Free Agents Steelers Should Pursue After 2024 NFL Draft

On paper, the Pittsburgh Steelers are poised for a return trip to the postseason and perhaps a deep playoff run. General manager Pittsburgh was a wild-card team last season, and Omar Khan has added some highly impactful players through both free agency and the draft.

The most notable additions, of course, are those of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. With Kenny Pickett out, Pittsburgh has completely transformed its quarterback room. If the Steelers can get elevated play from the game's most important position, they will likely be legitimate AFC threats.

In the draft, Pittsburgh addressed some significant needs by adding Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Roman Wilson. Fautanu and Frazier should solidify Pittsburgh's offensive line for the foreseeable future, while Wilson will immediately help replace wideout Diontae Johnson, who was traded.

With $18.2 million in cap space remaining, the Steelers' construction project might not be over. Here, we'll examine three free agents they must target following the 2024 NFL draft.

WR Hunter Renfrow

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 31: Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Las Vegas Raiders before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Wilson has a good chance to step in as Pittsburgh's new primary slot receiver. His combination of speed and route control can make him a dangerous playmaker in the short-to-intermediate area.

"In addition to raw speed, Wilson has fantastic control, throttling up and down as necessary to toy with DBs," Derrik Klassen of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote.

Wilson should start in the middle with George Pickens and, likely, Van Jefferson on the perimeter. However, it would behoove Pittsburgh to add some additional depth to the receiver room.

Hunter Renfrow remains available, and he's only a couple of seasons removed from his 2021 Pro Bowl campaign. While injuries and a general lack of playing time limited the 28-year-old to only 585 yards over the past two seasons, he racked up 103 catches and 1,038 yards in 2021.

Adding Renfrow would give Pittsburgh another viable slot option. It would provide valuable depth while potentially unlocking the ability to move Wilson around the formation.

CB Xavien Howard

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 24: Xavien Howard #25 of the Miami Dolphins looks on against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

While the Steelers added several starting-caliber players in the draft, they didn't add a replacement for departed cornerback Patrick Peterson. Pittsburgh did trade for Donte Jackson earlier in the offseason, but it could use more depth at the position.

Four-time Pro Bowler Xavien Howard remains available and would be a strong fit for the Steelers. He dealt with a foot injury in 2023 and was released by the Miami Dolphins in a cap-saving move. However, he appears to be healthy now.

"Four-time Pro Bowl CB Xavien Howard was fully cleared for football activities earlier this month, his doctor informed teams in a letter," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero posted on X on April 24.

While Howard wasn't 100 percent healthy last year, he still started 13 games and allowed an opposing passer rating of only 81.3 in coverage. A return to Pro Bowl form is entirely possible for the 30-year-old, who could give Pittsburgh another strong option alongside Jackson and Joey Porter Jr.

QB Ryan Tannehill

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NASHVILLE TENNESSEE - JANUARY 07: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans throws a pass during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Nashville, Tennessee at Nissan Stadium on January 7, 2024 in Houston, Texas. The Titans defeated the Jaguars 28-20. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

It appears that Wilson will be Pittsburgh's starting quarterback in 2024. Fields will provide depth and possibly fill a gadget-player role while head coach Mike Tomlin decides whether he's worth developing long-term.

Pittsburgh's use of Fields might not be limited to offense. During an appearance with Cam Heyward's Not Just Football podcast (h/t NFL.com's Nick Shook), running back Jaylen Warren noted that special teams coordinator Danny Smith could consider using Fields on kick returns.

If Wilson and Fields are both going to see regular playing time, it would be wise to have a dependable third quarterback on the depth chart. Pittsburgh has Kyle Allen and undrafted rookie John Rhys Plumlee, but it should consider adding former Tennessee Titans starter Ryan Tannehill.

Tannehill played under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in Tennessee before Smith left for the Atlanta Falcons in 2021. He'd be able to help implement Smith's system during the offseason and in training camp while competing for the No. 3 job.

With 151 starts on his resume, Tannehill would be a very capable spot-starter if needed, and he could back up Wilson while allowing Fields to see playing time.

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*Cap information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.