The Pittsburgh Steelers have been as busy as any team in the NFL this off-season when it comes to the free agent market. Former Steelers general manger, Kevin Colbert and new general manager, Omar Khan have both left their mark on the team this off-season. They've had more salary cap space this off-season than in recent years. This allowed them to go out and get talent across the board on both offense and defense along with extending current free safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick.
In my opinion, I believe the front office has done a tremendous job at not overspending on one particular free agent this off-season. This helped the Steelers sign at least one free agent at every position in which the team struggled to produce in 2021.
With Training Camp Just Around The Corner, Here Are Some Free Agents the Steelers Should Still Consider Signing
In 2021, Najee Harris had a tremendous rookie season in which he rushed for 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns. The downfall of such a productive season is that he did however have over 300 carries. For a rookie and a running back in this day in age, that is too many for a player the Steelers hope to have for many years to come. So far, the running back position hasn't changed much on the Steelers depth chart and they are in dire need to find someone who can take some of the workload off Harris in 2022. One possible answer is former Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans running back, David Johnson.
Rick Scuteri/Associated Press
Long removed from his Pro Bowl season in 2016 where he rushed for over 1,200 yards and had over 2,100 total yards from scrimmage, Johnson still could find himself with a role with the Steelers. Johnson has also expressed interest in going to Pittsburgh via his Twitter account. After tweeting a "thank you" to the New Orleans Saints for his opportunity with the team, he was then seen commenting back to a Steelers fan. Johnson said:
"That would be a great place to be at!" - Johnson said when a Twitter follower mentioned the Steelers
When looking at who the Steelers currently have on the roster to back up Harris, there is not a whole lot of depth. Anthony McFarland was supposed to be in that role, but he has struggled to stay healthy and consistent, so in my opinion, Johnson could fill that role perfectly. If the Steelers could sign Johnson to a team-friendly deal, I think he will bring a veteran presence and be the perfect fit for the Steelers in 2022.
One of the more glaring weaknesses in 2021 was the offensive line. The group as a whole struggled to protect former Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger and also failed to give Harris a consistent push at the line of scrimmage.
The Steelers were busy early in free agency at filling the holes in the offensive line. They signed former Chicago Bears lineman, James Daniels to a three-year $26.5 million deal. The Steelers also signed former Minnesota Vikings center, Mason Cole to a three-year contract as well. Both Daniels and Cole will most likely be the starters at their respective positions, but one other free agent that is still on the market is former Green Bay Packers lineman, Bryan Bulaga.
Bulaga would be a tremendous addition and add depth to the tackle position for the Steelers. |
Bulaga, has spent nine of his 11 years in the NFL with the Packers, but most recently had a short stint with the Los Angeles Chargers. The last couple seasons have been tough for Bulaga while battling injuries, but I believe he could add more depth to the tackle position.
Considering the calendar is already July and teams will be reporting to training camp very shortly, the Steelers may be able to pick up Bulaga on an incentives based deal, something that they have done with other players so far this off-season.
Chris Harris Jr.
The Steelers have done a good job at adding to the defense this off-season. The key additions of Myles Jack, Larry Ogunjobi, and Levi Wallace, will definitely fill holes the defense had in 2021. But I believe they can add more depth at corner and the perfect man for the job is Chris Harris Jr. Harris, like Bulaga, spent the last two seasons with the Chargers. He is not the same player as he was back in his Pro Bowl seasons, but he would bring a veteran presence to a relatively young secondary, something the Steelers need since losing Joe Haden to free agency.
Chris Harris Jr. could be the perfect replacement for the Steelers after losing Joe Haden. / Los Angeles Chargers
He appeared in 14 games in 2021 and recorded 1 interception and 37 tackles. His stats in recent years are nothing too glamourous, but the Steelers are in dire need of depth at the cornerback position and Harris still has enough in the tank to bring value to the team.
Who do you think the Steelers should add before training camp, Steeler Nation? Would you like to see any of these players in the black and gold next season? Leave us your thoughts in the comment section below!
