Who should the Steelers be targeting with their new found cash

All of a sudden the Pittsburgh Steelers have more than enough money to add a player, but who?

By Michael_Beck@MichaelBeck56 Aug 17, 2021, 3:00pm EDT

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a situation many never thought this team would be in here in 2021. The team has a surplus of cash, and I'm not talking about ‘just enough’ money to rework T.J. Watt’s deal and have in season spending money. I’m talking about having enough money for all of that and adding an impact level player to this roster. After restructuring the deal of Stephon Tuitt the Steelers are able to afford an outside player to the tune of $6 million, but with a couple other simple deals could push that number to $11 million. But how should they spend all this money? Below are some of the players available via trade or are currently on the free agent market!

Trade

Stephon Gilmore

Acquiring cap hit: $7,735,294

Stephon Gilmore has wanted out of New England since the 2020 season. The veteran corner has requested a trade in the past but has yet to be dealt. He also wants a new contract but appears primed to play the year out in New England before hitting the open market. Prying Gilmore away from the Patriots won't be easy but key be the final piece in a championship roster.

C.J. Henderson

Acquiring cap hit: $1,542,554

NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars

A 2020 first round pick, Henderson has been a solid player for the Jaguars through his rookie year. The disgruntled star asked for a trade a few weeks back, and for the Steelers would be a very similar situation to the Minkah Fitzpatrick deal in Miami. He is on a minimal contract for the next four years and could develop in Pittsburgh across from Joe Haden. Perhaps the Steelers could pry another piece from Jacksonville that was a part of the old regime.

Taylor Decker

Acquiring cap hit: $1,000,000

NFL: Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Decker never asked for a trade, however the Lions invested a lot into Penei Sewell and Decker is keeping him from being a left tackle. Signed for four more years, the Lions will move on from Decker eventually and doing so now would be easiest for them as his cap hit is only one million in 2021. This would be a significant upgrade for the Steelers at left tackle, and would make the team better for years to come.

Free Agency

Mitchell Schwartz

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars

Schwartz is a dual threat tackle that can play on either side. He has a high football IQ and grew up in an NFL household. Having blocked for Patrick Mahomes, Schwartz knows what it’s like protecting a superstar, and what it’s like winning a championship. Perhaps that is what's missing from the Steelers unit.

Russell Okung

Okung once famously said the Steelers couldn't afford his talents, well now the Steelers have some of the most cap space in the entire NFL. The former Pro Bowl left tackle would provide veteran ability for blocking Ben Roethlisberger's blind side. More so, Okung would add some credibility to the Steelers line, and add a bit more snarl to a unit that is trying to be aggressive.

But what do you think? Which of these moves is most likely? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Also, be sure to check out the podcast below for more details on this list: