Steelers' Top Players to Prioritize in 2024 NFL Free Agency
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter NFL free agency in a fascinating position.
Mike Tomlin's team has to spend to compete with the AFC's elite teams, but there has not been a guarantee of who the 2024 quarterback is yet.
Kenny Pickett is the No. 1 quarterback on the roster as it stands, but the Steelers could potentially entertain a Justin Fields trade, or a Russell Wilson free-agent signing to upgrade at the position.
For now, Pickett is the starting quarterback and the Steelers need to look to build around him in free agency.
Signing a starting center should be near the top of the list after the team cut Mason Cole earlier in the offseason.
Additional help for Pickett in the passing game could provide a boost to the roster, as could an experienced backup who could fill in well if Pickett underperforms or is hurt.
Connor Williams
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Connor Williams is an ideal fit for what the Steelers need on the offensive line.
The 26-year-old is one of the more established interior offensive linemen in the league from his time with the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins.
Not only would Williams be ideal upgrade at center for the Steelers, it would take one strength away from an AFC playoff contender.
Williams comes with an injury issue, though, since he suffered a torn ACL in December with the Dolphins.
Williams' free-agent market could be affected by the injury. That could mean the Steelers may sign him at a cheaper cost, or they can wait to sign Williams until he is closer to full health.
Pittsburgh should at least reach out to Williams because it needs better protection for Pickett to survive the 2024 campaign.
Josh Reynolds
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The wide receiver free-agent class is scant after Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman Jr. each received franchise tags.
With Mike Evans already re-signed in Tampa Bay, Marquise Brown, Calvin Ridley and others could be in for larger pay days because of the wide receiver needs across the league.
The Steelers should target the second-tier free agents, like Josh Reynolds, to add more pass-catching depth.
Reynolds may be difficult to pry away from the Detroit Lions because he spent most of his career catching passes from Jared Goff, but now is the perfect time for him to land a big deal.
Reynolds broke out with 608 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2024 and the weak free-agent market could bring him a larger deal elsewhere.
The Steelers could sign Reynolds to be the No. 3 guy in 2024 and then the No. 2 pass-catcher in 2025 when Diontae Johnson hits free agency.
Jacoby Brissett
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The Steelers should be one of many teams interested in signing Jacoby Brissett as their backup quarterback.
The Steelers need some security at quarterback with Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph not under contract for the 2024 season.
Pickett started just 12 games in each of his first two seasons. The Steelers barely survived his injury absence in 2023 with the combination of Trubisky and Rudolph under center.
Brissett would automatically provide more stability to the quarterback depth chart. He also may help Pickett with his development.
Signing Brissett will not be easy, though, since a handful of teams could bring him in for the exact reason the Steelers want him.
Brissett is a better option over other quarterbacks transitioning to the backup role, like Ryan Tannehill, because he thrived in that role for many years.
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