Steelers 2019 Free Agent Market Watch: The Defensive Ends

The Steelers need to bolster their defense, however the D-Line may be the strongest unit on that side of the ball with Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Javon Hargrave, Tyson Alualu and L.T. Walton up front. While I don't think there will be much addressed here, you never can tell. Here are the top options for teams looking for help up front.

DeMarcus Lawrence - Dallas Cowboys

DeMarcus Lawrence is possibly the best overall free agent in the 2019 class. He’s an exceptional run stopper and a sack machine while rushing the pass. Lawrence had a combined 25 ¹⁄₂ sacks in the past two seasons. At 27, the Dallas DE still has tons of upside. However, the Cowboys could franchise tag “Tank” again. He’s probably not an option for the Steelers.

Trey Flowers - New England Patriots

The versatile D-lineman is also an excellent pass rusher and run stopper. The fourth-rounder in 2015 has been consistent since his second season by averaging seven sacks over those three seasons. Two of the Patriots’ five losses in 2018 did not feature an injured Flowers on defense. The man called “Technique” would fit well in Pittsburgh, but might not fit the shopping list.

Frank Clark - Seattle Seahawks

In 33 starts as a Seahawk, the Michigan product has amassed 35 sacks (13 in 2018). Still only 25-years old, Clark will command a lot of money from NFL teams. With tons of needs, the DL may be too much of a luxury for the Steelers.

Brandon Graham - Philadelphia Eagles

Graham has been a very solid defender in his nine NFL seasons. Although never surpassing double digits in sacks, the Michigan product had 9.5 in the Eagles’ Super Bowl season. Graham is a valuable run stopper and pass rusher, but his four sacks at age 30 in 2018 might point towards a regression in production.

Ezekiel Ansah - Detroit Lions

Ziggy had 14.5 sacks in a dominant 2015 campaign and 12 in 2017, but injuries continue to hamper the talented edge-rusher from Ghana. Ansah had four sacks in only seven games last year and is approaching thirty. A possible bargain signing could Ansah be for the Steelers, but the injury history makes it risky.

Other Notable Free Agent Defensive Ends:

Dante Fowler - Los Angeles Rams

Chris Long - Philadelphia Eagles

Cameron Wake - Miami Dolphins

Shelby Harris - Denver Broncos