Who’s Left? Remaining Free Agents

[SteelerinMD]

2023 NFL Free Agents Tracker

Tracking the status and signings of all 2023 NFL free agents.

www.spotrac.com

WR - Possession - Jarvis Landry, TY Hilton
Speed - Will Fuller

S - Mathieu, Jabrill Peppers, Rodney McLeod

DL - Derek Barnett, Takkarist McKinley

CB - Kevin King

2nd round of Free Agency folks that I would like to hope asking price has come down

 

[TDX27]

Still seeing DL as our No. 1 need especially if they don't sign anyone.

 

[Djfan]

No one on that list is a "must sign." Now on to the draft

 

[SteelerInLebanon]

We can always wait and see what happens with cuts later after the draft in pre-season. We have a good start so far. WR may be the biggest hole now aside from Safety.

 

[SteelerFan448]

The Steelers need a S and a WR to have a complete starting roster entering the draft.

 

[MeanJim]

Depending on how things work out with Tuitt and Alualu, DL may not be a "need" at all.
With Cam, Tuitt, Alualu, Loudermilk, and Wormley on a defense that usually only has 2, or even 1, DL on the field (which is stupid), why would we consider that such a need?

We got what we think is a stud RG in Daniels, resigned Chuks (who generally sucks) at RT, Dotson at LG, Dan Moore at LT, and have high hopes for Mason Cole at C.
Three of these guys were on possibly the worst offensive line we've ever seen in Pittsburgh. For depth we have Green, Leglue, Haeg, Hassenauer... Last year a starter would go down, and a backup would come in, and there was no difference at all, or things got a little better, which means your starters suck ***.
I hope we're not done here. Sign another FA (or 2)
I am NEVER against drafting OL in the first round, no matter what.

Wide Receiver is now an obvious need. Just how high is the team on DJ and Chase? Do they think they are the 1 and 2 going forward? If not, we're looking at a big FA acquisition or a 1st or 2nd round pick. ...pssst.... Garrett Wilson!

We need a SS, obviously. We have had a good defense with Edmunds out there, though he's clearly been the weak link in the secondary. He shows up and thumps somebody on a running play every now and then, which is more than I can say for our ILBs. I feel he's not an awful player, just a disappointment as a first round pick. Don't overpay here.

We have numbers at corner, it seems, but no real studs. Just like an offensive tackle, if a stud corner drops to us in the first round, you ALWAYS grab him up. But then, of course, there's the Steelers piss poor record of drafting DBs.... maybe another FA, or a trade, or even re-sign Haden for another year?

Now, on to Tomlin's favorite 1st round drafting spot, LB. This is a make or break year for Devin Bust, and I think the same for Alex Highsmith. I'd dump Bush today, but those whose decisions matter don't give up on their busts very easily. Highsmith needs to get close to double digit sacks, or show himself to be someone you just can't run to his side, or show himself to be a great coverage guy, or something... I think he's been decent so far, and wish him luck.
Might need some depth here. Please no reaching in the draft Tomlin... I know you just can't help it.

 

[ZonaBurgh]

We can always wait and see what happens with cuts later after the draft in pre-season. We have a good start so far. WR may be the biggest hole now aside from Safety.

While I'd still like to see them take a flyer on Mathieu, I'm not sure what the $$$ situation is to make that happen.
The FO has to know the situation with Tuitt and Alualu by now, while we can only speculate about it.
Good thing the draft seems to be deep on WR's, and Colbert always seems to come up with one or two.

 

[KStilley]

Your evaluation MeanJim is sound IMO. I guess I'm more concerned about the DL though, I understand injuries can happen anywhere and a once solid position can turn ugly but the DL was awful against the run last season and Alualu's chances of making through the season without missing significant time worries me. In addition, there is nothing to indicate Tuitt will play let alone at his former level AND stay healthy. Wormley's run stopping prowess is scary and let's hope Cam can maintain his health. If there's one position on the team that I could see play as lousy as it did last season, it's the DL.

WR is definitely a big question mark now, I don't know what the cap situation is but adding Landry would put us in a much better position the first two days of the draft. The FO could look for the best player available at DL, CB/Safety, WR or OL. Getting Edmonds back on the cheap would be ok with me and eliminate another desperate temptation.

 

[KStilley]

One more thing that I should of mentioned that is obvious, our division opponents all want to establish the run, Dillon, Chubbs and Mixon are three of the better running backs in the NFL. As of now, I can't see us matching up in a shootout with a team like Cincinnati and we were lucky the Ravens were without their best offensive lineman and running backs. I really want to slow the game down with a good defense. A top corner and DL pickup could do that.

 

[MeanJim]

Your evaluation MeanJim is sound IMO. I guess I'm more concerned about the DL though, I understand injuries can happen anywhere and a once solid position can turn ugly but the DL was awful against the run last season and Alualu's chances of making through the season without missing significant time worries me. In addition, there is nothing to indicate Tuitt will play let alone at his former level AND stay healthy. Wormley's run stopping prowess is scary and let's hope Cam can maintain his health. If there's one position on the team that I could see play as lousy as it did last season, it's the DL.

