5 impact defensive linemen the Steelers could target in free agency

Sheldon Rankins is a reasonable option among available defensive linemen

We reach the buyer beware part of this article, but it could also be the best option out there for the Steelers. Sheldon Rankins is someone who is a former first-round pick back in the 2016 NFL Draft. He was seen as a disappointment since being a top pick in the draft, but he has carved out a good career since then. After this past season, he seems primed for a decent payday.

Rankins is coming off his best statistical season since 2018 and he only played 55% of the defensive snaps in Houston. He was able to find new life to his NFL career and show that he can play an all-around game. His obvious improvement was tallying six sacks last year. That is nearly double what Ogunjobi was able to accomplish in 2023.

If the Steelers sign Rankins, then it would mean they move on from Ogunjobi. They need someone that is more reliable and has been more successful in recent years. Rankins would be a gamble of his own since he has been up and down throughout his career. If he can find a way of getting consistent, then this could be a great signing.

When free agency starts, Rankins is projected to sign a three-year deal that pays him about ten million per year. That is a hefty pay raise over what he was making, but when you have a season like he did last year, it makes sense for that outcome. He will be a sought-after free agent in this class and the Steelers should be willing to offer him a contract.