Creating cap space is something that every team is looking to accomplish at this point in the offseason. Clubs need to find interesting ways to get some extra spending cash to create a more dynamic roster for the upcoming season. The Tennessee Titans were in a heap of cap trouble, but they were able to make some moves to open some cash to get under the ceiling.
More moves seem to be on the horizon for the Titans as they are struggling to field a competitive team in 2023. That should be music to the Steelers' ears as they look for potential cheap additions that could be booming candidates on bargain deals. Tennessee's trash could be Pittsburgh's treasure if the black and gold see fit.
Randy Bullock could be a challenging veteran kicker for the Steelers
Randy Bullock was one of the first to see the door shown his way as the Titans decided to let him go. He had been the kicker for the club going on two seasons now, and that's after entering the NFL in 2013. He has never had the strongest leg in the league, but he is a consistent kicker that could provide some depth if his opportunities dry up.
Chris Boswell had a poor season with the Steelers in 2022. He battled injuries and struggled in many instances once he returned from that issue. Perhaps he had that injury linger into his return, or maybe this could become an issue that persists further.
No matter what the excuses are, the black and gold need to bring in viable competition for Boswell's starting job in the preseason. Bullock might not be the person the Steelers turn toward in that instance but kicking needs to be fixed in 2023 no matter if that is Boswell or someone else.
Taylor Lewan should not be the Steelers answer at left tackle
Taylor Lewan was perhaps one of the most notable names to get released by the Titans recently. He was their starting left tackle since being selected by the club in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Michigan. He has become one of the better tackles in the league since then, but there have been some concerning issues that come along with him as well.
Red flags exist for almost every player, and Lewan is no different. The biggest concern with this player is his health moving forward. He has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, and age normally does not help those problems. This former Titans will be 32 years old this July, which should cause all sorts of concerns to rise to the Steelers before they even think about signing this free agent.
Pittsburgh needs to find an answer at left tackle after Dan Moore Jr. continues to prove that he cannot be that guy. Lewan could make some sense if he would join the club on a reasonable deal, but that is not likely to happen. He has expressed interest in signing with the Steelers, but that does not seem to be mutual right now. The black and gold should target the draft to upgrade at the left tackle spot because it’s an answer for a longer period and a cheaper deal to handle.
Zach Cunningham could be a solid starting addition to the Steelers if he is healthy
Another interesting player that could provide some starting experience to the linebacker room is Zach Cunningham. He was just cut by Tennessee with a failed physical designation, which should peak some concerns with the Steelers. He joined the Titans in 2021 after being put on waivers by the Houston Texans. Pittsburgh did not put in a claim for the linebacker during that time.
Thus far in his young career, this player has been a productive linebacker in the NFL. The issue with him is the injury bug has struck often recently. His release was from two reasons, which included injury problems that arose and the high cap number that he brought with him. Cunningham could be an interesting addition as your second starting option at middle linebacker if he is healthy.
The Steelers did show pre-draft interest in this player when he was coming out of the 2017 NFL Draft. Cunningham would be an interesting choice to join the defense as long as he is healthy, which the Titans claim he is not. The failed physical cost him a spot with the Titans after being on injured reserve before that due to an elbow injury. If his health checks out and a legit number-one linebacker joins the team, this signing would make a lot of sense.
Robert Woods would be a perfect veteran addition to the Steelers roster
For one reason or another Robert Woods and the Titans did not click in their marriage together last year. Many thought it was going to work out, but this receiver was not able to get things together. Woods was just released, and he could find a new job soon with the type of resume that he brings with him.
Many do not see a massive need when they look at the Steelers' receiving depth on the roster. You have Diontae Johnson and George Pickens as the stars on the outside, but there is some concern with the potential slot guys. Steven Simms was forced into that role at different points last year, but a veteran free agent like Woods would be a great addition to this group.
Calvin Austin III seems like he has all the tools to take over that starting spot, but he is unproven and was out with an injury during his rookie year. Woods would take that pressure off Austin and allow him to mature into the role. This free agent option could make a ton of sense as he knows how to play the slot role, and he has been highly productive in his career before. Do not expect an MVP-caliber player with Woods, but he is a reliable guy that could fit perfectly in a slot position on this offense.