There are no excuses for Omar Khan this offseason, as Pittsburgh has one of the best cap situations going into this offseason. Their current situation could become more lucrative if the Steelers make other moves regarding current contracts on their roster. They have an easy pathway to getting their spending cash to $78.5 million.
If they get to that total, they could open the door for a spending spree in free agency. It could also include some trade opportunities presenting themselves. Khan has to re-sign some of his pending free agents and speak to alternatives. It should be a busy couple of weeks for the Steelers.
This free agency simulation experienced some ups and downs.
Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback
Let's start this mock free agency with a bang!
Aaron Rodgers signs with the Steelers after their top options dry up. Justin Fields decided to test the market and found a home elsewhere. Before the Steelers have time to re-sign Russell Wilson, he also bolts from Pittsburgh. They get desperate for a quarterback who can be a bridge guy who helps them compete, so they give the future Hall of Fame free agent a call.
Fans would lose their minds if Rodgers is their starting quarterback next year. There aren't too many great choices beyond Fields and Wilson. If the Steelers can't bring back either quarterback from this past campaign, then Rodgers makes sense. He isn't the same player that he was in Green Bay, but they believe he gives them their best shot at making some noise in the postseason.
Elandon Roberts, Linebacker
It won't be the end if Elandon Roberts departs Pittsburgh as a free agent, but it would sting. He has become the most physical linebacker the Steelers have had since Vince Williams. The second-year Steeler is a tone-setter and someone who commands respect. He shouldn't cost too much to bring back, and the length of his next deal wouldn't be extensive.
Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen are on the roster, but Roberts proved he can add something unique to the group. Cole Holcomb's future remains in question because of his injury recovery. Bringing Roberts back would add some depth and a role player on defense. Free agency can change everything, but Roberts coming back seems obvious.
Chris Godwin, Wide receiver
If you have money to spend, why hang onto it?
Pittsburgh decides to get aggressive and make a splash at wide receiver. They ink Chris Godwin to a healthy contract. He is coming off a season-ending injury, but the Steelers feel confident in his return. He has produced a terrific career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has never been their top receiver, but he is a quality supporting cast member.
Godwin can become your top option on offense if George Pickens misses time with an injury. This addition would resolve their ongoing problem at receiver for the foreseeable future. They would be gambling on signing this free agent because of his injury issues. The Steelers love him and showed interest during the pre-draft process. He checks off a lot of boxes in free agency.
Asante Samuel Jr., Cornerback
They turn right back around and make another splash signing in free agency by adding Asante Samuel Jr. to their roster. He is another player they showed pre-draft interest in. He has NFL bloodlines, and Mike Tomlin will be banging his fist on the table for this young cornerback. Samuel will get a massive raise this offseason, but Pittsburgh can afford it.
Joey Porter Jr. is coming off an inconsistent season, so the Steelers must find an upgrade over Donte Jackson this offseason. Porter cannot be relied upon as a top cornerback on defense. The addition of Samuel would push Porter for his top job and create a young duo at the position. Adding a quality starter at the position in free agency is something they must accomplish.
READ MORE: ESPN names Steelers perfect destination for three top-50 free agents
Trenton Brown, Offensive tackle
Pittsburgh makes a small deal to secure the offensive line.
Having Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu as your only starting options at offensive tackle would be a mistake. Pittsburgh must find a veteran or quality rookie to push for either starting spot. That is where Trenton Brown enters the picture. He has been struggling to find a long-term home in recent years. He used to be one of the best tackles in the NFL but has struggled with injuries.
The Steelers decide to sign Brown to a short-term deal that doesn't pay him much. He is trying to re-establish himself in the NFL as a starter and would be a terrific option to push their young tackles. Brown has started many games on both sides of the line. His ten years of professional experience made him a fabulous addition to their club.
Tershawn Wharton, Defensive tackle
Larry Ogunjobi became a cap casualty in this simulation, so the Steelers would be wise to sign a veteran along the defensive line. They turn to Tershawn Wharton after they couldn't land Milton Williams. They bring the former Chiefs stud over to Pittsburgh on a healthy contract. He should help them get younger and slow their opponent's rushing attack.
Many believe the Steelers will add a defensive lineman or two in the upcoming draft. Even if they accomplish that, they should sign a veteran who can start games for them this season. Wharton is a perfect option to help the defensive line get younger. With Cam Heyward looking down the barrel of retirement, they need at least two or three linemen to become starters in the next few years.