Steelers' AFC North Rival Ravens Have A High-Profile Free Agent That Would Be Solid Fit In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't won a playoff game with Omar Khan as the team's general manager, but the roster is quickly improving since he officially took over in May of 2022. His first official draft as the head of the front office is already being looked at as a home run with Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton leading the way. Unfortunately, building a championship roster isn't just about collegiate prospects that are selected in the draft; adding to the current group via free agency is an avenue that the Steelers haven't taken heavily in the past, but could in the 2024 offseason.

There are several areas of need for Pittsburgh as the new league year approaches. The biggest topic of conversation will be at quarterback, while the center position is a close second following the release of Mason Cole. There are also ways to improve the cores at wide receiver, offensive tackle, cornerback and a spot no one is quite sure of what the approach will be is at punter.

Khan and co. may not elect to invest in a high draft pick when it comes to a safety given Minkah Fitzpatrick, Damontae Kazee, Keanu Neal and Trenton Thompson all being under contract for the 2024 season. There is, however, a high-profile free agent that could enter the Steelers' secondary and immediately step in as a contributor, and a starter.

Steelers Targeting Baltimore Ravens' Geno Stone Could Lead To Incredible Match

Creativity in today's NFL is imperative if an organization wants to make the next step. The idea of Fitzpatrick and Baltimore Ravens' safety Geno Stone isn't very attractive at first glance. The two are natural free safeties, but Pittsburgh's brass knows too well how dynamic and versatile Fitzpatrick is since he was acquired in a 2019 trade with the Miami Dolphins.

In the 2020 NFL Draft, Stone was drafted in the seventh round by the Ravens. As most selections in the final round, it wasn't anticipated that the safety would earn a lucrative second contract at the professional level. Stone failed to make the Pro Bowl in 2023, but it was a snub; he had seven interceptions in his best season in the NFL.

Stone is only projected to receive a two-year, $13 million deal by Pro Football Focus. The reason behind that low projection from a guy who just intercepted seven passes in a single season is due to his inexperience. Stone's rookie contract has expired with Baltimore, but his only legitimate case for a big pay day was his 2023 campaign. 

The safety position will need to be addressed by the Steelers in 2024, despite three being under contract. Fitzpatrick signed pen to paper to be in the Steel City until at least 2026, but there isn't much of a plan after that. Stone showed why he has the ability to be a strong addition to any team looking for depth and as a native of New Castle, Pennsylvania, he could absolutely be tempted with the right offer to play for the Steelers alongside Fitzpatrick.

Steelers Will Likely Add Safety At Some Point During 2024 Offseason

Stone may not be the right fit in Pittsburgh, especially given Fitzpatrick naturally playing the same position as him. That shouldn't rule out the possibility of Pittsburgh reaching out to him, but the under-contract safeties aside from the All-Pro are not long-term answers. Khan and the front office will target the position at some point, but the question will be if they are willing to make an investment, or go via the NFL Draft.

Do you think Stone would be a good fit in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!

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