The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting into every other vital offseason in 2024. The franchise hasn’t been taken seriously as a contender in view that the 2020 season when they started out off with a record of 11-0. The enterprise has a sturdy basis on offense, but appears to be missing the most necessary piece: a ambitious quarterback.
While it appears they will supply Kenny Pickett one closing hazard to show himself, there are several other areas that General Manager Omar Khan needs to enhance if the team wants to have a risk to seriously compete in 2024. The free organization classification has many alternatives to target, and a few of them come from inside the AFC North..
It’s by no means a bad element to carry in a participant from a rival team. Not solely do these additions provide a group a bit extra insight to what’s going on in another building, but taking away a contributor from a divisional opponent also leaves that team with a gap in any given area. The Steelers owe the Cincinnati Bengals one after they snagged Mike Hilton in 2021. They have a cornerback ready to hit the market that would be a massive acquisition for the secondary.
1.) Chidobe Awuzie – Cornerback – Cincinnati Bengals
Many may also have extra hobby in bringing in huge receiver Tyler Boyd. That argument sincerely holds some weight given Pittsburgh’s need for a solidified quantity three receiver. If Diontae Johnson is shockingly traded, it makes even more sense. As of now, however, Chidobe Awuzie would be an excellent get for the Steelers in free agency.
The cornerback is an unrestricted free agent and given the Bengals’ probable desire to sign Ja’Marr Chase to a massive extension, some of the veteran players on each sides of the ball will likely be searching for new homes. Awuzie performed in 15 video games for Cincinnati in 2023 and was once capable to log six passes defended. He hasn’t been known as a ball hawk, securing only six career interceptions, however he would be a great complement to Joey Porter Jr.
2.) Corey Bojorquez – Punter – Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh is searching at heading into the league’s new 12 months besides a punter after the launch of Pressley Harvin III. With a few robust prospects becoming accessible in the 2024 NFL Draft, that is a route the Steelers may want to determine to go. However, there is a solid free agent pool that could be centered by Khan once the prison tampering duration begins.
Corey Bojorquez of the Cleveland Browns ought to sign an extension before he were to come to be available, however Pittsburgh have to seem to be to convey him on board if he is accessible in March. He averaged 49.4 yards per punt in 2023 while logging the fourth most punts in the league (87). That is the precise type of consistency that the Steelers want from the role after a rough three-year stint from Harvin.
3.) Devin Duvernay – Wide Receiver – Baltimore Ravens
The thought of the Steelers concentrated on Patrick Queen, Justin Madubuike or Geno Stone are all very attractive, but not likely given the team’s cap scenario and the expected value for every of those players. While Devin Duvernay’s authentic position has been a vast receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, he ought to flip out to be a standout unique teams player for Pittsburgh right away upon arrival.
Pittsburgh tried to bring in a former All-Pro returner once, and it failed with Gunner Olszewski. Calvin Austin III averaged a modest 8.6 yards per punt return in 2023, whilst Duvernay has never been under 11.5 in his four-year career. Duvernay offers a bit of depth at receiver, however additionally could come in and enable Austin to focal point on taking the subsequent step in the slot for the Steelers. This is a low-risk, high-reward option for a crew determined for more dynamic return play.
Steelers Can Make Moves In Free Agency After Cap Adjustments
Khan started out clearing cap area with the releases of Mitch Trubisky, Chukwuma Okorafor and Harvin. More are predicted to come as nicely as contract restructures. The front office used to be rather aggressive in free corporation in 2023 and the roster isn’t always turning into a championship one strictly thru the draft in 2024. Khan will locate ways to open up the checkbook, and these divisional opponents will all be reasonably priced and in a position to contribute in their respective areas
Which AFC North free marketers do you prefer the Steelers to target in 2024 free agency?
