Depending on what the Pittsburgh Steelers do with contract restructures and cap casualties, the organization could end up with $10's of millions of dollars to spend in 2023 free agency. A year ago, the franchise had the most aggressive approach in history once the spending spree period began in March.
Steelers general manager, Omar Khan speaks to the media at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN. | Photo Credit: Michael Conroy / AP Photo
With a new general manager in Omar Khan, it's hard not to expect him having a similar method that Kevin Colbert had most of his tenure which was worrying about internal free agents first before using whatever money is left over on some external pieces that can fit team needs.
It is quite possible that the first five names that are linked to Pittsburgh when free agency begins have already worn the black and gold and not years ago. These five players, in order, are the guys to look out for when the cash starts being thrown around in less than a week's time.
1.) Cameron Sutton, Cornerback
The top priority has to be retaining Sutton. The cornerback room is light enough as it is and it would make absolutely no sense to let him walk away. He may demand around $10 million a year but re-signing him while also drafting a highly-touted prospect could set up the secondary for success for many years going forward.
2.) Larry Ogunjobi, Defensive Line
Another position that is bound to be addressed in both free agency and the draft is the defensive line. Ogunjobi played in and started 16 games for the Steelers in 2022. He was a great surprise when it came to the run defense and while he didn't have the sack production as in year's past, he didn't need to because of the crowd around him. He would be a huge re-signing.
Steelers defensive linemen, Cameron Heyward (#97) and Larry Ogunjobi (#99) on the field during a 2022 regular season game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
3.) Terrell Edmunds, Safety
Edmunds may ask for more than the $2.5 million he received in 2022, but it might be worth it to keep him next to Minkah Fitzpatrick. The two have worked well together over the years and even though Edmunds isn't some high-profile Pro Bowl-caliber player, he has been consistent enough over the last two years to earn another contract with the Steelers. Will Pittsburgh think he ends up asking for too much, though?
4.) Zach Gentry, Tight End
One can expect Connor Heyward to jump into the role of being the #2 tight end in his sophomore season, but Gentry is a solid blocker and great guy to have in the locker room. He has played all four seasons with the Steelers since being drafted in the fifth round back in 2019 and if re-signed, it can be expected that it will just be a one-year deal so the team doesn't have to worry about the position in the offseason.
5.) Damontae Kazee, Safety
Kazee was injured the majority of 2022, but once he returned after being placed on IR, he proved himself to be a valuable and versatile piece for the defense. Edmunds is the first priority at safety, but whether he signs or not, Kazee is another option to bring back. It would solidify depth at the position for the most part. He had two interceptions in just nine games played in 2022.
Steelers safety, Damontae Kazee stretches during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Are Likely To Prioritize Internally Before Anything Else
Everyone wants to see a big splash. It'd be wildly exciting, but it's just not how Pittsburgh does business and that is unlikely to change during the Khan era. These guys are likely to be the top priorities out of the gate and the front office will shift if any of them sign elsewhere or are overvaluing themselves.
Do you want to see the Steelers re-sign all of these guys? Let us know in the comments below!
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