WR is definitely a big question mark now, I don't know what the cap situation is but adding Landry would put us in a much better position the first two days of the draft. The FO could look for the best player available at DL, CB/Safety, WR or OL. Getting Edmonds back on the cheap would be ok with me and eliminate another desperate temptation.

I'd like to add a top reliable DL, but my main point is, we more often than not only have only two DL on the field, often only one! This is a Tomlin thing, and it's asking the opposing offense to please gash us for 8+ yards. When you have a woman playing ILB, and Edmunds running himself out of the play, you end up with Minkah leading the team in tackles, and most of them are TD saving tackles. Adding another quality DL to the sideline isn't going to help that scheme.

 

[diver]

The Browns cut Austin Hooper. I think another good TE to pair up with Friermuth opens up a lot on offense. I know it's not a need, but I like thickening out positions if possible.

 

[KStilley]

I'd like to add a top reliable DL, but my main point is, we more often than not only have only two DL on the field, often only one! This is a Tomlin thing, and it's asking the opposing offense to please gash us for 8+ yards. When you have a woman playing ILB, and Edmunds running himself out of the play, you end up with Minkah leading the team in tackles, and most of them are TD saving tackles. Adding another quality DL to the sideline isn't going to help that scheme.

Can't argue with those observations and you mentioned adding some depth. The Steelers do usually start out with three on first down and if it's second and long we were gashed often due to the substutions, two man front. Unfortunately whoever we paired with Heyward was useless in warranting a double team and allowed the remaining OL to smother our ILBs.

This is not an absolution of Bush's shortcomings or the other inside linebackers but if Tomlin continues with this strategy it would be nice to pair Heyward with someone who demands significant attention.

 

[TDX27]

The DL is still absolutely a need. I've spelled it out before so here it is again. Heyward - gone in 2, maybe 3 years. Alualu - gone in a year and we don't know how we will be this year after the injury. Tuitt - gone in a year when his contract is up, if not this year. I'd cut him. So, we have no top pedigree DL on the team other than Heyward after this year and that's if Heyward can keep playing at a high level at his age. Loudermilk is a later-round guy they are hoping develops and he showed some promise last year. The other guys are filler. With Heyward, Loudermilk and these other guys, They still gave up 200+ yards 4 or 5 times later in the season. We need an upgrade even if Tuitt and Alualu come back this year. Both are big question marks. We haven't drafted a DL high since Tuitt in what, 2014. We need to draft DL in Rd. 1 or 2, at the very latest. We should have (and maybe still will) bring in a FA DL for solid depth at a minimum. I would not count on Tuitt at all. Alualu all depends on his healing prowess in his mid-30's. He could come back at full strength or never be the same. The OL and DL are the two most important pieces on the team right now. We addressed the OL (although, I'd still draft one in the first 3 or 4 rounds) but haven't addressed the DL at all. Right now, all we know for sure is the DL we most recently put on the field and have for sure heading into this year was absolutely horrible against the run and made the ILB's and secondary look worse than they were.

 

[Confluence]

Has there actually been a clear update on Tuitt's status?

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

Can't argue with those observations and you mentioned adding some depth. The Steelers do usually start out with three on first down and if it's second and long we were gashed often due to the substutions, two man front. Unfortunately whoever we paired with Heyward was useless in warranting a double team and allowed the remaining OL to smother our ILBs.

I really cant wait to see Loudermilk make a leap. Whether it leads to starting or just more snaps. I think he will. He would have to working with Cam Heyward.

 

[madinsomniac]

The DL is still absolutely a need. I've spelled it out before so here it is again. Heyward - gone in 2, maybe 3 years. Alualu - gone in a year and we don't know how we will be this year after the injury. Tuitt - gone in a year when his contract is up, if not this year. I'd cut him. So, we have no top pedigree DL on the team other than Heyward after this year and that's if Heyward can keep playing at a high level at his age. Loudermilk is a later-round guy they are hoping develops and he showed some promise last year. The other guys are filler. With Heyward, Loudermilk and these other guys, They still gave up 200+ yards 4 or 5 times later in the season. We need an upgrade even if Tuitt and Alualu come back this year. Both are big question marks. We haven't drafted a DL high since Tuitt in what, 2014. We need to draft DL in Rd. 1 or 2, at the very latest. We should have (and maybe still will) bring in a FA DL for solid depth at a minimum. I would not count on Tuitt at all. Alualu all depends on his healing prowess in his mid-30's. He could come back at full strength or never be the same. The OL and DL are the two most important pieces on the team right now. We addressed the OL (although, I'd still draft one in the first 3 or 4 rounds) but haven't addressed the DL at all. Right now, all we know for sure is the DL we most recently put on the field and have for sure heading into this year was absolutely horrible against the run and made the ILB's and secondary look worse than they were.

