The Pittsburgh Steelers have been quite active this offseason.
They have completely revamped their quarterback group.
They have made significant additions to their defense and have also recruited one of the best NFL kick returners to strengthen their special teams, as well as added depth players.
However, their work may not be finished yet.
The Steelers still have important needs to address before the 2024 season begins and they have some cap room to work with, even considering the payments for their rookies.
Here are three players that they should consider using their cap space to sign before the draft.
Chris Reed
Currently, the Steelers do not have a center on their roster. They are expected to find a starting center in the draft, but there is a risk in drafting an offensive lineman to start immediately.
It takes time for offensive linemen to develop in the NFL.
The team would also lack depth at the position.
They need insurance in case the rookie is not ready to start right away or gets injured.
Chris Reed Avonte Maddox could provide that insurance.
He has not been a starter in the league for a few years and missed most of last season on injured reserve, but he does have ample experience.
He has started 30 games in his career and could offer valuable veteran leadership to any rookie the Steelers draft.
When he has started regularly, he has shown strong ability as a run blocker, which is important in the Steelers’ offense.
Additionally, he would likely come at a low cost. His contract last season was only worth $1.5 million. contract Given the Steelers' plan to run the ball frequently in 2024, the center position will be crucial and relying solely on a rookie as the only player on the depth chart carries significant risk.
A cheap veteran with run-blocking skills, in case he needs to play, could be an ideal addition for them before they finalize their draft plans.
Avonte Maddox
One of the notable moves made by the Steelers this offseason involved a cornerback.
Donte Jackson became their replacement for
They landed Diontae Johnson following a trade. This likely makes Jackson the replacement for away.
Patrick Peterson but they still need another player at cornerback.They require someone to cover the slot.
Levi Wallace became a free agent this offseason and the team has yet to find a replacement for him. To fulfill this need, the Steelers might not need to search very far. They could consider pursuing a player recently released by Pennsylvania’s other team. Avonte Maddox spent the first six years of his NFL career with the
and experienced varying levels of success.
As a rookie, he excelled in coverage, limiting opposing QBs to a completion percentage below 55%. The following year, he defended ten passes and maintained a completion percentage in the low 60s. Eagles In recent seasons, Maddox has faced challenges. He has been sidelined with injuries and has not been as effective in preventing completions.
However, this could present an opportunity for a team willing to take a chance on him.
When not injured, Maddox is still better at covering receivers than Wallace was for the Steelers last season.
He’s also very willing to step up and make a tackle, having made 73 of them in 2021.
Maddox could gain from playing behind a highly skilled pass rush and with a secondary around him that has its own talent.
He also might be available at a lower price due to the injuries.
If they can sign him to a prove-it deal for 2024, Maddox could be a good fit for a Steelers team that needs a slot corner and has been focusing on defense this offseason.
Tyler Boyd Should Be A Priority for the Steelers
I honestly feel like this deal should have already happened.
has shown interest in joining the Steelers because of his ties to the area. He is the type of reliable, hardworking player that the Steelers admire.
The Steelers really need a WR2. It seems like a perfect match.
Yet, here we are more than two weeks into free agency and a deal still hasn’t happened.
Tyler Boyd is that the Steelers don’t want to enhance their offer to Boyd, but they’ve put themselves in a position this offseason where price shouldn’t prevent them from acquiring a player that is the right fit.
Right now, they have the greatest advantage in football. They aren’t spending any money at quarterback.
That should mean that they are fully committed to this season before their core gets older and they have to actually pay a QB.
The latest report The Steelers could select a receiver, but they have bigger needs in round one and finding a reliable WR2 who can make an immediate impact becomes much more difficult when you try to do it late in round two.
Boyd has been extremely consistent throughout his career and has two seasons where he exceeded 1000 yards receiving.
He would improve their offense in 2024 and the Steelers should do whatever it takes to get a deal done.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have attempted to set themselves up for success this offseason and these three additions would further assist them.
Boyd has been incredibly consistent throughout his career and has two seasons under his belt where he went over 1000 yards for the Bengals.
He would make their offense better in 2024 and the Steelers should do what they must to get a deal done.
