Ranking the available free agent cornerbacks for Steelers in 2023

1. Jamel Dean is the top free agent cornerback of 2023

If the Steelers want to aim for the fences, they could go all in with the top cornerback in free agency in 2023: Jamel Dean. The Buccaneers took Dean in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft after already taking Sean Murphy-Bunting in the second round, but Dean proved to be the better player of the two.

In his first four years in the NFL, Dean has consistently graded out as a top-20 player at his position -- falling below 12th overall just one time. The former Auburn product has outstanding size and length to go with legitimate 4.3 speed and a 41'' vertical. These traits can be seen on film often as Dean can make up for any shortcomings or mental lapses with his unique traits.

The best part is that Dean is just 26 years old and has an incredibly bright future ahead of him. The sky is the limit for his potential and he's already considered a top-15 cornerback in the NFL. Sadly, Dean will cost a pretty penny as his calculated market value is $16.5 million in projected annual earnings, according to Sportrac.

Regardless, this is the premier free agent of the 2023 cornerback class and he would add another potential superstar to Pittsburgh's defense which already has three All-Pro players. Finding the cap space would be a challenge, but he might just be worth it.