The Steelers haven't often dipped into the free agent market, but when they have, they've been relatively consistent about where they have added.
Three of the more prominent positions at which they've added players over the years? Free safety, linebacker and running back. That's interesting, because the Steelers look to have needs or possible needs at those three positions heading into 2018.
The free agent market will change dramatically over the next few months as the market opens March 14. And there will be more players who hit the market as teams adjust and continue to adjust their rosters following the draft and, as we saw last season in the case of Joe Haden, right up to the start of the season.
But we do know who is going to be available as of right now and we have a pretty good idea of what the Steelers need, or where they could need help if they are unable to work out a long-term deal with running back Le'Veon Bell and choose not to place the franchise tag on him for a second season in a row.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
This is a position the Steelers must address, no ifs, ands or buts. Even if Ryan Shazier were to miraculously recover and play football in 2018 -- which is highly doubtful -- the Steelers can't go into 2018 with Tyler Matakevich as their top backup plan again.
Take every mock draft you see between now and April and throw it out if it doesn't include Pittsburgh taking, or at least considering taking, an inside linebacker in the first round.
But even if that happens, as is likely, the Steelers need to sign a player to provide a veteran fallback option. It won't be a big-name player, but it will be someone who can step in and start, if needed.
NaVorro Bowman, 29, Oakland: Bowman, a former Penn State star, forced his way out of San Francisco early last season and resurfaced across the Bay in Oakland on a one-year deal. Serious injuries to his knee and Achilles' tendon have cost Bowman some of the athleticism that made him an All-Pro player earlier in his career, but he did have 127 tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception last season. His one-year deal with Oakland last season was for $2 million for the final 10 games of the season. Could he be convinced to come to Pittsburgh for a similar deal? Perhaps.
Avery Williamson, 25, Tennessee: Williamson is a faster version of Vince Williams in that he's better against the run than the pass. But the former Kentucky star -- yes, he played with Bud Dupree -- has averaged 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons playing in the same defense the Steelers employ. He also has 11.5 sacks in his four seasons and a pair of interceptions. His cap hit last season was $1.8 million after the Titans tendered him as a restricted free agent. He'll be due for a pretty decent raise, but if the Steelers are going to pay for a player in free agency, this is the kind of player they like to get, one with experience who's still in his prime.
Gerald Hodges, 27, New Orleans: Another former Penn State player, Hodges was decent in 2016 for San Francisco before signing a one-year deal for $775,000 with New Orleans. The Saints barely used him, playing him only on special teams. But he had 83 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions in 2016 and has started 26 career games. Hodges would give the Steelers a player with starting experience who could either start or be a key backup.
FREE SAFETY
The Steelers got just two passes defensed and no interceptions out of Mike Mitchell last season and he'll likely be asked to take a pay cut or be released this offseason. But the Steelers are going to want to lower his $8.1 million cap hit and his base salary of $5 million.
As I've stated in the past, I also like the possibility of moving Cameron Sutton to free safety, as well.
Here's a look at who would fit that role of the players currently scheduled to be available:
Kenny Vaccaro, 26, New Orleans: The Steelers liked the former Texas star when he came out in the draft in 2013, and he's proven to be a decent playmaker on the back end with eight interceptions, including three last season. Vaccaro made $5.6 million last season when the Saints picked up his fifth-year option and he's going to want at least that much per year, if not more. But if you're going to pay a safety, why not pay one with upside? The Steelers have a history of signing players at the safety position -- Mitchell, Ryan Clark, Brent Alexander -- because they're not quite as expensive to pay as other positions.
Tre Boston, 25, L.A. Chargers: Boston signed a one-year deal with the Chargers after three nondescript seasons in Carolina and recorded 79 tackles and five interceptions along with eight pass breakups. He's better with the ball in the air than he is as a tackler, however. At 6-1, 205 pounds, he's got good size, so perhaps he'll get better as a tackler as he hones his craft. LaMarcus Joyner and Morgan Burnett will be the big-ticket items among safeties this year, with perhaps Vaccaro sneaking into that conversation. Boston made just $900,000 last season and could be looking at $5 million or more per season. Is he worth that?
Eric Reid, 26, San Francisco: Reid has missed nine games in the past two seasons but he's excellent in coverage. He has 10 interceptions and 33 passes defensed in five seasons. The 49ers are prepared to let him walk. And though he's more of a strong safety, the Steelers could flip Reid and Sean Davis or make Reid the free safety.
Bradley McDougald, 27, Seattle: McDougald is the darkhorse of this group. A native of Dublin, Ohio, he would fit right into the Ohio vibe in the Steelers' locker room, even though he played collegiately at Kansas. McDougald is a solid tackler but only has five career interceptions. He did, however, have 10 pass breakups and two interceptions in Tampa Bay in 2016. He played on a one-year, $2-million deal last season in Seattle, making nine starts.
RUNNING BACK
Obviously, this would only be necessary if Bell leaves. If not, scratch running back from the list of needs.
Here's a look at who would fit that role of the players currently scheduled to be available:
Carlos Hyde, 26, San Francisco: The former Ohio State star would be a decent fallback option if the Steelers choose to let Bell walk. Still just 26, he's a decent blend of running ability while also posting 59 catches last season, mostly as a safety valve. Hyde has never rushed for 1,000 yards in a season but has topped 900 in each of the past two seasons. Injuries have been an issue. Last season was the first time he's played in all 16 games and he's missed 14 games in four seasons. But he's more durable than Dion Lewis, who I also considered for this list. He's also fumbled nine times in just over 750 career touches. But he won't break the bank.
Rex Burkhead, 27, New England: Lewis will get a lot of attention because he's a former Pitt player, but I'd rather have Burkhead if I'm looking for someone to serve in a timeshare because of the durability issues. Then again, I thought the Steelers should have signed him last year to serve as Bell's backup. Burkhead is an excellent special teams player and produces every time he's on the field. This is a guy who had 13 special teams tackles and two forced fumbles for the Bengals in 2016. He also showed a nose for the goal line last season, scoring five times on his 64 carries while catching 30 passes for 254 yards and three more scores. He made $3 million on his one-year deal last season.