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Every year the Pittsburgh Steelers will make a handful of moves to add veteran players at positions of need. These moves allow the team to draft the best player available and not have to rely on someone dropping to them, or just simply hang the flexibility in not having to put rookies in situations they are not ready for. In an offseason where the salary cap has been long rumored to drop, these moves are more important than ever. One slight benefit to a dropping cap however, will be that a portion of mid level free agents will see their price tag drop. Picking up a handful of those guys on one year deals could be the key at having a successful 2021 season.
As for the players on this list, I will present a free agent at every offensive position. More specifically guys that fit the Steelers offensive mold. Let’s do this...
Quarterback: Brett Hundley
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Steelers President Art Rooney II stated the team isn't done adding players to its quarterback room. Most likely they would want to take someone in the draft. But for the purpose of this exercise the Steelers bring in Brett Hundley to fill the hole left behind by Josh Dobbs. Hundley has appeared in 18 games in his career starting nine of them. His experience and skillset would give him a shot at the Steelers third quarterback spot. If not the organization will need another arm for training camp.
Running back: Marlon Mack
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Marlon Mack was developing into a fine back in the NFL. Breaking the 1,000 yard mark in 2019 the Colts had big things in mind for Mack and his future with the team. Then, just part way through the first game of the 2020 season Mack tore his Achilles tendon and would miss the remainder of the year. The emergence of Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines has made a Mack’s return to the Colts unlikely. A short term deal with Mack might just be the perfect remedy to the Steelers ailing rushing attack.
Wide Receiver: Tyrell Williams
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The Las Vegas Raiders will reportedly cut Williams at the beginning of the 2021 league year (March 17). While battling injuries for most of the past few seasons including a torn labrum which ended his 2020 season. Williams is still a speed burner at the receiver spot. An addition like this one would alleviate some of the pressure on young Chase Claypool from being the primary deep threat. A marriage between the player and organization is a possible one as the Steelers showed interest in Williams back in 2019 free agency. For the right price they should be interested again.
Slot Receiver: Danny Amendola
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I will die on this hill, 35 year old Danny Amendola is a solid plug and play receiver that is as steady as they come in the NFL. If the Steelers want to improve their catch rate and a veteran voice in the locker room, then they should put a call into Amendola’s camp.
Tight End: MyCole Pruitt
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The Steelers need to add a tight end with solid blocking traits. I’m not sure there is anyone better available with that skillset than Mycole Pruitt. His low receiving totals will keep his contract number fairly small. Besides the Steelers rarely target their number two tight ends so keeping spending at a minimum at the position is critical.
Tackle: Kelvin Beachum
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The Steelers love themselves a reunion, and Kelvin Beachum could add his name to a long list of players that twice have played in the Steel City. Upgrading and adding players to its offensive tackle position will be a high priority this offseason and it could all start with bringing Beachum back into the fold.
Interior line: Brett Jones
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The Steelers need someone on a cheap deal that can play all three interior positions. And unless BJ Finney becomes a salary cap casualty in Cincinnati and reunites with the Pittsburgh Steelers then the Steelers need to look at Brett Jones. Jones’ will command a lot less than many of the players on the market and can fill the primary interior-three backup position.
What do you think? Which of these free agents are the most likely to end up in Pittsburgh? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below.