3 Realistic Names For The Steelers To Target On The Defensive Line Via Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense was the highest-paid in the NFL in 2022 and while they played up to that standard a lot, they also found themselves being tested at every level. 

The unit was plagued with injuries throughout the season that exposed some weaknesses that need to be addressed this offseason. The defensive line was particularly impacted as Larry Ogunjobi seemed to be hurt every week. The Steelers acquired Ogunjobi from the Chicago Bears, after he failed his physical with them, and signed him to a one-year $8 million contract. 

Now Ogunjobi is a free agent and will likely be looking for a multi-year deal. It is unclear whether that will be with the Steelers or with another team. He displayed flashes of brilliance when he was on the field and at times was quite disruptive. The Bears were clearly worried about injuries and now that worry has been passed to Pittsburgh if Ogunjobi stays. 

Ogunjobi's backup Chris Wormley shares some commonalities. He is also a free agent and is also injured. Unfortunately, Wormley tore his ACL near the end of the season and had to have surgery to repair it. He will likely stay unsigned by any team until it is more clear how he is recovering. That leaves a huge hole in the left side of the defensive line that the team will have to shore up this offseason.  

The right side of the defensive line is led by veteran Cam Heyward. Heyward is entering his 13th season in the league, all with the Steelers, and is playing at the top of his game. However, there is no denying that Father Time is undefeated and Heyward is almost 34. While no one wants to see him go down with an injury or retire, the fact is he won't be able to play forever. 

The players who are next on the depth chart behind the aforementioned are DeMarvin Leal and Isaiahh Loudermilk. Leal, who's been kind of a hybrid player, saw some increased playing time while TJ Watt was injured. He shows promise and versatility, but doesn't seem ready to step into a starting role. Loudermilk sustained an injury during training camp and spent most of the year inactive. 

Steelers Need Depth At Defensive End

The uncertainty surrounding Ogunjobi's future and the lack of consistent depth at the DE position means that the Steelers almost have to do something this offseason to help build up the trenches. 

As mentioned, the Steelers are already spending quite a bit on the defense between Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Heyward. Now they are also facing an extension for Alex Highsmith. They will need to add some depth without breaking the bank. 

There are some affordable options out there. 

Zach Allen from the Arizona Cardinals heads a lot of analyst lists. Allen appeared mostly as an EDGE, but has shown a lot of versatility and has been strong against the run. He did not have high sack numbers, but he had a career-high 25 QB pressures last season. He is viewed as a possible up-and-comer with a lot of promise. Allen will likely come with a reasonable price tag too. According to Spotrac, his market value is about $9 million a year, but he is only entering his fifth season. 

Dre'Mont Jones from the Denver Broncos is another possibility, albeit a more expensive one. Right now, it is too soon to say how much Jones will actually get paid, but early reports are that he is asking something in the $19 million a year range. But asking isn't getting and finding a long-term home, with a defense that utilizes him appropriately might be worth something. Jones would be a natural, solid fit in the team's 3-4 defense. 

The last player is a kind of swing for the fence type. He is a bit of a long shot, but in the NFL, you never know what could happen. Jadeveon Clowney's time in Cleveland came to an ugly end as he based teammates and found himself benched. Clowney is 30 and his production has dropped a bit, but he might be interested in a one-year deal somewhere to reestablish himself. What better place than on the field of a rival?

What do you think the Steelers should do at defensive end? Do you think they will bring back Ogunjobi? Is there a free agent out there that fits well or are we looking to draft? Click to comment below.

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