It was recently announced that Patrick Queen is signing a massive deal to join the Steelers via free agency. We were wondering if Pittsburgh would be active in free agency, but with Omar Khan in the fold, he will not go quietly into the night. Khan remained patient throughout the first day of free agency before pulling the trigger on the biggest linebacker available.
We know that Cole Holcomb's future is still up in the air as he recovers from a season-ending injury. It could keep him out of the lineup for some or most of next season. No one has been able to provide a definitive timetable for that. If he is unable to go, then it looks like Elandon Roberts, or a draft pick will start next to Queen.
Despite this giant splash made by the Steelers in free agency, don't rule out more to come. We know Khan is a cap guru and Mark Kaboly reported that the Steelers could open a total of $60 million dollars in cap space if they wish to. That can be done through different contract restructures and other transactions.
Pittsburgh isn't limited in money and Khan seems primed to keep spending money to try and build a club that can win in the playoffs.
The Steelers could make more moves in Free Agency after Patrick Queen
Look for Pittsburgh to remain interested in plenty of other players out on the market. They missed out on some positions, but those seem to be targets in the upcoming draft. When it comes to free agency, many should expect the Steelers to remain targeting positions like safety, cornerback, defensive line, receiver, tackle, and potential depth at center.
Both tackle and center might be draft targets for the Steelers. Wide receiver could use some help right now. One name that stands out is Tyler Boyd. The hometown kid remains a free agent and Pittsburgh could be a top destination for him. If they find a way to make the money work and keep the duration of the contract low, then this would be great. They have the money to spend on Boyd if they want.
The defensive line is another spot that could be an upgrade in free agency. This upcoming draft class doesn't have too many impact players. One name that got dropped by David Todd is Arik Armstead. He was just cut by the San Francisco 49ers as a cap dump. The veteran defensive lineman is a smart player and someone who would be an immediate upgrade over Larry Ogunjobi.
There are plenty of needs that have to be addressed, but safety is at the top right now. Free agency has a much stronger talent pool this year than the draft. Someone like Justin Simmons would provide another splash player for the Steelers.
Minkah Fitzpatrick needs a reliable safety partner and adding a former All-pro with Simmons would only create a better defense. There are still plenty of options available for the Steelers after adding Patrick Queen in free agency.