Steelers' Top Realistic Free Agent Targets: Navigating The Offseason

The anticipation behind who the Pittsburgh Steelers will target this offseason is at an all-time high. Free agency is right around the corner, which officially opens at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. The signing of former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach, Arthur Smith, as offensive coordinator checks the first box off the Steelers' long to-do list. What's next for the organization, however? Well, after another first-round exit in the playoffs, a frustrated President Art Rooney II is ready for change.

"We've had enough of this," Rooney said via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. "It's time to get some wins; it's time to take these next steps."

While the 2024 NFL Draft in April may address some of the positional concerns, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan, often hailed by fans as the "Khan Artist," has a proven track record of making significant improvements in free agency. His past success in 2023 speak volumes about his capability to enhance the team.

Here are three targets Khan will look to attack this offseason.

Quarterback

A new QB, be it a starter or backup, is imperative. Mason Rudolph enters free agency after replacing Mitch Trubisky when Kenny Pickett got injured in Week 13, and holding the job even after Pickett returned from injury through the playoffs. Although the team has recently come out and expressed support for Pickett and the desire to re-sign Rudolph during his exit interview, they have made it clear that there will be competition from the start.

Who exactly should the Steelers target to compete against Pickett and hopefully free agent Rudolph this offseason? Both Kirk Cousins and Justin Fields have been popular names circulating the rumor mill, yet hold large price tags. 

Could the Steelers reach into the bargain bin this offseason? Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox thinks so, mentioning Jacoby Brissett as a possible target for the Steelers.

"He would make sense for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who plan to bring in competition for Kenny Pickett this offseason," explained Knox.

Last offseason, Brissett inked a one-year, $8 million contract with the Washington Commanders. With second-year Sam Howell struggling in the latter part of the season, Brissett eventually seized an opportunity to step onto the field and looked very promising, almost revitalizing the Commanders' offense until being sidelined with an injury in Week 16.

According to Pro Football Focus, in 2022, Brissett had "an underrated strong campaign over the first 11 games for the Cleveland Browns, stepping up in Week 15 and earning a 92.0 PFF grade with 124 passing yards and two touchdowns on just ten passing attempts." A veteran who can challenge a QB room, if not win it outright, Brissett would be a perfect option for the Steelers without breaking the bank.

Offensive Line

The next big hurdle the Steelers face is improving the offensive line. They ranked 12th in run-blocking win-rate and 17th in pass-blocking win-rate. Offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. had another disappointing year, and center Mason Cole needs to be replaced. While the NFL Draft might address one of these aspects, it appears probable that another will be tackled during the free agency period. A veteran name in free agency that would be a clear upgrade is New England Patriots lineman, Trent Brown. 

Disgruntled with the front office in New England, Brown will be seeking a new team, and the Steelers could be a perfect fit for the tackle, who has had tremendous success over his career. Brown holds the top spot as the Patriots' highest-graded offensive player according to PFF, boasting a mark of 81.4, which ranks eighth among all NFL offensive tackles. Brown possesses the ability to serve as a cornerstone for the offensive line, but does he harbor the necessary motivation? Motivating misguided talent is a task Coach Tomlin does well.

Cornerback

L'Jarius Sneed should be the elite big-name splash the Steelers make in free agency. Someone to pair alongside Joey Porter Jr. will be key this offseason.

Porter Jr. showed some serious skills in his rookie season, securing a DROY nomination, but Pittsburgh could use more depth. This is a move that would require the Steelers to undoubtedly have to move some money around, as Sneed is projected to cost $17.5 million through three years, according to PFF’s free agency contract projections. Khan, known for his ability to crunch numbers, could make a play to secure Sneed, who has been a crucial part of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense for the last few seasons. 

Steelers fans, brace yourselves for an offseason filled with anticipation and excitement as the team navigates free agency with hopes of reclaiming their contender status next season. Who do you think are the Steelers' most realistic signings in free agency? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.

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