One of the added benefits that clubs see with a first round pick is the fifth-year option that is included in their contract. That allows for the NFL club to decide if they want to pick up that option or allow that player to become a pending free agent if they decline that choice. If that fifth year is added onto the contract, that brings a hefty raise to the player before they become a pending free agent a year later.
Having that choice is always an added benefit and the Steelers have made different decisions with their former first round picks over the past several years. Usually, when you have your fifth year declined, something is not going particularly well with their young NFL career. Either they are a bust or struggling to stay healthy during their first contract.
A former top cornerback prospect could try to renew his career
Things have not gone to plan for C.J. Henderson as he tries to figure out the NFL before hitting free agency in the offseason of 2024. He has not been good during his short career and was shipped off from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Carolina Panthers in 2021 for nothing too valuable to note. Since the trade went through, this player has still struggled to find any stable ground in the league.
Why would the Steelers want Henderson? Well, he is still only going to be 25 years old after this season and could still have some juice in the tank. Signing this player to challenge for a starting spot on defense would be a mistake, but he could be a nice depth option.
Henderson is still young and could develop a little further. Another change of scenery in a successful environment might be the recipe for better success for this cornerback.
A potential splash name could make sense for the Steelers
Seemingly every year there is a big-name defensive lineman that gains traction in the rumor mill in connection with the Steelers. Most recently it has been J.J. Watt and there is an obvious connection there. Those rumors have died off for a while now but started back up when Mike Tomlin openly invited Watt to the facility for a tour. He is currently retired, and it seems like he will remain that way.
Again, it seems like there is always a big name that plenty of fans of the black and gold try to speak into existence. Next offseason will see Chase Young become a free agent, unless the Washington Commanders decide to re-sign him. Everyone has seen the great ability that Young possesses, but there has been a lengthy injury concern lurking around his name.
2023 is going to be a big season for Young and the Commanders. New ownership is finally in the fold in the capital city of the United States. The new owners would like to see some success and failure for that will mean steep changes on the horizon. Young has great ability and would be a tremendous addition to the Steelers, but he will have to remain healthy to prove the gamble of a new contract.
Offensive lineman could get a second shot at his career in Pittsburgh
Another offensive lineman in the fold? Sure, why not? The Steelers have shown a lot of interest in finally fixing the trenches of this group that will protect Kenny Pickett. They were willing to trade up in the first round to take Broderick Jones, but they also heavily invested into this group in free agency over the past two years.
Most players that head their fifth-year options declined on this list would likely need to earn their keep on their next employer. That is no different as Mekhi Becton could be an interesting option to bring onto this club next year. He has seen plenty of struggles during his time with the New York Jets, and he desperately needs a fresh place to call home.
Injuries have been a big issue with Becton, but he has not played at a high level when healthy either. Pittsburgh would need to bring him onto the club to try and carve out a spot on the roster before he gets anything guaranteed to him.
Becton could battle for either a depth role or potentially fight for the starting right tackle spot with Dan Moore Jr. or Chuks Okorafor. Perhaps having some pressure taken off him as being a top left tackle in the NFL could rejuvenate his career in the black and gold.
Signing someone from a hated rival would be an interesting choice
One position of need that is an obvious hole right now is inside linebacker. Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts were brought in, and they seem like they will be the starting duo this season. It is possible that a training camp standout could shock some and overtake Roberts spot in the lineup, but that is not too likely to happen. The black and gold just could not find a obvious number one guy at the position this year.
Going to Baltimore is something that the Steelers normally despise, but it could be different this time around. Pittsburgh traded with the Ravens for Chris Wormley a handful of years ago, so both clubs are open to doing business with each other. There is currently a linebacker on the Ravens that is not happy with the club that selected him in the first round a while ago.
Patrick Queen could be an obvious choice for the Steelers to show interest in via trade or next free agency. He has been clamoring for a way out of Baltimore ever since they declined his fifth-year option.
Queen has not been an immaculate linebacker since coming out of college, but he is coming off his best season last year. Pittsburgh would be wise to give their rivals a call and gauge what kind of deal could be made to make all three parties involved happy.
The Steelers could go after this linebacker if he proves himself in 2023
Trying to figure out the best direction for the Steelers to go with to upgrade at inside linebacker is tricky. Realistically, they probably will not be able to upgrade this season, but there could be some interesting names to monitor via trade. The Arizona Cardinals are a team that many believe will be terrible again this season and a long way away from contending.
Their club seems to truly believe that they could make the playoffs, but they will either be good or falling off a cliff. Isaiah Simmons is someone that is heading into his final year under contract with the Cardinals. He finally started to show promise last season as pro football focus had his highest graded year out of his total of his three seasons. Simmons still has a lot left to prove, but he could be a name to monitor between now and free agency next offseason.
Adding someone like Simmons would be one of the best outcomes for Pittsburgh if they found a way to swing a deal. He is a fast linebacker that can cover and play a linebacker/safety hybrid role.
That is exactly what this defense has been missing for years now. Would the Cardinals be willing to deal him away for a mid to late round pick in the 2024 NFL draft? Omar Khan should at least give a call and see if there is a trade to be made there.