Free agency is still in the early goings when you look at the entire scope of the offseason process. The Steelers have been a lot more active than most experts had originally thought when they gauged how this group would attack the roster. Plenty of names have come and gone to this point of free agency as the club looks to improve both starting and depth roles across this group.
Omar Khan is starting things off hot as he continues to push for new blood in the building. He has not been afraid of action and shaping this team into what he envisions as a winning culture in the locker room. The Steelers still have a lot of work to go, but Khan has not left a small number of options to grade this early into the free agency period of the offseason.
Steelers made some key re-signings in free agency thus far with hopefully more to come
One of the biggest accomplishments of the new regime was re-signing Larry Ogunjobi to a new three-year deal. He needs to remain healthy, but he is a constant contributor when he is able to keep himself on the healthy side of things. Adding another participant to the trenches could be a realistic scenario that plays out at the draft, but re-signing Ogunjobi is a huge get. He provides stability and takes some pressure off any draft pick that joins the club.
Larry Ogunjobi signing grade: B+
Another big deal was the re-signing of Damontae Kazee. He inked a new two-year contract with the black and gold after his impressive season last year. He was hampered by suspension and an injury that limited his season in 2022. Kazee did impress once he was able to return from injury and is a perfect depth piece that can play different roles on the defensive side of the ball.
Damontae Kazee signing grade: B
Steelers brought in a fringe starter to replace Robert Spillane's role
Not one, but two inside linebackers were brought in via free agency with Pittsburgh. Many were a little surprised that they would double down on the position, but it should not come as a complete shock to everyone. The position has been a mess for years now and there have not been many consistent contributors in the revolving door during that time.
It has been reported by many insiders that Elandon Roberts will be joining the black and gold after previously playing with Miami and New England throughout his career. Robert Spillane signed with the Las Vegas Raiders just a day prior to the Roberts news, and it seems like he will be Spillane's replacement. Don't expect a life-changing signing with this transaction as Roberts is very similar to his predecessor.
Elandon Roberts signing grade: C+
Roberts is a downhill run plugging linebacker. By all accounts, he cannot cover, and the Steelers should refrain from him going onto the field in different scenarios. It seems like a linebacker should still be targeted in the draft, one that could cover would be a wise decision. Roberts provides starting experience and depth that can start in a pinch and can also play on special teams. That is very valuable when you have someone like Spillane departing the team and trying to find a replacement.
Steelers add a big guy in free agency to compete for a starting spot at guard
Adding to the offensive line has become one of the most important tasks for this front office heading into the offseason. Both left tackle and guard could use some upgrades at the starter positions heading into next season. The draft seemed like a viable option for these upgrades, but the black and gold threw their hat in the free agency pond to try and find a potential solution.
Nate Herbig was signed to a two-year contract that will pay him some top dollars for being a potential backup with the Steelers. He will likely get the first crack to battle Kevin Dotson for the starting left guard spot, but that will not be set in stone. One would also have to imagine that there could be a drafted player brought in with higher pedigree to battle for that spot as well.
Nate Herbig signing grade: B-
If Herbig only becomes a backup along the interior of the offensive line, then this is not a great signing. His cap hit would likely become expendable in another year or two as the club searches for extra cap space. Now, if Herbig does supplant Dotson as a starter and becomes a solid contributor as a left guard for this club, then this grade would have a tremendous result.
Adding a starter at inside linebacker should not attract comfort right away
It was mentioned earlier in the article that Elandon Roberts was only one of the two inside linebackers signed during the first chunk of the free agency process. The Steelers signed Cole Holcomb first as he comes over from the Washington Commanders franchise. He is a former fifth round selection by Washington and was one of their best linebackers last season.
Many still question his coverage abilities at times, but he is a physical presence that rarely misses a tackle. The linebacker room has been totally overhauled with only Mark Robinson as the lone player returning from last season's roster. Holcomb is an instant upgrade over the players that Pittsburgh has employed of late, but he would be better suited as a Robin to someone's Batman.
Cole Holcomb signing grade: B
Overall, this is a good deal for a linebacker that will be starting for you. He is coming off a season ending foot injury, which could spark some concerns moving forward. He is a consistent player that should be able to stabilize the linebacker position for this defense. Adding a coverage guy through the draft is something the Steelers should accomplish moving forward and that could bump this grade up even more as it will hopefully age like fine wine.
Steelers shock many and sign a big name in free agency
Cam Sutton was a huge loss to this secondary, and many fans began to panic upon hearing the news. The NFL is a business, and the Steelers had a backup plan with Sutton departing the organization. That backup plan was potential future Hall of Famer, Patrick Peterson as the club signed him to a new two-year contract.
The famous veteran corner will likely slide in as one of the starting outside corners and stay in a mentorship role. Peterson is coming off one of his best seasons of his career despite his age starting to tick higher. This should be a nice deal for both sides even though re-signing Sutton might have been the better deal to make in the long run.
Patrick Peterson signing grade: B+
Having a veteran presence in the room is a vital part of any successful football team. Peterson is getting older, but he has not shown massive signs of decline in his game to this point in his career. He should not be a weak link on the field and can allow the Steelers to have some younger guys learn from him before he retires in a couple of years. A big-name free agent that surprised everyone when the signing was first reported, that should get fans of the black and gold excited.