Veteran Free-Agent Contracts Steelers Must Consider Before Training Camp
It appears that the Pittsburgh Steelers have found a solution to their post-Ben Roethlisberger quarterback woes. By adding both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason, Pittsburgh should ensure that it has improved play under center in 2024.
Ideally, this will be enough to carry a talented roster to a deep playoff run. The Steelers should be targeting the Super Bowl, though, and because of this, it could make sense to add a few final pieces to the team.
Free agency may be entering its final stages, but several quality players remain available. Pittsburgh has $16.5 million in cap space still available, so there's room to make a move.
With all of this in mind, let's examine three veteran free agents that the Steelers must at least consider before training camp opens on July 24. We'll dive into what each free agent could bring to the proverbial table and project potential contracts based on factors like player health, past production and current market value.
WR Richie James
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The Steelers lack a proven No. 2 receiver behind George Pickens, though they're not necessarily hung up on defining roles.
"I know that a lot gets made of the one, the two, the three," wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni told reporters. "Listen. This day and age, we move everyone around."
Pittsburgh might have functional depth in Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, Calvin Austin III and rookie Roman Wilson. It would still be wise to take a look at former New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs receiver Richie James, however.
James didn't play a major offensive role for the Chiefs last season, but he tallied 569 yards and four touchdowns with the Giants in 2022. He'd give the Steelers another capable pass-catcher and another option on special teams.
Over the past two seasons, James returned 44 punts and nine kickoffs. He's also spent time on special teams in all five of his pro campaigns. The Steelers added Cordarrelle Patterson to help boost its return game, but the modified kicking rules will make it important to have two capable returners on the field during kickoffs.
James would be a valuable addition, given the league's new kickoff rules, and he'd likely come in at a bargain price. He played on a one-year, $1.2 million deal last season. A similar offer would likely bring James to Pittsburgh, where he could provide depth for multiple units.
CB Xavien Howard
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Defensively, the Steelers don't have many major needs. Pittsburgh ranked sixth in points allowed last season despite being consistently hampered by a bad offense. While Pittsburgh appeared to find its No. 1 cornerback of the future in 2023 rookie Joey Porter Jr., however, there's room for improvement in the secondary.
The Steelers finished last season ranked just 20th in net yards per pass attempt allowed. This is why Pittsburgh brought back Cameron Sutton in free agency and traded for Donte Jackson early in the offseason.
Adding another starting-caliber cornerback would help round out the unit, and a four-time Pro Bowler just so happens to be available. Xavien Howard, who was released by the Miami Dolphins in a cap-saving move, remains unsigned.
Howard suffered a foot injury late in 2023 but sent a letter to teams in April stating that he was cleared for football activities, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Landing Howard on a bargain-basement deal is unlikely. Though he wasn't a Pro Bowler in 2023, Howard was still reliable in coverage, allowing an opposing passer rating of only 81.3. With the price of defensive backs continuing to rise, Howard is likely to command a sizeable contract, even late in free agency.
The two-year, $15 million deal that Kendall Fuller signed with the Dolphins this offseason is likely to be the starting point for Howard. After making $18 million annually on his last contract, though, Howard is likely looking for at least $8-9 million on a one-year "prove-it" deal.
C Mason Cole
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With both Wilson and Fields set to be free agents in 2025, the Steelers have a lot riding on their upcoming campaign. Therefore, bringing back Mason Cole for insurance purposes would be plenty logical.
Cole was released in a cap-saving move early in the offseason. Pittsburgh drafted Zach Frazier in the second round to replace him, but there isn't a strong Plan B on the roster. Nate Herbig, who has primarily played guard, is Pittsburgh's top option at center if Frazier isn't ready to roll by Week 1.
Things are different at tackle, where Pittsburgh used its first-round pick on Troy Fautanu. 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones is expected to transition from right to left tackle while Fautanu moves into Jones' old spot. if either player struggles, however, the Steelers can always go back to Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle.
Cole wasn't perfect in 2023—he was responsible for four penalties and two sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus—but he didn't miss a start for the Steelers over the past two seasons. Bringing him back on a team-friendly deal would help ensure that Pittsburgh can protect Wilson and/or Fields in 2024.
And Cole should be open to a team-friendly contract this late in free agency. Guard Dalton Risner, a 73-game starter in the NFL, only landed a one-year, $2.4 million deal when he re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings late last month. That's probably the financial ceiling for Cole with training camp approaching.
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.
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