The Pittsburgh Steelers are uncomfortably close to Aaron Rodgers this offseason. In the minds of many Steeler fans, it's two years too late.
Still, the sportsbooks don't simply make up their odds. He's favored to land in Pittsburgh because it's a real possibility. Arrogantly choosing Justin Fields (or Russell Wilson) over Rodgers isn't the wisest football decision, all things being equal.
While the Steelers's front office may be inclined to at the very least kick the tires on Rodgers, he's not the only former Jet that should be on their radar.
Make no mistake, there aren't many Jets worth noting—and only one who is nearly as exciting as Rodgers. But the Steelers aren't known for making the most jaw-dropping moves in free agency. So while this option is on the table, don't expect to call your pops to praise the new move if this one comes about next month.
Steelers should pursue Javon Kinlaw in Free Agency
The Jets may be looking to clean house as they prepare for another rebuild. That could open the door for a fringe and over-looked talent who just had his best professional season may be free to look for his next payday elsewhere.
The Steelers need depth and youth on the defensive line. Cam Heyward doesn't have many more seasons left in him and Larry Ogunjobi hit his ceiling before arriving in Pittsburgh. That's why the Steelers should seek out a young veteran like Javon Knilaw this offseason.
Kinlaw had his first full season in the NFL last year, his first as a Jet. Naturally, he had a career year with 40 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 5 tackles for loss.
Kinlaw isn't a solution to the defense's over-arching issues, but he's a serviceable option to rotate through the defensive line to keep Heyward fresh, lessen Ogunjobi's usage, and allow more flexibility with Keanu Benton. Kinlaw, at 6-foot-5, 319lbs has some versatility to play some nose against the run or to rush the passer in some nickel sets.
Sure, Kinlaw wouldn't be nearly as flashy of a pickup as a future Hall of Fame quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, but every team needs guys like Kinlaw who can round out the roster and be productive.