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Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Big-Name Free Agents Team Could Still Sign
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't made much noise since the start of 2017 NFL free agency. If they plan on being contenders again next season, they need to make a move soon.
Since the start of 2017 NFL free agency, the Pittsburgh Steelers have essentially stood pat while the rest of the league was spending big. However, that could (and should) change soon if the Steelers plan on retaining their contender status.
The only problem is Pittsburgh's lack of spending power. After re-signing Landry Jones and David Johnson, and bringing aboard Justin Hunter, they're left with about $18 million in cap space (via Spotrac.com). However, we must also keep in mind that money is needed to sign the incoming rookie class. What that means is the Steelers don't have as much to work with as you might think.
Still, they do have the space to at least land one or two more big names before all is said and done. Most of the top talent may be off the market, but several starters and quality contributors are still out there for the taking. I'm sure the Steelers could find the financial flexibility to get someone under contract if they felt so inclined.
With that in mind, let's take a look at five big-name players who could still be on Pittsburgh's radar as 2017 NFL Free Agency winds down. The focus may be quickly turning towards the draft, but that doesn't mean the Steelers can't find a steal floating around in the free agency waters.
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5. Christine Michael, RB – Green Bay Packers
Unless they plan on re-signing DeAngelo Williams, the Steelers could use a new No. 2 behind star running back Le'Veon Bell. The options are starting to dwindle as teams sign the top talent available, but there are some cheap, capable backups still on the market.
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Christine Michael could realistically be the guy to come in and play caddy for Bell. He proved to be a decent option for the Seattle Seahawks and Packers last year, even making some big plays from time to time. Although he's rather inconsistent and tends to end up in the doghouse too often, Michael is bursting with natural talent and upside.
Even then, it's not like Michael would need to play much in Pittsburgh. The lion's share of the workload will undoubtedly go to Bell, meaning touches for the backup will be scarce. However, if called upon, the former second-round pick can keep the running game afloat.
Michael has had a bumpy NFL career through four seasons. Originally expected to be the heir apparent to Marshawn Lynch's throne, he's now bounced around for the better part of the last season and a half. Maybe a trip to Pittsburgh could get his arrow pointing upward again.
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4. Erik Walden, OLB – Indianapolis Colts
Despite all of the draft assets they've spent at the position, the Steelers head into 2017 with a need at outside linebacker. The starting jobs appear sewn up between Bud Dupree and James Harrison, but more depth is needed behind the inconsistent youngster and ageless wonder.
Sure, Pittsburgh has some decent backup options in Arthur Moats and Anthony Chickillo. However, both are coming off subpar 2016 campaigns, especially when it came to getting after opposing quarterbacks. That's why adding another veteran to the mix doesn't seem like the worst idea in the world.
Now I know Erik Walden is no solve-all on the edge. He may be coming off an 11-sack season with the Colts, but it appeared to be a fluke—his highest season total before that was six. However, when you consider Moats and Chickillo combined for only six a season ago, it's not crazy to imagine Walden providing even a slight boost to this defense.
Especially with Dupree coming off a season during which he only managed seven appearances, more capable contributors are needed. The Steelers could wait until the draft to address the position. Why not add a relatively cheap veteran with considerable starting experience as well?
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
3. Kevin Minter, ILB – Arizona Cardinals
Following the loss of Lawrence Timmons, the Steelers could use some extra talent at inside linebacker. Ryan Shazier is holding down one spot, but the options to start alongside him aren't exactly comforting.
So why not look towards free agency to fill the void? At this moment, the market is saturated with capable, starting-caliber talent just waiting for new deals. The Steelers may have missed out on signing Dont'a Hightower, but that doesn't mean they can't land one of the other quality options still available.
One name I have in mind is Kevin Minter, who has been a starter for the Cardinals the last two seasons. During that time, he's asserted himself as an above-average option in the middle who excels on all three downs. While he isn't going to bring much star power to the Pittsburgh defense, he can certainly offer consistency and reliability.
Instead of hoping someone like Vince Williams or Tyler Matakevich can hold down the job, let Minter run with it. He may not be the biggest of names, but he deserves more credit than he's received so far in his NFL career. Minter would bring a tough, stable presence to the second level of the Steelers defense.
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2. Darrelle Revis, CB – New York Jets
At this point, it's unclear what the future holds for former All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis. Last season was a train wreck as age and injury continued to take their tolls on him. However, despite the lack of interest he's received since the New York Jets cut him loose, it may not be the end of the line.
Revis has made it clear he's not interested in playing for a reduced price, especially with the $6 million he's owed by the Jets being offset by any new deal. As it turns out, though, he may be tempted into joining his hometown Steelers, calling a potential pairing a "dream come true" (via Penn Live's Jacob Klinger).
The Steelers could use some help at cornerback, but only for the right price. Pittsburgh only has about $18 million in cap space at this moment, and likely aren't going to give much of it to Revis. With the offset language, Revis would essentially be playing for free if he signed a deal that paid him $6 million or less. Considering his recent play, it's unlikely anyone wants to pay him more than that.
Still, that doesn't rule anything out at this point. If Revis decides he can't stay away from the field in 2017 and Pittsburgh shows interest, the Steelers could convince him into playing at a discount with the hopes of earning more in 2018. Or he could just decide to call it a career.
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1. LeGarrette Blount, RB – New England Patriots
If Michael isn't an option as the No. 2 runner, maybe a more familiar face would do the trick? Yes, I'm talking about LeGarrette Blount, who spent less than a season with the Steelers before returning to the Patriots for a second go-around.
I know, I know—Blount's time in Pittsburgh didn't end well. So why would head coach Mike Tomlin want to bring him back after he walked out of a game because he didn't get any touches? Simple, he's the best option available, and is familiar with the team/offense.
Blount is coming off an excellent 2016 campaign during which he scored a whopping 18 touchdowns. New England's unstoppable offense likely inflated his numbers, but it was an impressive performance nonetheless. And yet, we haven't heard a peep about any potential suitors since the start of the new league year.
Put simply, Blount isn't the star his numbers would lead you to believe. That could open a door for Pittsburgh to sign him to a reasonable deal, giving Bell the quality backup he deserves. As long as the Steelers can keep the duo from spending too much time together off the field, Blount would be an intriguing addition to this Pittsburgh offense.
