The Steelers are getting their game plan set for free agency as they look to build off a lackluster 2022 season. While the team won’t be swimming in cap space, they should have enough money to make a few key moves. Some of those moves could even reunite them with some players that have been here in the past.
Pittsburgh has always been open to reunions with former players. From James Harrison to Larry Foote to Plaxico Burress and Antwaan Randle El just to name a few, it isn’t uncommon for players to return to the Steelers after stints elsewhere. With there being quite a few reunion candidates out there, here are five potential players that could return to the Steelers in 2023.
5. Steelers may build out their special teams room
A surprise impact player for the Steelers, Tyler Matakevich was an undersized and unathletic but productive linebacker from Temple. A seventh-round pick, he carved out a niche role on special teams. His college production never translated to defensive success, but he has become one of the best special teams players in the league.
While Matakevich won’t resolve the Steelers' linebacker woes, he would be a great return candidate to fill out the depth chart and play on special teams. He has continued to flash there with the Bills, and a return to Pittsburgh isn’t out of the question. While he is a special teams player only, it would still be a welcome return if the team brings him back.
4. Could the Steelers finally bring back Jesse James?
I feel like I have written on numerous occasions of the Steelers potentially bringing back Jesse James, but here we are yet again. James is set to be a free agent after two quiet seasons and a failed stint with the Lions. The Steelers, meanwhile, need to fill out their tight end room.
James was a productive member of this Steelers offense. He signed a big deal with the Lions but failed to continue producing. If he were to return, it wouldn’t be as a starter. Frankly, it likely wouldn’t even be as a role-player. Instead, James would likely be the last tight end on the depth chart and just provide depth.
If the Steelers lose Zach Gentry, they will need a backup plan. James can block well enough and serve in that role if need be. Given the fact that he will likely be playing on the minimum, adding him would cost essentially nothing. In return, the team would get an experienced player that can provide capable depth to this tight end room.
3. Steelers may bring back Isaiah Buggs
Did anyone have “Isaiah Buggs breakout season” on their bingo cards? Cut during the middle of last season, Buggs looked like a player close to washing out of the league. The former sixth-round pick had never amounted to a great player here, and his play was very streaky, which made him a liability.
He became the Lions' starting nose tackle this season, and he looked like a steady veteran. While he wasn’t dominant, he played 67 percent of the defensive snaps and wracked up 46 tackles. Those are solid numbers for a player primarily responsible for filling up space. Given the Steelers' nose tackle woes, he certainly would have been an upgrade there.
As an upcoming free agent, it is pretty easy to connect the dots between him and the Steelers. The team needs better play from their nose tackle spot, and Buggs should know the defense pretty well. Given his age, value, and position, I genuinely think Buggs makes the most sense as a potential reunion candidate.
2. The Steelers could break the bank for Javon Hargrave
If money didn’t matter, I would think that a Javon Hargrave reunion with the Steelers would make the most sense on this list. He helped create a dominant defensive line when he was here and provided this defense with consistent run and pass disruptions. He signed a healthy deal with the Eagles following his contract expiring.
The reason money is such an issue is due to his recent play. Hargrave consistently was a disrupter for the Eagles, and he really broke out last season. He will commend big money as a free agent, and he has likely priced himself out of what the Steelers could afford.
While I would love this reunion on paper, that big of a contract for a player that is best served as a nose tackle seems unlikely. While the team could certainly expand how they use him, he likely wants to be in a defense where his talents can be used best. That wasn’t with the Steelers. Add in his likely huge contract and the cards don’t seem to be on the table. That said, it isn’t impossible.
1. Steelers could add another target for Kenny Pickett
The Steelers have a huge need in the slot right now on offense. Following the trade of Chase Claypool, the team was left without a consistent player there. Kenny Pickett needs as many weapons as possible heading into his second season, and I firmly believe the team should target a veteran receiver.
Could the team reunite with JuJu Smith-Schuster? On paper, it makes a lot of sense. Smith-Schuster was a slot receiver with the team and played well there. He left last year to play with the Chiefs, where he continued to showcase his ability in the slot. Add in his age (he will only be 26 this season) and a reunion seems like a real option.
While fans seem mixed about him as an off-the-field name given his social media spurts, Smith-Schuster is a valuable weapon that would make sense in this offense. He could provide Pickett with a steady option to target out of the slot. It won’t come cheap, but there is a real chance these two sides reconnect in 2023.
While the Steelers are preparing to attack this offseason and better this football team, they have quite a few familiar names that could come back to Pittsburgh. While nothing is locked in, don’t be surprised to see the team add a familiar face or two in the offseason.