As expected, the Pittsburgh Steelers chose to let more players leave than they did and we saw more beginners and top players signing elsewhere. In addition to the multiple withdrawals of key players, we also received a surprise when the Steelers chose to release veteran Vince Williams.
The technically free agency starts on Wednesday, but after only two days of legal manipulation, we decided that we need to update our project needs based on the drama of this first wave of free agency.
A warning to all this. While I’m pretty stuck on 1-6, 7-10 are largely interchangeable at the moment.
Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Three things play into this decision. First, the retirement of Maurkice Pouncey, the second Matt Feiler signing with the Los Angeles Chargers and, finally, the age and contractual situation of David DeCastro. Getting an elite center is ideal, but a guy with two tools who can move between center and guard would work well here as well. It is not the brightest choice, but it would satisfy the most pressing need on the list.
Tommy Gilligan-SUA TODAY Sports
It was concluded that Bud Dupree will sign elsewhere, but with the Steelers not having real confidence in Ola Adeniyi, this team has very little depth. The 2021 class of edge junctions is deep, but Pittsburgh needs to bring in someone who can contribute as a novice.
Brett Rojo-SUA TODAY Sports
Vince Williams’s release came as a surprise and made the Steelers need to replace him, a greater need than before. Marcus Allen and Robert Spillane do not inspire confidence in the role of defender, and this puts a ton of pressure on Devin Bush who is returning from a broken ACL.
If the Steelers re-enroll Alejandro Villanueva, this need decreases considerably. But assuming you go to the free agency, Zach Banner and Chuks Okorafor are your beginners, but there is very little behind any of them on the depth chart.
Rick Bowmer / Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
I think most assumed that the Steelers would be able to safely re-sign Tyson Alualu. But his return to Jacksonville leaves some questions inside the defensive line. Pittsburgh still needs to find a large, wide body to eat blockers and make life easier for those who make lines.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
How big the defender the Steelers should be refers directly to how confident they are in Justin Layne now that Mike Hilton has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. If the Steelers want to find another Hilton-like slot corner, they will have to hire a draft pick.
Matthew OHaren-SUA TODAY Sports
I know many Steelers experts want to see Pittsburgh prepare early. I’m not one of these experts. Eric Ebron offers a solid receiving option and if Pittsburgh wants to find a tight block, he can do so on the third day of the draft.
Fortunately, even if these Steelers eventually lose JuJu Smith-Schuster to another team, the wide receiver is not a concern for the Steelers. Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and James Washington will beautifully complete the depth chart. If Steelers want to catch a late flyer on a guy, look for track speed.
Many Steelers fans will shout for a defender in the upcoming draft. And if one of the best boys falls to the Steelers in the first round, the front office will have a decision to make. But if Pittsburgh can’t land one of those top guys, there’s really no point in crowding the QB room.
Raj Mehta-SUA TODAY Sports
By 2020, the Steelers’ safety depth chart is fairly stable. Minkah Fitzpatrick is a true elite player, and Terrell Edmunds is good for what he was asked to do. It is very unlikely that the Steelers will choose another safety with the other needs on the list.