The Pittsburgh Steelers have a number of pressing needs to fill during the 2023 offseason. In addition to some major holes at the linebacker position and the need to upgrade their offensive line, cornerback should be a high priority on their list.
Cameron Sutton is Pittsburgh's most important pending free agent this offseason and locking him up to a long-term extension will be a move the Steelers work diligently to make sure gets done. However, even if Sutton comes back, the Steelers still need to upgrade the CB position. Here are the best available free agents they should pursue during the 2023 offseason.
5. Mike Hughes would give Steelers another physical CB
Mike Hughes was a high-profile name coming out of UCF back in 2018, but he hasn't quite lived up to his billing. Much of this was due to suffering a few major injuries in his first three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Hughes found himself on his third NFL team as a member of the Lions last year after spending the 2021 season in Kansas City.
The good news is that Hughes just turned 26 years old and is just about to enter his prime years. While Detroit's secondary was suspect with the 30th-ranked pass defense last season, Hughes was a physical presence. Though he did struggle in coverage too often, he was excellent against the run -- earning an 81.1 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus.
At 5'10'', Hughes isn't the most ideal fit, as the Steelers could really use a quality boundary cornerback with size and length. But like Sutton, he can play both outside and in the slot and his versatility is an asset. Hughes should be a name on their radar in free agency and would come at a very reasonable cost.