Everyone in Pittsburgh wishes the Steelers were playing on Super Bowl Sunday, but that is a distant hope. Their favorite team is far from contending, no matter how much their top decision-makers beat their chest. They have to make changes this offseason if they want a shot at sniffing relevancy again. Otherwise, they will stick in the middle of the pack.
Free agency could be the perfect opportunity to turn their fortunes around.
With only 40 million in cap space, Pittsburgh has to open more spending money if they want to lure free agents. There are routes they could take to provide cap relief by cutting certain players and restructuring other contracts. Some pending free agents participating in the Super Bowl could interest The Black and Gold.
Avonte Maddox, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
One of the weakest points on the Steeler's defense this past season was at slot cornerback. They tried forcing Beanie Bishop and Cam Sutton into that role, but neither provided a success story. Instead, they stunk and only kicked the can down the road. This offseason submits a new opportunity to find a long-term successor.
Avonte Maddox could be a perfect target in free agency for the Steelers.
They should know Maddox well since he hails from the University of Pittsburgh. Again, you cannot dismiss the Andy Weidl connection in possible free-agent pickups for the Steelers. Maddox has fallen into a depth role in recent years, but he has played many different positions in the NFL. The Eagles might not bring him back, and he has starting experience in the slot.
Marquis Brown, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Many thought Marquis "Hollywood" Brown would have a big year going into this season, but he suffered an injury early on. He returned during the final two games of the campaign, but his lack of production since is concerning. If he wants to find a nice pay increase come free agency, the former first-round pick better has a terrific Super Bowl showing.
Brown is the cousin of Steelers legend Antonio Brown. While Hollywood hasn't produced as many headaches as his Hall of Fame cousin, he hasn't provided much either. Injuries hampered his opportunity this year, which could make him a cheap gamble. The Steelers need solidified answers, but if they add him as an extra piece, then it would be beneficial for all parties.
READ MORE: Desperate Steelers could go from one Hall of Fame-level QB to the next in 2025
Milton Williams, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
Keeping those Weidl connections going with the Eagles here.
Milton Williams was drafted under the direction of Weidl during his time with Philadelphia before joining the Steelers as their assistant general manager. We know Pittsburgh has shown plenty of pre-draft interest in the defensive line. They want to get younger after years of investing high draft picks into their offensive trenches.
Larry Ogunjobi appears to be an upcoming cap casualty, and they need options to replace him. Williams has been more of a rotational player for the Eagles, but he is young and prepared to start full-time. Even if the Steelers want to draft a defensive lineman, signing a starter in free agency as the rookie learns the ropes would add stability.