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The Steelers may have found their mainstay on the nose and in the middle of the defensive line in Pittsburgh for years to come in the form of Javon Hargrave, the 2016 third-rounder from South Carolina State. However, the depth at defensive tackle is thin, and injuries up front have been an issue for the Steelers. Should they address it in free agency, here is a list of the top available free agents at NT and DT.
Nose Tackles
Kawaan Short - Carolina Panthers
The stud interior-man for Carolina is one of the few bright spots to come from the 2013 draft. But the Panthers have just franchised the Purdue product who had 11 sacks in 2015 and six in 2016.
Brandon Williams - Baltimore Ravens
Williams was an unmovable object and a destructive force for the Steelers bitter rival. It's very tough to run on the 28 year-old who averaged 50 tackles the last three years. The Ravens are making a concerted effort to retain the 340-pounder. He's probably not a feasible option at his price tag and with Hargrave's emergence, but he would look good in black and gold. I'd be content with seeing him wearing anything other than purple.
Dontari Poe - Kansas City Chiefs
Poe was a guy that the Steelers had their eyes on in 2012. He's been twice to the Pro Bowl and is an absolute load. Poe has averaged around 40 tackles in his five years in the league, but took a step back in 2016 due to injury. The 345-pounder looks to break the bank and his past season may be a red flag. Probably not an option for the Steelers.
Johnathan Hankins - New York Giants
When healthy, Hankins generates pressure and stops the run well. But he had a torn pectoral that he never fully recovered from last year. The fourth year/320 pounder is a former second-team All Pro and has accumulated 140 tackles and ten sacks in his career. The near 25-year old would be a great addition, only if the price is right. It probably won't be.
Sylvester Williams - Denver Broncos
Williams is another pedestrian player from 2013's first round. With an average of 25 tackles a year over the past four, the 313-pounder might provide cheap depth behind Hargrave. Then again, he could be another Cam Thomas.
Other Notables:
John Jenkins - Seattle Seahawks
Vince Wilfork - Houston Texans
Dominique Easley - Los Angeles Rams
Bennie Logan - Philadelphia Eagles
Stephen Paea - Cleveland Browns