2022 NFL free agent watch list for the Steelers

Going into the 2021 offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers had to do some work to get them to the point they are now with around $10 million in salary-cap space in case of emergency. Going into next season, it looks like Pittsburgh will start the offseason with around $50 million, a huge improvement.

The Steelers also won’t have much in the way of big-name guys to re-sign which should allow the team to dive a little deeper into free agency if they choose. Here’s a watchlist for Pittsburgh of some of the top free agents who could help this team.

S Jessie Bates

With Terrell Edmunds on the way out, Pittsburgh might want to make a splash to replace him and possibly prepare for a contract problem with Minkah Fitzpatrick by signing Jessie Bates.

OT Terron Armstead

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers have a lot of young talent on the offensive line but lack an elite, veteran presence to guide them and Armstead is the guy who could it to anchor the line.

OT Orlando Brown

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Maybe instead of going with the more seasoned veteran at tackle, Pittsburgh might want to consider Orlando Brown who is still ascending as a player at only 26 years old.

S Marcus Williams

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Another young star in the secondary is Marcus Williams. He wouldn’t come cheap but would be cheaper than what Minkah Fitzpatrick will want and would be a huge upgrade over Terrell Edmunds.

G Wyatt Teller

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

It isn’t likely the Steelers are going to sign Trai Turner to another contract with his up and down play this season. Teller is rock solid, especially as a run blocker and would definitely be an upgrade.

CB Darious Williams

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers are currently running a rotation of guys trying to replace Mike Hilton. However, Darious Williams represents the ideal replacement and frees up players like Cameron Sutton and Justin Layne to focus on playing on the outside.

G Connor Williams

Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports

If Teller is too expensive, Connor Williams is another up-and-coming guard in the NFL who would pair up very well with Kevin Dotson and Kendrick Green on the interior of the Steelers offensive line.

CB Carlton Davis

Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh needs to create a succession plan for when Joe Haden eventually retires and Carlton Davis at just 25 would immediately be the best coverage corner on the roster.

DL Folorunso Fatukasi

(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

The one defensive lineman on this list is Folorunso Fatukasi. The former UConn Huskies star is huge with elite length. If Tyson Alualu and/or Stephon Tuitt cannot return an upgrade will be needed.

1

1