Pittsburgh Steelers Linked To Intriguing Free Agent

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some major changes to their roster this offseason. The most notable has been at quarterback, where the entire depth chart has been overhauled from the 2023 season.

Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph have all been moved on from. Taking their place as the leaders of the offense will be Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The Steelers made a concerted effort this offseason to improve the offensive line ahead of them as well, using prime draft capital to add to the trenches.

Defensively, Pittsburgh made a splash by signing linebacker Patrick Queen away from the rival Baltimore Ravens. He should be a major upgrade at the second level of their star-studded defense.

But, when taking a look at the defensive depth chart, there is still a need in the secondary at cornerback. Pittsburgh released veteran Patrick Peterson earlier this offseason and Levi Wallace signed with the Denver Broncos.

Bringing in another veteran around Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson could be atop the team’s to-do list. One player who would fit in the Steel City is veteran Stephon Gilmore. Gordon McGuinness of PFF believes that the Steelers are the top landing spot for the former Defensive Player of the Year award winner.

“Gilmore will turn 34 at the start of the 2024 season but has performed well in three one-year stints with different teams since 2022. He earned a 69.3 PFF coverage grade in 2023, allowing 734 yards and five touchdowns from 622 snaps in coverage while totaling 11 combined interceptions and pass breakups.

The Steelers played Cover 1 on 25.8% of passing downs last season, with the Cowboys one of just five teams to do so at a higher rate, and still have a need at cornerback,” wrote McGuinness.

There have been reports that Pittsburgh could look to re-sign Peterson at some point this offseason, as he also played some safety for them in 2023 when injuries arose. If that doesn’t happen, Gilmore would be an ideal replacement in a young, inexperienced cornerback group.