Latest Projected Contracts for Key Steelers' Free Agents

The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been well known for prioritizing signing their own impending free agents before looking elsewhere to sign a player who has previously played for another team. This offseason will most likely be no different. General Manager Omar Khan has some key free agent decisions to make, especially on the defensive side of the ball, who he will look to resign to help solidify the Steelers' chances of regaining their crown as AFC North Champions.

Projecting The Contracts For Key Steelers' Free Agents

Recently, Bleacher Report posted an article projecting the contracts for three impending free agents for the Steelers. Those three include Cameron Sutton, Robert Spillane, and Larry Ogunjobi. All three played significant snaps for the Steelers in 2022 and all three have legitimate chances of being brought back into the fold, with Ogunjobi perhaps being considered the wild card out of this trio. Below you will find the projected contracts for all three of those players. 

Cameron Sutton: Projected Market Value of $7.5 Million Annually

Perhaps the most important free agent of these three is veteran defensive back, Cam Sutton. Coming off arguably his best year as a pro, he will likely command upwards of $7.5 million a year, and deservedly so. Many metrics showed that Sutton vastly improved in 2022 compared to his previous seasons. Combine that with his versatility of being able to play both outside and inside, Sutton will be one of the most sought-after corners in free agency this year. 

Khan has already expressed interest in bringing Sutton back.

 “We love and think very highly of Cam. Conversations have already commenced and we will see where it goes," Khan said.

If both sides are able to agree on a fair price for his services, Sutton would be welcomed back and immediately regain his position as a leader of the young Steelers’ defense.

Robert Spillane: Projected Market Value of $2.5 Million Annually 

Robert Spillane. Some fans love him, some fans hate him. He is without a doubt one of the most polarizing players the team has had over the past few years. After initially cracking the Steelers’ roster in 2019 as a special teams player, Spillane has quickly found himself in the good graces of Mike Tomlin as a rotational inside linebacker who plays most of his snaps in nickel personnel. At the right price, it certainly seems as if the Steelers are willing to bring him back. 

He is currently projected to land a contract between $2-3 million a year. Certainly not going to break Omar Khan's free agent bank. Spillane is solid. Many would feel comfortable with him as the primary backup inside linebacker, but not many would be excited to see him be the starter on the opening day of 2023. Regardless, there is still a decent chance that Spillane finds his way back to Pittsburgh. Especially when you consider his familiarity with the defense and the admiration he receives from Mike Tomlin. With fellow free agent Devin Bush looking for a fresh start elsewhere, it is looking increasingly likely Spillane will be a Steeler in 2023.

Check out this SteelerNation article detailing more options for the Steelers at inside linebacker for the 2023 season: The Steelers Best And Most Realistic External Options At Inside Linebacker During 2023 Free Agency

 Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)

Larry Ogunjobi: Projected Market Value of $3.5 Million Annually 

Ogunjobi was a pleasant surprise for the Steelers in 2022. Apart from Cam Heyward, he was the most consistent defensive lineman for the Steelers last year. After initially inking a deal with the Bears (but having it fall through due to a failed physical), the Steelers were able to sign the veteran defensive end to a one-year contract with $8 million for the 2022 season. He is currently predicted to sign a contract with approximately $3.5 million during free agency. He will likely be looking to cash in on a longer-term deal this offseason. 

While Ogunjobi did not provide an exceptional number of sacks/tackles for losses (1.5 sacks and 7 TFL), he did prove himself valuable both against the run and pass rush. The Steelers will undoubtedly need to address the defensive line depth with Ogunjobi, Tyson Alualu and Chris Wormley all set to hit free agency, so the decision to bring back Ogunjobi, at the right cost, may prove worthwhile. Having a veteran presence on the defensive front is never a bad idea. Larry Ogunjobi fits the bill. Figuring out a price for a contract will be the biggest determinant in whether or not he suits up for the black and gold in 2023.