Bargain Contracts Steelers Must Consider in 2024 NFL Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers thrived in the last week with bringing in low-cost players.

The new quarterback duo will not cost much because the Denver Broncos are paying a majority of Russell Wilson's salary and the trade for Justin Fields was for sixth-round pick that turned into a fourth-round pick.

Pittsburgh used a handful of other of short-term contracts to fill some needs on its depth chart.

Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff can use the same approach to complete their offseason wish list, especially at wide receiver, where there is now a hole after the Diontae Johnson trade.

Tyler Boyd

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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 23: Tyler Boyd #83 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Tyler Boyd missed out on the wave of contracts handed out to wide receivers in the first week of free agency.

The big money dished out to the likes of Calvin Ridley could shrivel Boyd's market and make him sign a shorter-term deal.

The Steelers should be in the market for another wide receiver after they sent Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers.

George Pickens should be the No. 1 wide receiver on the depth chart, but Boyd could be a solid No. 2.

Pittsburgh's coaching staff should have an extensive scouting report on Boyd already from his time with the Cincinnati Bengals.

A short-term contract could benefit the Steelers while also weakening one of their divisional foes.

Josh Reynolds

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DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 21: Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) smiles after catching a touchdown pass during an NFL NFC Divisional playoff football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Detroit Lions on January 21, 2024 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The thinking to a Boyd signing can be applied to Josh Reynolds.

The veteran wide out missed out on the first wave of free agency and could end up with a shorter deal than expected.

Reynolds thrived alongside Jared Goff in both Los Angeles and Detroit. A return to the Lions should not be ruled out because of his connection to the quarterback.

Pittsburgh should take a swing at Reynolds, though, because he would be a nice complement to Pickens and the speedy wide outs on its roster.

Reynolds is a more physical, across-the-middle threat. The Steelers need a player like that if Pickens will be on the outside and if speed is provided by Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson.

Jadeveon Clowney

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 10: Jadeveon Clowney #24 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)

Jadeveon Clowney has become the ultimate bargain signing for a few teams in recent seasons.

Clowney is coming off a 9.5-sack season with the Baltimore Ravens. He recorded at least nine sacks in two of his last three seasons.

Clowney has all sorts of familiarity with the AFC North from his time with the Cleveland Browns and Ravens over the last three seasons. His two-year run in Cleveland was the only time in the last five seasons he spent multiple years with a single team.

The Steelers filled out their depth at linebacker and corner with Patrick Queen and Donte Jackson and now they can fill the position opposite T.J. Watt on the front four.

Pittsburgh's defense might have to be its strength in 2024 if Wilson or Fields struggle, so the more talent on that side of the ball, the better.