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What should the Steelers do with their remaining free agents?

With a number of players still available on the market the Steelers could circle back

By Michael_Beck
/ new
Baltimore Ravens v Pittsburgh Steelers Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for the 2021 NFL Draft, but will still need to round out the roster within the free agent market. With player values dropping as the weeks go by some former Steelers may be looking to continue their careers in Pittsburgh in hopes to land deals in the future. But should the Steeles want to bring them all back? Simply, no, but a number of players would be definite upgrades to the current roster.

If the Steelers are unable to land starters at a few key positions, they should absolutely be giving these guys a call. They may want to wait until after the draft, but with the market at a standstill there is virtually no risk in waiting.

Without further adieu here is what the Steelers should do with their remaining free agents.

Alejandro Villanueva

Pittsburgh Steelers v Tennessee Titans Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images

‘Big Al’ has been a staple of the Steelers’ offensive line for nearly a decade. The massive player is one of the league’s biggest players, but as he has aged has taken some steps back. Although there is interest in a reunion, it is time for both sides to go their separate ways.

Ruling: Move on

James Conner

Cleveland Browns v Pittsburgh Steelers Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images

This is a very tricky situation, on one side the Steelers need to upgrade their running back room. On the other hand they may not get an upgrade in the draft. If the Steelers can't draft a top running back I think they should look to give Conner one more year as the lead back.

Ruling: Bring back if they can't find an upgrade

Avery Williamson

NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Avery Williamson was a tackling machine after his mid season trade from the New York Jets. He was thrown into the deep end acquiring a starting role without much practice time. Williamson would also play much better in the Vince Williams role beside Devin Bush opposed to replacing Bush himself. If the Steelers don’t draft a linebacker early this should be a no-brainer.

Ruling: Bring back - unless they draft one in the first couple rounds

Jordan Dangerfield

Pittsburgh Steelers v New York Jets Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images

One of the Steelers special teams captains, Dangerfield has grinded his way into being a long term NFL player. Before the signing of Miles Killebrew this move felt obvious, but how many spots do the Steelers have for core special teamers? Dangerfield has earned a spot on this team but there may not be enough space left for him.

Ruling: Bring him back and let him compete for a spot

Josh Dobbs

Pittsburgh Steelers v Cleveland Browns Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

Art Rooney II himself said the Steelers will look to bring in another quarterback in this 2021 offseason. Dobbs is close with Ben Roethlisberger, but that hasn't stopped the organization from moving on from him in the past. If the Steelers draft or sign a undrafted free agent it would signify the end of Dobbs era in Pittsburgh.

Ruling: Let him go

Steven Nelson & Vince Williams

Pittsburgh Steelers v Jacksonville Jaguars Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Nelson and Williams were released for salary cap reasons. The moves were unfortunate formalities of the offseason, but we’ve seen a few released players sign back on lesser deals. While I could see Vince Williams doing this, Nelson has burned his bridges.

Ruling: Move on

So that’s the list. What should the Steelers do with their UDFA’s? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below.

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