2012 NFL Free Agents: 5 Players Pittsburgh Steelers Should Target

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The Pittsburgh Steelers went 12-4 in the 2011 campaign but were not as dominant as they've been in years past. The time has come for general manager Kevin Colbert to make some significant moves.

Though the Steelers are known for building through the draft, there is a plethora of talented players who could put them over the top for another Super Bowl run. 

New offensive coordinator Todd Haley is already a sign of change, as the son of the Steelers' former director of player personnel Dick Haley (1971-1990) will likely bring the team back to their running ways.

Here are the five free agents that Pittsburgh should get to re-boost their squad.

Mike Wallace, WR

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Mike Wallace is a restricted free agent, and it's expected the Steelers are going to sign him to a long-term deal. Keeping Wallace is vital to the team's continued success in the passing game.

In his third season Wallace continued to prove he is more than just a deep threat. He caught screen passes, ran precise routes along the sidelines, and made tough catches over the middle. 

With Wallace's role gradually growing, the role of Hines Ward has shrunk considerably. As Ward approaches retirement, expect even more out of his successor Wallace.

Wallace had 72 receptions for 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Next season should show similar numbers, because even though Haley plans to run more, the big-play opportunities will open up in the form of play-action passes.

Mike Tolbert, RB

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Both backup running backs Isaac Redman and Mewelde Moore are free agents in the 2012 class, though the Steelers have exclusive rights to Redman.

Mike Tolbert is capable of playing both of their roles by himself. Like Redman, Tolbert is a great short yardage back. Tolbert had eight rushing touchdowns last year, which trumps Redman's three.

In fact, Tolbert has been a touchdown machine ever since getting consistent touches; over the last two seasons he has 21 total touchdowns (19 rush, two receiving).

Tolbert is also a good third-down back and has a career average of 9.3 yards per reception, compared to Moore's career mark of 8.8.

The duo of Rashard Mendenhall and Tolbert would provide the Steelers with an elite rushing attack.

Ben Grubbs, OG

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The Steelers offensive line had issues with health and performance last season. While they can't foresee injuries, the Steelers can still help out the line by adding talent, namely the Ravens' free-agent guard Ben Grubbs.

Coming off of his first ever Pro Bowl appearance, Grubbs has continually improved during his time in Baltimore. He started 70 out of the 74 games he's played in, but those days could soon be over.

The Ravens have awarded a big contract to their other guard Marshall Yanda and need to re-sign star running back Ray Rice, so they might not be able to make a sufficient offer to Grubbs.

If the Steelers could lure Grubbs to Pittsburgh it would go a long way for the the team's rushing attack and pass protection for Ben Roethlisberger.

Jared Gaither, OT

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Jared Gaither was released by the Kansas City Chiefs last season and picked up by divisional rival San Diego. Gaither played excellent for the Chargers and did not give up a sack in three starts.

In doing so, Gaither made the Chiefs look silly and helped boost his offseason stock.

The Steelers should try to sign Gaither, who could protect Roethlisberger's blind side opposite Steelers' second-year tackle Marcus Gilbert.

Both Trai Essex and Max Starks are free agents, so the Steelers will definitely need to address the tackle position this offseason.

Sione Pouha, NT

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The Jets are reportedly interested in keeping their big plug Sione Pouha, but he would be a great fit in Pittsburgh, perennially great run-stoppers.

With Casey Hampton nearing the end of his career (34 years old), and Chris Hoke a 35-year-old free agent, the Steelers need to address the depth and future at nose tackle.

Pouha is 33 but could be a great short-term solution until the Steelers feel like drafting their nose of the future.