Budget free agents the Pittsburgh Steelers need to target in 2023

Steelers could revamp the linebacker room with Azeez Al-Shaair

A lot of fans have the Steelers targeting a top name at linebacker in free agency to fix the issues at the position. While they may certainly spend up and nab a top player, there are some cheaper names available that could also fix this position. Of those options, Azeez Al-Shaair could be a good redemption story for both him and the Steelers.

Al-Shaair was a relative unknown when he joined the 49ers, but he worked his way into a rotation and became the primary starter at linebacker last season as an injury replacement. He’s struggled with injuries as of late, but when on the field, he has been an effective player in both run defense and coverage.

He won’t break the bank as some other names will, but Al-Shaair would be a viable starter on a budget deal. While I am all for investing in the position to find a capable starter, taking a chance on Al-Shaair makes sense. He is young, has flashed some great play, and would fill a huge need. Al-Shaair could be a viable budget option for this defense.

While I typically like for the Steelers to use their cap space on better names as opposed to spreading it out on middling options, there are some budget names that would make a lot of sense. Keep these four names in mind as free agency opens and the Steelers look past the top names in the class.