This. The DL is a down the road need… but it also isnt the kind of need where you HAVE to spend a premium pick on it either… yes we have to plan for these starters being done soon, but it often takes three or four years to get a guy up to speed so loudermilk types are ideal… he could easily be a Keisel type… aaron smith, who didn’t start his first year, was a fourth rounder… the only dlman to come close to his technique is Cam …and it took him 4 years to start…. And he was a first rounder…

So dropping a later rounder on a raw talent or true nt type is fine

 

[Litos]

Still seeing DL as our No. 1 need especially if they don't sign anyone.

As of right now our #1 need is SS.
I just hope they go BPA between DL, WR, OT
There seems to be good value up to the 2nd round at DL, then the apparent talent falls of a cliff. So ideally if the BPA at 1.20 isn't a DL then it should be addressed in the 2nd round.
1. DL/WR
2. DL/WR
3. OT/SS/CB
4. OT/SS/CB
...
CB/WR/ILB







Basically WR is in play at the top and then double dip at the later rounds. DL only R1&2, OT, SS, mid rounds, CB mid to late, ILB late rounds.

That's how I'd play it

 

[Coach]

Has there actually been a clear update on Tuitt's status?

Not even Tuitt knows. A fine player when healthy.

 

[torsteel]

There are several free agent options at SS. The starter will be one of these options and not a draft pick.
If Colbert can pair a good FA option @ 4-5million per with Minkah that would be the ultimate fix for the secondary.,
Similar to the pairing of Ryan Clark with Polamalu.

Jaquiski Tartt
DeShon Elliott
Jayron Kearse
Terrell Edmunds
Jabrill Peppers
Landon Collins
Ronnie Harrison

 

[MeanJim]

The DL is still absolutely a need. I've spelled it out before so here it is again. Heyward - gone in 2, maybe 3 years. Alualu - gone in a year and we don't know how we will be this year after the injury. Tuitt - gone in a year when his contract is up, if not this year. I'd cut him. So, we have no top pedigree DL on the team other than Heyward after this year and that's if Heyward can keep playing at a high level at his age. Loudermilk is a later-round guy they are hoping develops and he showed some promise last year. The other guys are filler. With Heyward, Loudermilk and these other guys, They still gave up 200+ yards 4 or 5 times later in the season. We need an upgrade even if Tuitt and Alualu come back this year. Both are big question marks. We haven't drafted a DL high since Tuitt in what, 2014. We need to draft DL in Rd. 1 or 2, at the very latest. We should have (and maybe still will) bring in a FA DL for solid depth at a minimum. I would not count on Tuitt at all. Alualu all depends on his healing prowess in his mid-30's. He could come back at full strength or never be the same. The OL and DL are the two most important pieces on the team right now. We addressed the OL (although, I'd still draft one in the first 3 or 4 rounds) but haven't addressed the DL at all. Right now, all we know for sure is the DL we most recently put on the field and have for sure heading into this year was absolutely horrible against the run and made the ILB's and secondary look worse than they were.

Can't say I agree with you on all this, for the simple reason I gave before (our defensive alignment), but you did point out something I hadn't realized: The Steelers have been neglecting the DL on draft day almost as bad as OL.

 

[Litos]

From cbssports.com
"

#Cowboys free agent and former 1st round pick Keanu Neal, who played linebacker for Dan Quinn last year, source said, is switching back to his old safety spot as he looks to reestablish himself as one of the top players at his position when he lands with his new team.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 20, 2022

Excited to see where he lands
Jordan Dajani"

Maybe thats a SS option for the Steelers?

 

[TDX27]

Can't say I agree with you on all this, for the simple reason I gave before (our defensive alignment), but you did point out something I hadn't realized: The Steelers have been neglecting the DL on draft day almost as bad as OL.

Having 2 DL on the field is part of our problem. The scheme's Tomlin runs opens us up to getting gashed for 200+ yards unless you have 2 studs at DL, 2 very good OLB's and very good ILB's on the field that can hit and make tackles at the line and not 5 or 10 yards down the field. We should have 3 DL on the field on most downs.

 

[diver]

Having 2 DL on the field is part of our problem. The scheme's Tomlin runs opens us up to getting gashed for 200+ yards unless you have 2 studs at DL, 2 very good OLB's and very good ILB's on the field that can hit and make tackles at the line and not 5 or 10 yards down the field. We should have 3 DL on the field on most downs.

You know, I've thought about this some. I try to figure out what Tomlin's line of thinking on this is, because I agree with you. But I wonder if the line of thinking is that if a team is running the ball on you, ok, that's not great, but they aren't normally scoring in bunches, either. So the games can remain close. IMO, this is what beat some of those 90s and early 2000s Steeler teams...maybe they were running the ball well, but they kept other teams around and a few big plays or freak things happen, boom, you are losing.

I know the Steelers got run on in bunches this year, but the Bengals and the Chiefs were the only teams that blew them out in the end, and both teams were not just run oriented. The hung around in the Minnesota game and a few freak plays and they were in it at the end and could've tied it up.

I hate the 2DL thing. I'm just trying to understand the thought process.