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NFL 2022: 5 teams to watch during free agency

By Russell S. Baxter

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 12: Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard is seen before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 12: Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard is seen before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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NFL 2022
NFL 2022: Guard Trai Turner #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers lines up for a play during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Steelers defeated the Browns 15-10. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

For the first time since 2003, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not be on a roster of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 18-year veteran leaves quite the playing legacy, ranking fifth in passing yards (64,088) and eighth in touchdown passes (419) in NFL annals. He led the club to three Super Bowls and emerged with two Lombardi Trophies.

So the search is on for a new starter behind center. Could the answer already be on the roster (Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins)? Will general manager Kevin Colbert seek the answer in free agency, via trade, or in the draft? Or maybe a combination of both?

There are other changes. The new defensive coordinator is Teryl Austin, promoted from within. But there’s also a new defensive mind on the staff in former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. And perhaps the biggest change comes financially in the form of salary-cap room, not seen in the Steel City in quite some time.

For all of their questions marks and issues, this team has managed to make it to the playoffs the past two years. But the Steelers have also been humbled in their last four postseason games. And there will be a new mind in the front office as Colbert will have a reduced or no role with the team following the draft.

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