Pittsburgh Steelers: Predicting 5 Free Agents Team Will Sign in 2017
Despite having limited cap space, the Pittsburgh Steelers could make just enough progress during 2017 NFL Free Agency to get over the hump this upcoming season.
Realistically, the Pittsburgh Steelers were only a few pieces away from winning a Super Bowl this past season. Meeting with the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship didn't help either, but that's the way the cards fell.
Moving forward, the Steelers simply need to find a way to fill the few lingering gaps that hurt them down the stretch in 2016. That process starts with 2017 NFL Free Agency, which happens to be getting under way this Thursday. Pittsburgh currently has only about $11.6 million in cap space (via Spotrac.com). Still, some maneuvering could open the door for them to make a splash or two.
So what can we expect from this team when the new league year gets under way? We may not see a ton of movement, but the Steelers will certainly be players for a handful of notable names. That's always the safe assumption for a team that was one game away from the Super Bowl.
With that in mind, let's take a look at five players I'm predicting will sign with Pittsburgh. There will be no spending spree by the Steelers, but that doesn't mean they can't be winners of 2017 NFL Free Agency.
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5. Christine Michael, RB – Green Bay Packers
For the last couple of seasons, the Steelers have been spoiled with the surprising effectiveness of backup running back DeAngelo Williams. However, unless he opts to return to Pittsburgh, the team will need to find a new No. 2 heading into 2017.
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Especially with Le'Veon Bell routinely dealing with injuries and suspensions, the Steelers must find a capable backup. Unfortunately, the upcoming free agency class isn't exactly loaded with enticing options. It also doesn't help that Pittsburgh only has so much cap space to use.
Hence, I'm predicting a player such as Christine Michael finds his way onto the roster. I understand that he's far from a dependable option, but he has starting experience and has flashed some serious playmaking ability at times. He even managed to put together a 100-yard game with the Seattle Seahawks last year, albeit against the San Francisco 49ers' miserable run defense.
It would be far from a comforting addition, but the Steelers only have so much to spend. My guess is they add a guy like Michael during free agency, and let him test his talents against a mid-round rookie during training camp. Hopefully Bell will play all 16 games and they won't have to worry about who the backup is.
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4. Erik Walden, OLB – Indianapolis Colts
If you ask anyone familiar with the Steelers' current state, they'll likely tell you the team's biggest offseason need lies at outside linebacker. Pittsburgh's defense routinely struggled to get pressure off the edge in 2016, so clearly the position must be addressed in 2017.
Unfortunately, between a lack of quality candidates and cap space, the Steelers may not get the opportunity to sign a true impact player during free agency. Chances are they'll instead wait to make their move at outside linebacker during the 2017 NFL Draft.
Even if that's the case, I wouldn't be surprised to see them add an experienced veteran to the mix. They'll likely have to wait until after the first wave to see what's available, but I believe Erik Walden could be a realistic option for Pittsburgh. I mean, he is coming off an 11-sack season with the Indianapolis Colts.
However, Walden is also 31 years old and is rather inconsistent. He's also had some off-the-field issues recently that could scare potential suitors away. Still, if the Steelers truly are invested in getting more sacks in 2017, adding Walden wouldn't be the worst idea. I doubt he'd cost much more than the $4.25 million he made a season ago.
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3. Anquan Boldin, WR – Detroit Lions
It's disturbing how much uncertainty the Steelers are currently facing at wide receiver. Sure, Antonio Brown has a shiny new deal that should keep him in the Steel City until the day he retires. However, the situation behind him on the depth chart is unsettling to say the least.
Pittsburgh has an excellent No. 2 receiver in Martavis Bryant. Unfortunately, he missed the entire 2016 campaign after another violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy. At this point, it's unclear if he'll be reinstated in 2017. Markus Wheaton is headed for free agency, Sammie Coates is still a work in progress, and Darrius Heyward-Bey is inconsistent at best.
Clearly, more talent is needed out wide. Unless the Steelers want to spend big bucks, though, they aren't going to find a legitimate No. 2 on the open market. That means they'll likely have to settle for an aging veteran such as Anquan Boldin while also adding talent via the draft.
Would the 36-year-old Boldin really be a bad signing, though? He's coming off an eight-touchdown season with the Detroit Lions, and is clearly still capable of moving the chains with ease. Assuming he doesn't decide to retire, I think he'd be a welcomed addition to the Pittsburgh receiving corps with the potential to surprise.
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2. Gerald Hodges, ILB – San Francisco 49ers
Chances are Lawrence Timmons will be donning a different jersey when the 2017 NFL season kicks off. Assuming that's the case, the Steelers may be forced to find themselves a new starting inside linebacker based on the alternatives they currently have available.
Sure, Ryan Shazier is an outstanding starter who has finally come into his own after injuries plagued him early in his career. However, the departure of Timmons leaves a gaping hole in the Pittsburgh defense that must be filled. Unfortunately, the team's internal candidates don't appear ready to step up.
That's why the Steelers should kick the tires on Gerald Hodges come March 9. The former 49ers starter enjoyed a breakout season in 2016, earning a prominent role in the middle of their 3-4 defense and putting on a show. Despite the 49ers' miserable overall defensive effort, Hodges was one of the lone bright spots.
If signed, he'd immediately step in as the other starter alongside Shazier. Pittsburgh could test their luck with someone like Vince Williams or Tyler Matakevich in the role. However, based on what we saw from Hodges in 2016, I believe he'd bring the athleticism and aggressiveness needed to get this Pittsburgh defense moving in the right direction.
Plus, considering his relative under-the-radar status, Hodges likely wouldn't cost an arm and a leg like some of the other top inside linebacker free agents.
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1. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB – Cincinnati Bengals
It's no secret the Steelers head into this offseason in need of more support at cornerback. Unfortunately, the options are limited when it comes to reasonably priced cover men. There is, however, one pending free agent Pittsburgh has taken a particular interest in.
As it turns out, the Steelers have set their sights on Dre Kirkpatrick (via NFL.com's Ian Rapoport). While he may not be the same type of talent as top free agent cornerbacks A.J. Bouye and Stephon Gilmore, Kirkpatrick is more than capable of making a big impact for the Pittsburgh secondary.
What really intrigues folks when it comes to Kirkpatrick is his mix of length and athleticism. Although he's been known to make numerous mental errors in coverage, we've seen significant development from him over his six years in the league. The physical tools, however, have made consistent progress possible for the former Alabama star.
So how would he fit into the picture for the Steelers? Well, they currently have some solid options at cornerback, but are far from solidified at the position. The drafting of Artie Burns in 2016 was a big step forward for the group, and Ross Cockrell can hold his own as a starter. Bringing in Kirkpatrick, though, would give Pittsburgh a proven playmaker who can push Cockrell into a subpackage role.
Kirkpatrick won't come cheap, especially with many considering him one of the Top 5 cornerbacks available this offseason. However, if the Steelers limit their spending, they could convince him to ditch their AFC North rivals.
