Steelers Have 1 Outstanding Free Agent Option For Offense And Defense Still Available

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't necessarily done with improving their team now that the 2024 NFL Draft is over. At this stage of the offseason, the Steelers will be looking for top free agents at bargain deals. Omar Khan and co. have already addressed the major concerns of the team, and now, they can just wait to see who will remain available over the next few months, and which of those available players would be willing to lower their price tag to join the Steelers on a probable one-year deal to round out the roster.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report made a list of top free agent options that are still available for the Steelers. Even though the Black and Gold may not find a full-time starter at this point time, they can still find some quality depth on both sides of the ball. 

Xavien Howard has been a top option for the Miami Dolphins for many years now, but his age and decline resulted in him being released. In his prime, he was one of the best corners in the game, serving as a ballhawk that could line up against any team's top receiver. He was slowed down by a foot injury in 2023, but now that he's healthy, the Steelers can use whatever is left in his tank. 

Steelers Might Get Multiple Veterans At The Same Position

Knox mentions the Steelers' cornerback depth as a reason as to why this would make sense. They did trade for Donte Jackson, but there isn't much behind him in case he struggles or gets injured. Both Darius Rush and Cory Trice Jr. are promising young players, but have little experience. There are a few other young "project" cornerbacks behind Jackson and Joey Porter Jr. as well, but the Steelers still need a veteran that can come in and do his job well in a pinch, and Howard can be that kind of player. 

"[The Steelers] didn't add a replacement for departed cornerback Patrick Peterson. Pittsburgh did trade for Donte Jackson earlier in the offseason, but it could use more depth at the position. Four-time Pro Bowler Xavien Howard remains available and would be a strong fit for the Steelers... a return to Pro Bowl form is entirely possible for the 30-year-old, who could give Pittsburgh another strong option alongside Jackson and Joey Porter Jr.," explained Knox.

To get Jackson, the Steelers had to trade Diontae Johnson in the process. Even though they drafted Roman Wilson, they could still use a veteran that can start with him and George Pickens. Knox had an idea about this dilemma as well.

Hunter Renfrow can be that veteran starter for the team, even though he would be more of a slot option. Either way, the Steelers will happily take cheap veteran depth any way they can. 

Renfrow had an amazing 2021 campaign, amassing over 1,000 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 103 receptions, but injuries and other major free agent signings have taken away a large chunk of his playing time. That lack of playing time likely means that the 28-year-old still has a lot of football left in him, and the Steelers could bring him in to potentially start as a slot receiver, while playing Wilson at all receiver positions.

"[Roman] Wilson should start in the [slot]... However, it would behoove Pittsburgh to add some additional depth to the receiver room... Adding [Hunter] Renfrow would give Pittsburgh another viable slot option. It would provide valuable depth, while potentially unlocking the ability to move Wilson around the formation," Knox continued.

With OTAs approaching, do you think these two veteran players in Howard and Renfrow would be solid additions to the roster? Let us know in the comments below!

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