With the draft wrapped up, the Steelers main roster is looking quite different from where this group was a year ago. While the majority of big moves are likely done, this team still has some holes that need to be filled. The free agency pool has dried up some, but Pittsburgh would be wise to check on the status of a few veterans.
This roster is focused on developing its youthful pieces into top-of-the-line players, but that doesn’t mean they should enter the season with this many holes. The free agent market has dried up mostly, so deals will be team friendly and short-term. This team still has needs though, and these five current free agents are logical targets.
Steelers could sign Darrynton Evans
The Steelers running back room is one of the deeper units. They have Najee Harris who should be poised for his best season as a professional given the upgrades to the offensive line. Jaylen Warren proved to be a competent player last season and should continue to see an expanded role in this offense.
For a team that seemingly wants to be built around the run game, having three capable backs is smart. As well, someone with some speed would also suit this group. Darrynton Evans hasn’t proven to be a great back since being a third-round pick, but he could fill the spot of a capable third back.
He has good speed with the ability to break off long runs. He isn’t much of a receiver, but with Warren being so proficient there, it isn’t a huge deal. Evans does have experience on special teams as both a coverage player and returner. He would be a logical addition to fill out that room on the cheap.
Steelers could sign John Wolford
Similar to running back, the quarterback position is also two deep, as the Steelers have Kenny Pickett set to start with an experienced Mitchell Trubisky behind him. A third quarterback isn’t the most vital position, but with new rules as to how that player will not accommodate a roster spot on gameday, this team would benefit from having another capable backup.
John Wolford has started a handful of games for the Rams over the past few seasons. He is consistent when on the field, taking what a defense gives him and being conservative with the ball. He won’t directly win you any games given his lacking traits, but he can manage a few games a season and not completely fold under pressure.
Wolford will likely come in for cheap and can fill out the remainder of the Steelers quarterback room. He would provide the team with four capable arms and battle it out with undrafted rookie Tanner Morgan during the preseason. The team needs another experienced arm out there, and he makes sense as a potential fit.
Steelers could sign Jordan Jenkins
Despite the addition of Nick Herbig, the Steelers depth at edge rusher is poor. While Herbig is an interesting player, he lacks an ideal frame to be a full-time edge rusher. His length in particular stands out as an issue, as he struggled to make an impact against longer tackles while at Wisconsin.
This team could still use a capable third edge rusher, and Jordan Jenkins makes a lot of sense. He has a far better frame, is a proven pass rusher, and has settled into a reserve role over the past few seasons. Despite flashing at times early in his career with the Jets, Jenkins has become a viable backup.
He didn’t start a single game with Houston last year but still managed to rack up 2.5 sacks. He makes the most out of his opportunities and is a well-rounded defender. My main issue with Jenkins is that he has never been a consistent special teams player, but the Steelers could get by with that if he is the third option.
Jenkins would instantly boost the edge depth of this team and provide Pittsburgh with a more realistic rotation next year. He isn’t a dynamic player, but Jenkins would be a steady presence on the field and help relieve the starters. This team needs a more capable third-edge rusher, and Jenkins fits the mold of what the Steelers look for.
Steelers could sign Dontrell Hilliard
As stated before, finding a capable third running back for this team makes sense given the desire to be such a run-heavy team this season. While Evans is a cheap do-it-all option, a slight upgrade over him would be Dontrell Hilliard. He seemingly came in and took on the role that the Titans envisioned Evans having.
Hilliard is one of the better-receiving backs in the league, and he has the speed element that this backfield is lacking. Neither Warren nor Harris are threats to break off long runs, but Hilliard has flashed above-average burst which makes him dangerous for an offense.
On top of this, he has some minor experience as a return man, and he could throw his name into that ring if added. More importantly, he has proven to be a good coverage player on special teams, meaning he could wear a variety of hats for this team. His success wouldn’t only be dependent on the offensive contributions he has.
Assuming he would accept a low-budget deal, Hilliard is a name that makes a lot of sense for this offense. He can hold down the third running back role, provide a different style of runner, and be a core special teams player. He would be an instant upgrade to this depth chart if added.
Steelers could sign John Johnson
Every name so far on this list has been a smaller fish that would serve as depth for this team. John Johnson is a much more notable name. Despite a lackluster year with the Browns, he is still a versatile secondary piece that would greatly benefit this defense. While the safety room is kind of crowded, Johnson would still be a good get.
Specifically, Johnson has had success when covering the slot in the past. This team is sorely missing out on their slot options, so having a player like Johnson would give them an instant upgrade. He can also comfortably play either safety spot, adding further depth and versatility to this group.
While the team doesn’t need another pure safety, Johnson’s ability to cover the slot provides instant help for this defense. It would also give them four safeties to work with on the defense, which would allow for more creative packages as a whole. Adding him would seal up their defense and have them entering the season without many holes.
While the Steelers biggest moves of the offseason have come and gone, there are still other players that they can add to better this team. The depth could be improved and they are still missing a slot-capable player. These five free agents would go a long way in providing a more complete roster heading into the summer.