The Pittsburgh Steelers will be watching Super Bowl LVII from home as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles in what is expected to be an offensive shootout. The two teams won't have the same group next year as they have a combined 12 players on Pro Football Focus' Top 100 free agents list. These guys are looking to win a championship and worry about their future later, but fans of the black and gold, while enjoying the game, should be paying attention to a few different players that could be in Pittsburgh's price range come free agency in March.
Steelers former Vice President of Football Operations and current general manager smiles while on the field in Pittsburgh, PA. | Charles LeClaire / USA Today Sports
There are needs all over for Mike Tomlin's team. Offensive and defensive linemen are needed as well as a boost to the groups at cornerback and wide receiver.
The Chiefs top free agents are unlikely to find themselves with the Steelers in 2023. Left tackle, Orlando Brown Jr. will be far too expensive, a reunion with wide receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster is hard to buy into and safety, Juan Thornhill plays the same position as Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The Eagles, on the other hand, have a plethora of guys who could be a fit and financially reasonable for Pittsburgh in a month. It starts with someone who could flank Fitzpatrick if Terrell Edmunds doesn't return.
Steelers safety, Terrell Edmunds (#34) lurks in the defensive secondary prior to a snap during the 2022 regular season. | SteelerNation/Jordan Schofield Twitter: (@JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Target Minkah Fitzpatrick's New Secondary Mate?
1.) Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Strong Safety
Gardner-Johnson and Fitzpatrick both had six interceptions in 2022. Could you imagine what the two would look like in the same secondary together? It would be a nightmare for opposing offenses. PFF has him taking in roughly $11.5 million per year in a new deal and if the Steelers decide to make one big, uncharacteristic splash, Gardner-Johnson may be a great fit.
He was traded to the Eagles prior to the season and despite spending time on IR later in the year, has been healthy for the playoff run. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2019, he will be looking to sign his first non-rookie contract in the NFL.
2.) Kyzir White, Linebacker
White played in all 17 games for the Eagles and was second on the team with 110 tackles. He had a career-high seven passes defended to go along with three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. While he wouldn't be an earth-shattering signing, he is coming off of a one-year deal with Philadelphia and won't be too expensive of an option.
PFF predicts that he will cash in at around the $4 million a year range. As excited as Steelers fans are for Mark Robinson, White would provide experience and compliment Myles Jack nicely on the inside.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 12: Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Kyzir White (#43) intercepts a pass during pre-season game between the New York Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles on August 12, 2022 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia PA. Photo Credit: Andy Lewis / Icon Sportswire
3.) Isaac Seumalo, G
Seumalo has played the majority of his career snaps at left guard until making the switch to the right side in 2022. His main issue has been staying healthy, but he started and played in all 17 regular season games this past year for Philadelphia. With a healthy season under his belt, Pittsburgh could bring him in and move him back to his natural position on the left side to replace Kevin Dotson.
The downside here is the projected contract of $11 million per season based on his play for the NFC Champions. That is likely to be too steep this off-season given the amount of money the Steelers front office invested in the offensive line in free agency a year ago.
Do you think any of these players could be a fit in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
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