be able to push the Steelers back into the playoffs next season. He could even be a nice learning tool for Pickett for a couple of years if he did sign a two year contract in Pittsburgh.
Main issue with Cousins are the years, his potential decline with age, and the money that he will command on the open market. Most imagine he will go back to Minnesota, but money talks. The Steelers likely don't have that money to compete with some of the other quarterback starved teams this time around. Would be a good pickup but not likely to happen.
Jaylon Johnson has been rumored to the Steelers often, but the price will be high
Most fans will have Jaylon Johnson circled on the names to watch for Pittsburgh this offseason. Rumor has it that the Steelers showed interest in Johnson before the trade deadline. They might have even offered a solid draft pick to try and entice the Chicago Bears of dealing him. That did not happen but there is still a connection here.
Other reports came out after the deadline past that Johnson will remain a target for the Steelers when free agency rolls around. He would be a great addition to play on the opposite side of Joey Porter Jr. That would be one of the best corner back tandems in the NFL. Pay attention to the reports, but it's not likely going to happen.
There are too many holes to fill on Pittsburghs roster for signing Johnson to the contract he will demand on the open Markey. He has been one of the best corner backs in the league on one of the worst defenses. It is a nice dream to have for fans, but it just doesn't add up in a financial sense.
Again, the Steelers defense is one of the highest paid units in the league. Adding someone like Johnson would only inflate that issue moving forward. He would be a great add to upgrade over Levi Wallace and Peterson on the outside. His name is connected to Pittsburgh, but his market and dollar amount will be too much to handle.