Steelers defensive line target: Christian Wilkins
If the Steelers decide to go all out and address a positional group in free agency, I hope it is the defensive line. The draft is lacking any great fits for the team, and the room has been lackluster over the past few seasons. There are a few names that make sense in this free agency class, and I want to see the room rebuilt similarly to how the linebacker room was rebuilt a season ago.
My pipe dream target is Christian Wilkins. While he isn’t the perfect size for this team, he has proven to be an effective defender so far in his career. A slow start to his career finally turned a corner in 2021. While he was always a decent run defender, he developed a better pass-rush plan. This led to him having a career year last year.
He can slot in as a defensive end for this team, and in doing so, it means you would be able to cut Larry Ogunjobi. This would result in some minor cap savings which could go to this new deal, as Wilkins will in no way be cheap. Coming off a career year and at a valuable position, expect him to receive a lot of interest in free agency.
While he is the least likely name to join the Steelers on this list, I am all for a defensive line overhaul in free agency. To do that, you need to land an improvement, and I view Wilkins as that over Ogunjobi. Again, it isn’t likely to happen, but he would be my choice for a crown jewel signing this offseason.