Steelers 2020 Free Agent Market Watch: Safety

Disclaimer: The author realizes that the team is burning in Salary Cap Hell and can’t pony up much money for free agents. However, you never know what they have planned and it’s the author’s responsibility to highlight the free agent options. It’s like the lyric in The Rolling Stones song, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”... But if you try sometimes, you get what you need.

The Steelers aren’t in the worst possible situation when it comes to the position of safety. Minkah Fitzpatrick is All-Pro, but Terrell Edmunds is underwhelming and Marcus Allen is untried. Sean Davis and Jordan Dangerfield are both free agents. So they aren’t in a great position at the position after all. Depth is a concern. Do they draft one? Do they true and retain Davis or Dangerfield? Do they try and move RFA Mike Hilton or Cam Sutton to safety? Do they try to drum up money to bring in one through free agency? As unlikey as the prospect is, Kevin Colbert could get lucky under the couch cushions. Here the list of available free agents should the Steelers find themselves able to shop come March

Anthony Harris - Minnesota

6’1”/ 220 lbs - FS

2019 Stats - 14 games, 6 interceptions, 11 pass defenses, 1 touchdown

Career Stats - 65 games, 9 interceptions, 21 pass defenses, 1 touchdown

PFF’s top Safety for 2019 will turn 29 this season, but he’s still viewed as a guy that team’s can safely back up the Brinks truck to his front door. The undrafted free agent out of Virginia is one of the NFL’s top coverage guys. After a career year, the two-year starter is looking at blue chip money.

Justin Simmons – Denver Broncos

6’2”/ 202 lbs - FS

2019 Stats - 16 games, 4 interceptions, 15 pass defenses, 0 touchdowns

Career Stats - 58 games, 11 interceptions, 28 pass defenses, 1 touchdown

Simmons had a fantastic season in Vic Fangio’s defense where he’s emerged as one of the finest safeties in the NFL. PFF ranked the 26-year old at No. 2 at his position. The Broncos will try to hang on to him, but should he land on the open market…it will be a frenzy to a sign him.

Jimmie Ward - San Francisco 49ers

5’11”/ 192 lbs - SS

2019 Stats - 13 games, 0 interceptions, 8 pass defenses, 1 touchdown

Career Stats - 64 games, 2 interceptions, 29 pass defenses, 1 touchdown

Durability problems and a disheartening injury history has plagued Ward, whose averaged 11 games per season in his six as a pro. But all-around play (on the field) is the reason to sign this guy. Ward is phenomenal against the run and the pass. PFF had him at No. 6 at his position in 2019.

Devin McCourty - New England Patriots

5’10”/ 195 lbs - FS

2019 Stats - 16 games, 5 interceptions, 7 pass defenses, 0 touchdowns

Career Stats - 155 games, 26 interceptions, 86 pass defenses, 1 touchdown

McCourty is the Tom Brady of the Patriots defense. The three-time champ is a glue-guy that has thrived in his thirties. After a tremendous season with five interceptions, PFF’s No. 8 Safety would would certainly elevate the Steelers, but I don’t see them going in that position’s direction with a strapped wallet and more pressing needs elsewhere.

Ha Ha Clinton Dix - Chicago Bears

6’1”/ 211 lbs - FS

2019 Stats - 16 games, 2 interceptions, 5 pass defenses, 1 touchdown

Career Stats - 96 games, 16 interceptions, 33 pass defenses, 1 touchdown

Ha Ha is going on his fourth team after time with Green Bay, Washington and Chicago...but he’s no joke. HHCD signed a “prove-it” deal for one year in 2019 and did just that. With proof on the record, the length and terms will be better this time around for the 19th-ranked player at his position.

Other Notable Free Agent Safeties

Adrian Phillips – Los Angeles Chargers

Damarious Randall - Cleveland Browns

Clayton Geathers - Indianapolis Colts

Tre Boston – Carolina Panthers

Tavon Wilson – Detroit Lions

Vonn Bell – New Orleans Saints

Sean Davis - Pittsburgh Steelers

Rodney McCleod - Philadelphia Eagles