5 Free agents the Pittsburgh Steelers could still pursue

Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers collapsed in 2020 after the best start in team history. So which free agents still available could they still add?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a franchise that hasn’t usually delved too deep into free agency regardless of the financial circumstances. And this offseason, it took any number of restructured contracts — including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger — cuts and retirements to get the Pittsburgh Steelers in position to prepare for the 2021 season.

The news has gotten better the last few weeks for the defending AFC North champions as wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster is back via a one-year contract. And over the weekend, nose tackle Tyson Alualu opted to return to the team instead of signing with the Jaguars.

All told, Mike Tomlin’s team has eight picks in April’s draft. But there are still some bargains out there in terms of veteran additions.

5. OLB Ryan Kerrigan (Washington Football Team)

It’s a veteran player whose name has been suggested before. The departure of 2015 first-round pick Bud Dupree this offseason was far from unexpected after he played this past season on the franchise tender. He figured to get some big offers unless the team tagged him again. That’s one reason that general manager Kevin Colbert used a third-round pick in 2020 on intriguing prospect Alex Highsmith (Charlotte).

But 10-year pro Ryan Kerrigan could aid in the development of a young player. The four-time Pro Bowler has amassed 95.5 sacks and he’s missed only four games – all in 2019. He became expendable in Washington and would be a great addition to Keith Butler’s unit.