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

Jordan Whitehead should be a top target for the Steelers in free agency

Another local guy scheduled to hit free agency this spring is Jordan Whitehead. He played college ball at Pittsburgh and is from the local area. Coming home to play for his childhood team might be something he wants to accomplish during his career. It would have made sense for the Steelers to reach out to him the last time he was a free agent.

He has enjoyed a nice career thus far and has been able to continue that over the past two seasons with the Jets. He is a little smaller than what Pittsburgh normally looks for in their safety type, but Whitehead is near the same height as Troy Polamalu. So that excuse isn't there. This free-agent option makes a lot of sense.

Keanu Neal and Damontae Kazee haven't been terrible this season, but neither are good enough to be consistent starters in the NFL anymore. The Steelers need to invest in Minkah Fitzpatrick's safety partner and the future at the position. Maybe the draft will be the way to go, but free agency has plenty of options.

If the market continues in its trend over the past couple of years, strong safeties will be struggling to find work. Whitehead was an accomplished player when he signed with the Jets but he had to wait and still got a less-than-stellar contract. He will want to cash in this free agency, but the Steelers could play a waiting game and get him on the cheap.