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There are about 100 free agents being floated around as potential targets for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and this is the first year a lot of them can be realistic possibilities due to the team’s cap space heading into the offseason.
The Steelers currently have just over $27 million in cap space, which is the 9th most in the NFL currently. That number could easily approach or surpass the $40 million mark with some players they are expected to cut, as well as extending or restructuring some other player’s contracts.
Since the Steelers finally have a chance to sign some bigger name free agents, some of the SteelerNation.com staff put together our Top 5 Free Agent Wishlist for the team to sign. Below is that list, as well as why each of us want the Steelers to pursue them.
Expected to sign a 2-3 year deal worth $10-$13 million annually.
Expected to sign a 3-4 year deal worth $20-$24 million annually.
Expected to sign a 4-5 year deal worth $18-$21 million annually.
Expected to sign a 4-5 year deal worth $16-$19 million annually.
Expected to sign a 3-4 year deal worth $14-$16 million annually.
An interesting list that is focused completely around the offensive line and defensive secondary, somewhat unsurprisingly. Let’s take a look at what our various writers had to say about this list.
Let’s start with G. Stryker and read through his thought on each player:
“I’m not ready to get rid of Kendrick Green who learned how to play center during his rookie year. With a year of strength training with his technique coach Maurkice Pouncey, I would expect him to improve this season. However, Jensen is coming off his first Pro Bowl in his 8th season last year, so he’s playing at a high level and would warrant a decent contract for his potential.
Last year, Armstead ended on IR with a knee injury. He only played in eight games, but made the Pro Bowl the three previous seasons. Can he make it back to greatness in his 10th season coming off that knee injury?
The Steelers need a cornerback, and Jackson is the best free agent at the spot. He is a good size, rangy and fast. With nine and eight interceptions the past two years to go along with 23 passes defended, he’s hitting his prime just off his rookie contract. I’d love to sign him to lock up our CB for the long term. Only negative is it will cost around $24M/yr to sign him…
If the Steelers are unable to sign Jackson, the Steelers love CBs who can tackle, and Davis fits the bill. He also has good size and has been in the double digits for the past 3 years in PDs. He’d be the perfect compliment to a secondary needing a solid replacement to Joe Haden.
Mathieu is a hard hitting, play making safety that would be the perfect compliment to safety partner Minkah Fitzpatrick. Both can play FS or SS, so you would be able to swap personnel between plays to further confuse opposing QBs. Minkah would no longer have to make up for Terrell Edmunds and is free to roam and make plays.”
Next we will take a look at Bob Quinn‘s thoughts on our collective list:
“I love the idea of Ryan Jensen for a couple reasons. He instantly upgrades our offensive line and provides a nasty streak, but the Cincinnati Bengals are an eager suitor, and keeping them weak on the offensive line is the key to breaking the Bengals as we saw in the Super Bowl.
Terron Armstead will command a hefty sum as the best tackle available, but signing Jensen and Armstead will mean our offensive line will be a top 10 unit.
JC Jackson and Carlton Davis, a pair of tall rangy corners as CB1 and CB2 would be a dream scenario, but it would be out of character for the typically thrifty Steelers who like to develop from within. However, one of the two is a realistic get, and assuming we retain the present corners, would be a smart upgrade.
Tyrann Mathieu, the “Honey Badger,” would be a luxury item. He is not quite the run stuffer the Steelers prefer, however in today’s NFL pass happy environment, two game-changing ball hawks on the back end are an intriguing option.”
Another staff writer, Andrew Kersten provides quite a bit of data in support of our list:
“The offensive line should be the number one priority for the Steelers. According to ESPN, the offensive line ranked 29th in run block win rate (67%) and 31st in pass block win rate (49%). Both Ryan Jensen and Terron Armstead provide instant upgrades. Jensen hasn’t missed a game since becoming a starter in 2017 and has strong grades of 79.3, 65.8 and 70.3 over the last three years according to Pro Football Focus. Armstead also sits at the 95th percentile in grade on man runs and the 88th percentile in grade on zone runs.
Joe Haden and Akhello Witherspoon are both free agents and may not return, leaving two large holes to fill in the back end. Insert J.C. Jackson who leads the league in interceptions (17) over the last two seasons and Carlton Davis who has 29 passes defended over the last two seasons.
Finally, what’s better than having Minkah Fitzpatrick as a safety? Having the “Honey Badger” Tyrann Mathieu playing alongside him to keep the pressure on opposing offenses. Granted both are technically free safeties, but given the resumes of both players, moving one over to strong safety shouldn’t be an issue. Terrell Edmunds is also a free agent.
Pro Football Focus also has all of the aforementioned five free agents inside the top 25 of free agents available this offseason.”
Our own Sean McGeown has his own thoughts on the group as well:
“Jensen is definitely the best center on the market. He would be an immediate upgrade at the position and for the whole offensive line. I’m still open to Kendrick Green developing and starting, but signing Jensen and letting Green get back to his natural position (guard) could be knocking out two birds with one stone.
