Steelers Surpisingly Thin List Of Top 5 Free Agent Signings In The Mike Tomlin Era

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, in an anonymous survey, was named the one of the coaches in 2024 that current NFL players would like to play for most if they could choose. It is not the first time players have chosen him, and it probably will not be the last. It does, however, raise an interesting question about how the Steelers, despite this fact, do not attract top free agents.

One of the big reasons why is that the Steelers' philosophy has long been to build through the draft. It does not mean they have ignored the free agent market. Early in his tenure as general manager, Kevin Colbert signed James Farrior, Ryan Clark and Jeff Hartings as key contributors to Super Bowl runs. Those free agency imports all predated Tomlin.

Tomlin was hired in 2007 by the Steelers. The Steelers have signed multiple free agents since he became the head coach. Surprisingly, only a few have made a significant on-the-field impact for Pittsburgh over the last 17 seasons. Here are the five best free agent signings in the Tomlin era. Quick disclaimer: these are true free agent signings, not players the Steelers re-signed after their rookie deals or undrafted free agents like Jaylen Warren. 

1. Joe Haden - 2017

The Cleveland Browns gave up on Joe Haden after the 2016 season after he earned two Pro Bowl nods and a Second-Team All-Pro selection. He was aging, and injuries had cost him 14 games over his final two seasons in Cleveland. Haden joined the Steelers in 2017 after the Browns cut him just before the regular season and immediately became the number one cornerback on the roster for Pittsburgh.

Haden only made one Pro Bowl during his five seasons with the Steelers, but there is no denying his impact on the defense and the fan base. He was unhappy with the Steelers for not re-signing him after the 2021 season. After failing to find a team that suited him in free agency, Haden signed a one-day contract with the Browns in September of 2022 and retired.

2. DeAngelo Williams - 2015

The 2014 Carolina Panthers were one of the few teams in NFL history that made the playoffs with a sub .500 record, and they managed to beat Bruce Arians and the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Wild Card round. After the season, the Panthers moved on from DeAngelo Williams after nine mostly-productive seasons, including a Second-Team All-Pro selection and one Pro Bowl. The Steelers brought him in to back up Le'Veon Bell as insurance. It paid off big time.

Bell was suspended for four games after a DUI and marijuana possession charges in the offseason. He returned to the field, but was lost for the season after just five games to a torn MCL courtesy of Vontaze Burfict and the Cincinnati Bengals. Williams started 10 games and gained over 900 yards for the Steelers, scored 11 touchdowns, and was a big reason Pittsburgh won ten games and made the playoffs. Unfortunately, he hurt his ankle in the regular season finale and did not play in the playoffs. He filled in for a suspended Bell again in 2016, but retired after 11 seasons. 

3. James Daniels - 2022

The Steelers' offensive line was awful in 2021 in Ben Roethlisberger's final year. It was a group in transition that had lost virtually all of the 2020 group that started 11-0 and won the AFC North. Colbert had to address the offensive line, and he chose to do it in free agency. He signed Daniels to a three-year, 26.5 million dollar contract to play right guard.

Daniels has not been an All-Pro in Pittsburgh, but he was the team's best offensive lineman in 2022. Brian Baldinger of the NFL Network is not a huge fan of Daniels at guard and continues to insist he would be a much better center. In 2023, Omar Khan and Andy Weidl took a crack at revamping the trenches. Daniels remains a solid starter, two seasons into his free agency deal, and will likely complete his contract as the starting right guard in 2024.

4. Justin Hartwig - 2008

The Steelers signed Hartwig to a two-year, four million dollar deal after he spent his first six years in the league starting games for the Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers. Hartwig was brought in as competition for Sean Mahan, and by the end of training camp, he solidified himself as the starter on what would be the Steelers most recent Super Bowl Championship team. 

Hartwig started all 32 games in his two years with the Steelers and did a solid job in the middle of the line. The Steelers drafted Maurkice Pouncey in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. After a training camp battle that saw the rookie earn the starting job, Hartwig was released on September 5th, 2010. The 31-year-old center did not sign with another team and retired from the NFL. 

5. Isaac Seumalo - 2023

After starting on the Philadelphia Eagles NFC Championship offensive line, Isaac Seumalo entered free agency in 2023. Khan and Weidl pounced and signed the 29-year-old to a three-year, $24 million contract to play left guard. Seumalo started 77 games for the Eagles over his seven seasons. 

Seumalo, according to the highly subjective Pro Football Focus grades, was the Steelers' best offensive lineman during the 2023 season. Seumalo is not likely to earn All-Pro recognition or a Pro Bowl nod, but he is a top 10 left guard in the NFL and a reliable pass protector and run blocker. 

That's the list! If you are asking yourself how Seumalo found his way into the top five after one season, it is because the Steelers' impact free agents have been few and far between. Khan was much more aggressive in his first year as the general manager in free agency, so this list could change radically over the next few seasons. 

Steelers' Tomlin Chosen By Pro Bowl Players As Coach They Would Most Like To Play For

One thing Khan should attempt to capitalize on in the free agency market is the affection Tomlin generates from the NFL players. An ever-growing salary cap and a popular coach could help redefine the roster and Tomlin's legacy. Khan and Weidl have put on one master class with the 2023 NFL draft and can vault the Steelers into actual contender status with a banner crop of free agents in 2024.

What do you think, SteelerNation? Do you agree with the list, or are you surprised by how thin it is? Please comment below or on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq. 

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