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The Steelers had improved play at safety last season, but still not to the standards of past units. Mike Mitchell is still a renegade back there and has two years left on his deal, while Sean Davis impressed as a rookie. Rob Golden is still in the mix to add depth. I would expect the team to address the position in the draft, but there's always a chance that they can go the free agent route here again.
The cream of the free-agent crop was Eric Berry, but he re-signed with KC for six years for $78 Million. There is talent at safety that may not break the bank. Here is the list of those players available at the safety position and whether or not they would be a possibility for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
John Cyprien - Jacksonville Jaguars
Cyprien waited until his walk year to become a better-than-average safety. At 26, Cyprien was second in the league with 38 defensive stops. However, his coverage skills were only average-at-best. Cyprien is going to get mad money, but the Steelers would be better off staying away from a safety that plays the run better than the pass. Let Cleveland do it.
Barry Church - Dallas Cowboys
Church had been a very solid safety man in his Cowboys career, but his level of play rose considerably in 2016 in the mere twelve games that he played. As I write this, the report came across that the Jaguars are set to sign Church for four years at $6 million per. The Penn Hills product would have fit well coming home. But, oh well.
Micah Hyde - Green Bay Packers
Not that my opinion counts, but this is the guy I would like to see join the Steelers at the safety position. Hyde is a good run stopper and is emerging as a quality coverage safety and nickel corner. He is also a very solid return man. At 27, Hyde would be a good investment.
Tony Jefferson - Arizona Cardinals
Jefferson is another player that shined mightily in his wałk year. Jefferson played in a loaded defensive backfield with Tyrann Matthieu and Patrick Patterson. The 25-year old had two interceptions and two sacks in 2016. He would be a nice sign for the Steelers and could come in at the right price. However, division rivals Cleveland and Baltimore have been clearing room with Jefferson in mind.
T.J. McDonald - Los Angeles Rams
McDonald is a very good safety, however a DUI and a shoulder ailment that required surgery was thought to possibly effect his free agent status before the 2016 season. But he did not let any of that effect his play and had another solid season for the Rams. Despite the talent, the Steelers will probably shy away from adding any more players with off-field troubles to the number of such players they already have. However, these days if the price is right......
Other Notables:
Quintin Demps - Houston Texans
J.J. Wilcox - Dallas Cowboys
Duron Harmon - New England Patriots
Jairus Byrd - New Orleans Saints
Mike Adams - Indianapolis Colts
Matt Elam - Baltimore Ravens
Duke Ihenacho - Washington Redskins
D.J. Swearinger - Arizona Cardinals
Antoine Bethea - San Francisco 49ers
Roman Harper - New Orleans Saints
Donte Whitner - Washington Redskins