We are only three months away from free agency for the NFL kicking off. That will start with the negotiation period and be followed quickly by players being allowed to sign anywhere they'd like with a contract offer. Right now, the Steelers are scheduled to have 16 players set to be free agents or restricted free agents as the offseason inches closer.
Another wrench into Pittsburgh's offseason plans might be the lack of cap space as they are accounted for six million over the limit currently. Obviously, that number can be altered significantly with cap casualties, and reworking contracts. The Steelers could open plenty of cap space if they want to. Should make for a fun offseason.
Defense is something many might not see as a major focus this upcoming free agency, especially with the unit accounting for so much against the cap already. They could have a couple of needs once the negotiation period starts. There are holes to fill, so the black and gold might look to add a couple of pieces during this part of the offseason.
Geno Stone could join the team from the Steelers most hated rival
First up on the to-do list on defense is finding a consistent true number one strong safety on defense. Most players who play the position have not been compensated well over the past couple of years. It seems like that market is stale, and that is where the Steelers could swoop in for bargain shopping. One name to monitor is Geno Stone.
He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens back in 2020 and has been a backup for half of his career, but the past two seasons have pushed him into a starting role. He has been a quality starter for the Ravens defense for the past two seasons and is enjoying his best year yet. Stone is from the Pittsburgh area and could return home as a free agent.
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.
Jaylon Johnson already has a ton of connections to Pittsburgh
It was rumored that the Steelers had an interest in adding Jaylon Johnson via trade before the deadline happened. He is a big part of the Bear's defense and someone that Pittsburgh felt strong enough to offer a deal to. It seems like the price to acquire him via trade was too high and the team decided to roll with the cornerbacks they currently employ.
Joey Porter Jr. looks like the real deal as the rookie cornerback has been sensational since becoming a starter. He does have some issues when it comes to committing penalties and getting "grabby" in coverage at times. Overall, Porter has been great, it is the other side of the field at cornerback is where the issues fall.
Patrick Peterson has been getting better, but his age will only continue to show. Someone like Johnson in free agency would cost a pretty penny, but he would bring a solid tandem on the outside for this defense. Johnson has been one of the best players on a bad Chicago team for some time now. It will be interesting to monitor his market this offseason.
According to Spotrac's website, they currently have Johnson commanding about 17 million per year. That would be a hefty price to pay, but it would also sure up plenty of concerns in the secondary. The Steelers will probably check into his situation come free agency, but it won't be easy. That price might be too rich for them to reasonably consider him.
Anthony Walker Jr. could be an affordable and quality free agent option
Inside linebacker was actually in pretty good shape until all the injuries decimated the group. First Cole Holcomb went down. He was having a solid season after starting slow. Then it was time for Kwon Alexander to step up as the top linebacker. Sadly, he suffered a season-ending injury himself just a week after Holcomb's.
Elandon Roberts has been fantastic thus far filling in as the top linebacker since the top two went down to injury. He has made some faults come to light, especially in coverage. He is more of a thumper-type linebacker that attacks the run. He has never been great in coverage, but Roberts is outperforming his expectations.
Even though Roberts is playing well, the depth pieces that were just added are not doing great. It brings into question the Steeler's depth again. On top of that, Alexander is scheduled to become a free agent. Adding someone like Anthony Walker Jr. this offseason might be a great idea. He might not cost an arm and a leg in free agency.
He has been a leader for the Browns defense for a while now, and his play only helps the players believe in his cause. Inside linebacker demands communication and respect to help control the defense. Walker would be a fantastic signing and someone the Steelers could use. He would be a nice get if he were to be available.
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.