With Armstead, there is not much to say here. When healthy the top free agent tackle, even lineman, on the market. Immediate upgrade and tone setter for whoever is QB for Pittsburgh. May cost top dollar, but worth it.
Jackson is an elite playmaker. Pair him with the ballhawks this defense already has in Minkah Fitzpatrick and TJ Watt, and you’re looking at a top three unit. The coverage may be spotty at times, but there’s no doubting JC Jackson is the premiere free agent cornerback, and he’s making whatever team he walks onto better.
Davis is young, experienced, and can do it all. May not be as flashy as Jackson, but would be an upgrade and a number 1 corner for this defense. Knows what it’s like to play on a rope defense and win a championship.
Mathieu would be a great pairing, albeit expensive, with Minkah Fitzpatrick. Would increase pedigree of whole defense as he does with any he joins. Would welcome him at the right price tag.”
Lastly, here are my thoughts on the list we put together:
“Jensen is a stud at center, and while I am on board giving Green another season to prove himself after a full offseason working with Pouncey, passing up on Jensen because of that would be a mistake. Also, the Steelers have a few young guys in place on the offensive line, so adding some veteran presences would be huge for them.
Armstead is by far the biggest risk on this list, but also the biggest upside. He can be an elite left tackle when he is healthy, but he has also had injury problems at times. He will also be the most expensive free agent on this list potentially. However, passing up on an elite LT when the team will be getting a brand new quarterback would be a mistake if the opportunity is there.
Whether it is Davis is Jackson, the Steelers would be very smart to sign a bona fide shutdown cornerback again. Haden appears to be o his way out of Pittsburgh, so getting one of them would go a long way. This is a very deep and very talented cornerback draft class at the top, but these guys are both proven studs.
Lastly, Mathieu is a stud and an ultimate chess piece. He is someone that can play anywhere on the defense and make an impact. Him and Fitzpatrick would immediately become the best starting safety combo in the league, and would allow a lot of freedoms for each other to make plays at all three levels of the defense. Cost would be my only concern here as Fitzpatrick is due to be paid as well.”
Overall, there are a lot of free agents that could make this list, but these guys no doubt should be near the top. Let us know below what you think of our list, and if you think there are any players that you think should’ve made the cut.
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
The Steelers currently have just over $27 million in cap space, which is the 9th most in the NFL currently. That number could easily approach or surpass the $40 million mark with some players they are expected to cut, as well as extending or restructuring some other player’s contracts.
Since the Steelers finally have a chance to sign some bigger name free agents, some of the SteelerNation.com staff put together our Top 5 Free Agent Wishlist for the team to sign. Below is that list, as well as why each of us want the Steelers to pursue them.
1. Ryan Jensen, C, 30 Years Old
Expected to sign a 2-3 year deal worth $10-$13 million annually.
2. Terron Armstead, LT, 30 Years Old
Expected to sign a 3-4 year deal worth $20-$24 million annually.
3. J.C. Jackson, CB, 26 Years Old
Expected to sign a 4-5 year deal worth $18-$21 million annually.
4. Carlton Davis, CB, 25 Years Old
Expected to sign a 4-5 year deal worth $16-$19 million annually.
5. Tyrann Mathieu, S, 29 Years Old
Expected to sign a 3-4 year deal worth $14-$16 million annually.
An interesting list that is focused completely around the offensive line and defensive secondary, somewhat unsurprisingly. Let’s take a look at what our various writers had to say about this list.
Let’s start with G. Stryker and read through his thought on each player:
“I’m not ready to get rid of Kendrick Green who learned how to play center during his rookie year. With a year of strength training with his technique coach Maurkice Pouncey, I would expect him to improve this season. However, Jensen is coming off his first Pro Bowl in his 8th season last year, so he’s playing at a high level and would warrant a decent contract for his potential.
Last year, Armstead ended on IR with a knee injury. He only played in eight games, but made the Pro Bowl the three previous seasons. Can he make it back to greatness in his 10th season coming off that knee injury?
The Steelers need a cornerback, and Jackson is the best free agent at the spot. He is a good size, rangy and fast. With nine and eight interceptions the past two years to go along with 23 passes defended, he’s hitting his prime just off his rookie contract. I’d love to sign him to lock up our CB for the long term. Only negative is it will cost around $24M/yr to sign him…
If the Steelers are unable to sign Jackson, the Steelers love CBs who can tackle, and Davis fits the bill. He also has good size and has been in the double digits for the past 3 years in PDs. He’d be the perfect compliment to a secondary needing a solid replacement to Joe Haden.
Mathieu is a hard hitting, play making safety that would be the perfect compliment to safety partner Minkah Fitzpatrick. Both can play FS or SS, so you would be able to swap personnel between plays to further confuse opposing QBs. Minkah would no longer have to make up for Terrell Edmunds and is free to roam and make plays.”
