NFL Free Agency: 5 Cornerbacks the Pittsburgh Steelers Should Sign

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense rarely fails to meet its lofty expectations.

However, if the Steelers have one defensive weakness, it lies at cornerback.

Heading into 2011, a bad situation could be made worse. With top corner Ike Taylor and nickel back William Gay heading toward free agency, the Steelers will need to address its greatest need with some new faces.

The Steelers did draft Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen in April's NFL Draft, but with their inexperience it is doubtful Dick LeBeau would trust those two with primary duties this season.

Not known as big spenders in the offseason, the Steelers will need to find economical yet capable options to defend the pass this season. Their top priority should be to resign Taylor, but it looks like money could be a problem.

Here are five cornerbacks the Steelers should be looking into once free agency opens up.

Richard Marshall

Richard Marshall has put up solid numbers for the Carolina Panthers over the last six seasons.

If the Panthers do not offer him an long-term contract, Marshall could become a noteworthy name on the free-agent list.

Over his six seasons, Marshall has recorded 423 tackles and 12 interceptions. Last season, he had 88 tackles and three interceptions.

Marshall is probably not the Panthers' top priority heading into the offseason, so look for Marshall to be a name the Steelers' front office keeps an eye on.

He is solid in run support and is a good enough athlete to make the plays needed in coverage. He would be an affordable, young, and consistent upgrade for the Steelers in the secondary.

Eric Wright

The Pittsburgh Steelers should look into Eric Wright for a few reasons.

One, Wright is only 25 years old and could be an addition for the future. And two, the Steelers would be taking Wright away from the upstart Cleveland Browns.

Wright had 42 tackles and just one interception last season, but his nine interceptions over his five-year career show he has playmaking ability.

He is not the best talent available, but for the money the Steelers will be willing and able to spend this offseason, he may be the best possible choice.

Wright is talented enough to contribute in certain situations for Pittsburgh and could benefit from a change of scenery.

Brian Williams

Brian Williams is a solid veteran possibly looking for a new home in 2011.

Williams has been in the NFL for 10 seasons and has recorded 500 tackles and 19 interceptions during that span.

If the Steelers do not wish to add a long-term piece to their defense, Williams could become an option.

He would be a mentor to Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen as rookies and would also provide a solid option at corner this season.

Williams is a versatile talent who knows what it takes to cover NFL receivers. He would be a welcome addition to the Steelers' secondary this season.

Josh Wilson

Josh Wilson, like Eric Wright, would be a solid addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary for 2011 and possibly the future.

Wilson is only 26. In his five NFL seasons, he has recorded 170 tackles and nine interceptions.

Acquiring Wilson would also hand a blow to arch rival Baltimore.

The Steelers would be smart to give Wilson a look because of his ability to play the run and defend the pass. Wilson still has room to grow and mature as he continues to gain experience.

He could fill a need and, at the very least, add depth to the Steelers' secondary.

Carlos Rogers

Carlos Rogers, in his seventh season out of Auburn, would be a solid veteran addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers secondary.

Rogers has 300 tackles and eight interceptions over his career so far and is coming off a decent season in 2010.

He is not a superior talent, but Rogers is above average in several areas.

He is strong enough to attack the run on his side, but he also has the tenacity and speed to body up with larger receivers. His biggest problem is his hands, a problem the Steelers are familiar with in a corner.

Rogers' has the size that would fit in the Steelers' secondary immediately. His experience would make him a welcome addition to a veteran Steelers' locker room.

If Daniel Snyder decides to let Rogers walk, look for the Steelers to take a serious look at the skilled corner.