The Super Bowl is now in the books and the Steelers have their work cut out for them continuing to retool their roster -- now with the AFC Champions in their division.
Free agency doesn't begin for another month. But that doesn't mean it's too early to take a look at some things they could do and players they could sign to shore up their roster.
For now, I'm going to pass on quarterbacks and wide receivers. I'm passing on quarterbacks because I still think the Steelers will lean toward drafting one. And I've already written about who I would look to sign -- Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota and Mitch Trubisky, in that order.
As for wide receivers, that will depend largely on what they do between now and the start of free agency. Do they re-sign JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington or Ray-Ray McCloud?
The same goes at cornerback. The team would like to re-sign Ahkello Witherspoon. If it can accomplish that, the need to sign a cornerback becomes quite a bit less.
Remember, too, that there will be some players who are cut loose between now and the start of free agency March 16. And those players will have more value since they won't count against the team's 2023 compensatory formula.
But here are some other positions and players the Steelers, who currently have about $32 million in estimated cap space, could look to sign:
James Daniels, G, Bears — Still just 24, Daniels hits the free agent market with a lot of career still ahead of him. A former second-round draft pick, Daniels has 54 career starts under his belt. Spotrac estimates his market value at $7.3 million per year on a four-year deal. That would certainly fit into the Steelers’ budget for a player who is still ascending.
Alex Cappa, G, Buccaneers — A former third-round pick, Cappa has started the past three seasons at right guard for the Bucs. But with center Ryan Jenson also a free agent, will the Bucs be able to afford to keep both? Jenson is the better player, but Cappa is solid. He would immediately upgrade the Steelers’ line. Spotrac estimates it will take a deal that averages $10.7 million per year to get it done for a player who just turned 27.
Ethan Pocic, G-C, Seahawks — Pocic can play both center and guard, having started games at both spots for the Seahawks. He’s had some injury issues in his career, but they’ve been typical offensive linemen ailments such as sprained knees. Still just 26, Pocic would give the Steelers some additional interior line flexibility. This signing might make the most sense. Pocic would be the fallback option at center along with J.C. Hassenauer should Kendrick Green not work out there. And Green will get another opportunity to do so in 2022.
Trenton Brown, OT, Patriots — Brown would step right in as the starting right tackle if the Steelers choose to allow Chuks Okorafor to walk. Brown will turn 29 soon, so he's a little older than you'd like. Spotrac also estimates his value at $10.5 million per year. Re-signing Okorafor and adding a guard would make more sense. Young offensive tackles just don't hit the open market.
David Johnson, RB, Texans — Johnson just turned 30. I know it seems like he’s been around forever, but he really hasn’t. His best days are clearly behind him, but he’s a professional running back who is a plus receiver. More importantly, he could be a veteran voice in the room to continue helping Najee Harris and could likely be signed for around $2 million.
Darrel Williams, RB, Chiefs — Williams has been in a time-share in his first four seasons in Kansas City. He wouldn’t have that in Pittsburgh. He’d clearly be the No. 2. But he’s produced every time he’s been called upon in his career. He’ll be 27 next season, so his chances of being signed somewhere as a feature back aren’t happening. But he could be a valuable piece.
Jerick McKinnon, RB, Chiefs — Another Chiefs running back? Sure. McKinnon has had injury issues throughout his career. But the former Georgia Southern quarterback is a powerful runner with speed. He looked great in the playoffs for the Chiefs. At 29, he isn’t going to get a shot as a starter in the league. But a valuable backup? Yes.
Raheem Mostert, RB, 49ers — Mostert has never been a high-volume guy. When he has been, he’s broken down, largely because he runs like a maniac. At 29, it’s unlikely another team will give him a chance as a starter, but he has value and certainly has ability getting to the edge in an outside zone running scheme.
B.J. Hill, NT, Bengals — The former second-round draft pick of the Giants had a cap hit of $2.18 million last season with the Bengals. He produced 50 tackles and 5.5 sacks on 502 snaps for Cincinnati after being traded to the Bengals from the Giants. This is the kind of ascending depth piece the Steelers could use. Still just 26, the best could be yet to come for Hill.
Tim Settle, NT, Commanders — Like Hill, Settle just finished his rookie contract. He produced five sacks in 2020, so he has some pass rush juice. But he’s also never played more than 347 snaps, which could keep his cost down. He was buried behind first-round draft picks in Washington. Settle could flourish with more playing time, yet could likely be had for a reasonable contract.
Foley Fatukasi, NT, Jets — At 6-foot-4, 318 pounds, Fatukasi has the size to play end or nose tackle in the Steelers defense. He started 15 games for the Jets in 2021 after starting eight in 2020. Fatukasi isn’t flashy, but the former UConn star gets the job done.
Harrison Phillips, DT, Bills — Phillips isn’t a big pass rusher as his 1.5 career sacks would suggest. His value comes as a run stopper. He had 51 tackles last season despite playing just 474 snaps. But there’s obvious value there for the Steelers considering their issues stopping the run.
Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Cowboys — Injury issues plagued Vander Esch with the Cowboys, who took him with the 19th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. They’ve also kept him from living up to the promise of his rookie season, when he had 140 tackles and two interceptions. He’s still just 25, though, and perhaps worth taking a chance on — if the price doesn’t go too high, which is a possibility. But the Steelers can clear $8 million in cap space by releasing Joe Schobert. That money could be better spent on a younger, better player.
A.J. Johnson. LB, Broncos — Johnson had 217 combined tackles in 2019 and 2020 before a torn pectoral muscle ended his 2021 season after six games. He should be ready to return from that and is a really solid inside linebacker who can both cover and bring the wood. Johnson is a very underrated player.
De’Vondre Campbell, LB, Packers — Campbell would be a bigger-ticket item, but he’s also a really good player. Spotrac estimates it will take a deal that pays him $6.2 million per season on average. The Steelers can certainly afford that for a player who has averaged over 100 tackles per season over the last five years while also getting 9.5 sacks and four interceptions in that period.