Next we will take a look at Bob Quinn‘s thoughts on our collective list:
“I love the idea of Ryan Jensen for a couple reasons. He instantly upgrades our offensive line and provides a nasty streak, but the Cincinnati Bengals are an eager suitor, and keeping them weak on the offensive line is the key to breaking the Bengals as we saw in the Super Bowl.
Terron Armstead will command a hefty sum as the best tackle available, but signing Jensen and Armstead will mean our offensive line will be a top 10 unit.
JC Jackson and Carlton Davis, a pair of tall rangy corners as CB1 and CB2 would be a dream scenario, but it would be out of character for the typically thrifty Steelers who like to develop from within. However, one of the two is a realistic get, and assuming we retain the present corners, would be a smart upgrade.
Tyrann Mathieu, the “Honey Badger,” would be a luxury item. He is not quite the run stuffer the Steelers prefer, however in today’s NFL pass happy environment, two game-changing ball hawks on the back end are an intriguing option.”
Another staff writer, Andrew Kersten provides quite a bit of data in support of our list:
“The offensive line should be the number one priority for the Steelers. According to ESPN, the offensive line ranked 29th in run block win rate (67%) and 31st in pass block win rate (49%). Both Ryan Jensen and Terron Armstead provide instant upgrades. Jensen hasn’t missed a game since becoming a starter in 2017 and has strong grades of 79.3, 65.8 and 70.3 over the last three years according to Pro Football Focus. Armstead also sits at the 95th percentile in grade on man runs and the 88th percentile in grade on zone runs.
Joe Haden and Akhello Witherspoon are both free agents and may not return, leaving two large holes to fill in the back end. Insert J.C. Jackson who leads the league in interceptions (17) over the last two seasons and Carlton Davis who has 29 passes defended over the last two seasons.
Finally, what’s better than having Minkah Fitzpatrick as a safety? Having the “Honey Badger” Tyrann Mathieu playing alongside him to keep the pressure on opposing offenses. Granted both are technically free safeties, but given the resumes of both players, moving one over to strong safety shouldn’t be an issue. Terrell Edmunds is also a free agent.
Pro Football Focus also has all of the aforementioned five free agents inside the top 25 of free agents available this offseason.”
Our own Sean McGeown has his own thoughts on the group as well:
“Jensen is definitely the best center on the market. He would be an immediate upgrade at the position and for the whole offensive line. I’m still open to Kendrick Green developing and starting, but signing Jensen and letting Green get back to his natural position (guard) could be knocking out two birds with one stone.
With Armstead, there is not much to say here. When healthy the top free agent tackle, even lineman, on the market. Immediate upgrade and tone setter for whoever is QB for Pittsburgh. May cost top dollar, but worth it.
Jackson is an elite playmaker. Pair him with the ballhawks this defense already has in Minkah Fitzpatrick and TJ Watt, and you’re looking at a top three unit. The coverage may be spotty at times, but there’s no doubting JC Jackson is the premiere free agent cornerback, and he’s making whatever team he walks onto better.
Davis is young, experienced, and can do it all. May not be as flashy as Jackson, but would be an upgrade and a number 1 corner for this defense. Knows what it’s like to play on a rope defense and win a championship.
Mathieu would be a great pairing, albeit expensive, with Minkah Fitzpatrick. Would increase pedigree of whole defense as he does with any he joins. Would welcome him at the right price tag.”
Lastly, here are my thoughts on the list we put together:
“Jensen is a stud at center, and while I am on board giving Green another season to prove himself after a full offseason working with Pouncey, passing up on Jensen because of that would be a mistake. Also, the Steelers have a few young guys in place on the offensive line, so adding some veteran presences would be huge for them.
Armstead is by far the biggest risk on this list, but also the biggest upside. He can be an elite left tackle when he is healthy, but he has also had injury problems at times. He will also be the most expensive free agent on this list potentially. However, passing up on an elite LT when the team will be getting a brand new quarterback would be a mistake if the opportunity is there.
Whether it is Davis is Jackson, the Steelers would be very smart to sign a bona fide shutdown cornerback again. Haden appears to be o his way out of Pittsburgh, so getting one of them would go a long way. This is a very deep and very talented cornerback draft class at the top, but these guys are both proven studs.
Lastly, Mathieu is a stud and an ultimate chess piece. He is someone that can play anywhere on the defense and make an impact. Him and Fitzpatrick would immediately become the best starting safety combo in the league, and would allow a lot of freedoms for each other to make plays at all three levels of the defense. Cost would be my only concern here as Fitzpatrick is due to be paid as well.”
Overall, there are a lot of free agents that could make this list, but these guys no doubt should be near the top. Let us know below what you think of our list, and if you think there are any players that you think should’ve made the cut.
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
