5 potential free agents Steelers could sign to revamp their defense in 2024 offseason

Josh Uche is a young edge rusher that could fill a depth role on the edge

With the recent injury history of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the edges, there remains a concern about depth behind them. Overall, this season has been healthy for both Watt and Highsmith. They have remained as one of the best duos in the NFL, even though Highsmith could be producing some more. The depth behind them is good for now.

Markus Golden is set to be a free agent and Nick Herbig has little experience throughout his rookie season. One would have to imagine that Pittsburgh would try and add a player to this spot on the roster either in free agency or the draft. Herbig could be good enough to be the third guy, but it is important to have four guys that can be ready to go at any time.

One outside option that could be interesting this offseason is Josh Uche of the New England Patriots. He is a former second-round pick back in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Steelers showed some interest in him, but not as much as others. Uche has had an up-and-down career in the NFL, and that might set his free agency market to tumble some.

He did endure a great season last year which got him above the double-digit mark in sacks. Many expected him to take a jump this year as he tried and earned another contract. That has not worked out in Uche's favor and he could look for a one-year prove-it deal if the market is stale. The Steelers could use that to their advantage and get a young depth piece to fill out the outside linebackers' room.