The Steelers' $6.5 million effective salary cap space is enough to sign a decent veteran at this stage of free agency, that much was shown in last week's NFL news.
The Eagles signed career edge rushing threat in Ryan Kerrigan for a $3.5 million one-year contract when the Steelers were reportedly in the running, and Morgan Moses was released by Washington, further boosting the available offensive tackle market.
Dale Lolley argued Friday with the Steelers should kick the tires on Moses to boost their offensive tackle ranks. But with several experienced players who've played well recently available, which position group takes priority?
Three immediate positions of priority on the Steelers depth chart include cornerback, offensive tackle and edge defenders. But offensive tackle is one position where the Steelers have more than two proven options.
Zach Banner won the starting right tackle spot last year before his season-ending injury and Chukwuma Okorafor has logged solid starts while the team drafted Dan Moore Jr. to push for time this year if anyone falls off.
But at cornerback, only Joe Haden and Cam Sutton are proven commodities just like how they only have T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith as edge defenders.
There are multiple free agents available at both positions who could help right away. Cornerback has Richard Sherman, Steven Nelson and Brian Poole, while edge defenders have Melvin Ingram, Justin Houston and Trent Murphy.
The Browns ran through Cassius Marsh's end when he played in the playoffs in place of Highsmith, and Quincy Roche would be a stretch to expect him to step up quickly as a sixth round pick.
The Steelers being able to stop the run and rush the quarterback while giving Watt and Highsmith rest takes priority because of the rushing offenses and young quarterbacks in the AFC North. Even if it's not Houston or Ingram, a player like Murphy has experience defending against Lamar Jackson's running the ball.
If the Steelers can get a edge defender at the price the Eagles did Kerrigan, it would be the best value signing.
YOUR TAKE: Which position takes priority?
