Steelers' Top Players to Avoid in 2023 NFL Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers fell short of the postseason in 2022, but they made some seriously positive strides over the second half of the season.

By the year's end, rookie Kenny Pickett was playing like a competent quarterback, the offensive line was jelling and Pittsburgh emerged with a 9-8 record.

Yes, Mike Tomlin's streak of non-losing seasons continues.

However, the Steelers have work to do in the offseason. Key contributors like Devin Bush, Robert Spillane and Cameron Sutton are set to be free agents, and the team's pass defense—ranked 25th in yards per attempt allowed—needs to be addressed.

With less than $1 million in projected cap space, though, Pittsburgh will need to clear some room and spend wisely when free agency opens on March 15.

With this in mind, let's examine three impending free agents that the Steelers must avoid.

CB Greedy Williams

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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 11: Greedy Williams #26 of the Cleveland Browns drops into pass coverage during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

The Steelers could use an influx of cornerback talent, whether or not they're able to retain Sutton. And he does appear open to a return.

"I'm not a guy always being on the move, I just want to be around," the 27-year-old told reporters. "...I feel like I've established a lot here."

Given Pittsburgh's cap situation, a budget free agent like Greedy Williams of the Cleveland Browns could be enticing. The LSU product was a second-round pick in 2019 and has experience playing against AFC North receivers.

However, the 25-year-old fell out of favor in Cleveland after injuries limited him to just 39 games in our seasons. He still has upside that the Steelers could unlock. The problem is that he hasn't been very good even when he's been healthy.

This past season, Williams allowed an opposing passer rating of 158.3 in coverage. For those keeping track, that's a perfect passer rating in the NFL.

While the Steelers are a young team that can afford to take a chance on players with potential, they shouldn't be looking to add a potential liability to an inconsistent secondary.

With Williams struggling to stay healthy throughout his career, and him playing extremely poorly this past season, he shouldn't be an option this offseason.

Edge Jadeveon Clowney

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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 11: Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) looks at the scoreboard during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 11, 2022, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The idea of adding a quality pass-rusher to partner with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith could be tempting for the Steelers. Again, their pass defense was the biggest defensive liability this past season.

However, they should steer clear of Jadeveon Clowney on the open market—and not just because he's another former Brown.

The 29-year-old is a notable name, but he's going to be costly. He has never signed a free-agent deal worth less than $8 million annually, and he isn't likely to join Pittsburgh on a team friendly contract.

The other factor to consider is Clowney's inconsistency. While the 2014 No. 1 pick can be disruptive in stretches, he has struggled to maintain a high level of play year in and year out.

In 2021, for example, he tallied nine tackles and 32 quarterback pressures with the Browns; but in 2020 and 2022, he logged just two sacks and 23 pressures in 20 combined games.

Even as a third rotational rusher, Clowney is too unreliable for Pittsburgh, and he's too expensive for that role.

If the Steelers target a rotational edge-defender in free agency, younger players such as Arden Key and Samson Ebukam would be much more logical.

DT Javon Hargrave

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 30: Javon Hargrave #97 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field on October 30, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Consistency has been less of an issue for former Steelers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.

The South Carolina State product was a great nose tackle in Pittsburgh between 2016 and 2019, and he's maintained quality play since joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020.

Hargrave, who just appeared in the Super Bowl, was a Pro Bowler in 2021 and had another phenomenal season in 2022. He finished the regular season with 11 sacks, 18 quarterback pressures and 60 tackles.

A reunion would make some sense, especially with rotational D-lineman Larry Ogunjobi headed to free agency. However, the financial implications would not.

Hargrave has a projected market value of $20.1 million annually, which is well outside of Pittsburgh's realistic price range. He's also unlikely to accept a team friendly offer, even if he did like the idea of a Steelers return.

At 30 years old, Hargrave could be looking at his last opportunity for a significant payday. He won't get it from the cap-strapped Steelers, and so he should be off their radar entirely.

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*Cap, contract and market information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.