Pittsburgh — Welcome to free agency. The Pittsburgh Steelers have approximately $28 million in available salary cap space, as well as a few other alternatives to generate additional spending money.
So far this summer, they appear to be a club driven by a sense of urgency. They have enough of pieces in place, but they could use some upgrades or fillers in a few spots.
Expect the Steelers to splurge as free agency ramps up. After Day 1, they added two players, including a well-known quarterback. Now it’s time to fill up the rest of the roster.
Patrick Queen, ILB
It’s difficult to say whether a top inside linebacker from the Baltimore Ravens is making his way over to Pittsburgh. It’s also difficult to believe the Steelers would be willing to pay another linebacker $18 million per year, which is what his market value is listed at.
Still, if they want a definite thing on the inside and to finally stop worrying about the position, Queen is the simplest answer – and the most certain.
He’s athletic, can run and cover in the pass, and has progressed through one of football’s top defences. Mike Tomlin and the Steelers understand this all too well.
He’s 24 years old and just had his best season as a pro, making his first Pro Bowl. If Baltimore is unable to keep him, Pittsburgh has an opportunity to take a chance. Again, if they’re determined to put an end to the stopgap band-aids they’ve tried to cover the hole with, Queen is by far the best option.
Justin Simmons would be an excellent addition to the Steelers defence, and at 30 years old with a market value of $11.1 million per year, he is well worth the contract.
That being said, Simmons might give the Steelers’ secondary all they’ve hoped for and more. He and Minkah Fitzpatrick would be the best safety combo in the NFL, without a doubt, and could relieve a lot of burden on Joey Porter Jr. and the rest of the corners.
