3 free agents the Pittsburgh Steelers could still pursue

1. DE Akiem Hicks (Chicago Bears)

One of the unsettled questions for the Pittsburgh Steelers defense comes up front.

A year ago, defensive end Stephon Tuitt was not available for numerous reasons. He was dealing with a knee injury which apparently remains an issue, as well as a family tragedy.

This offseason, the questions remain on whether it will play football for the team in 2022. The organization has been in contact with the former second-round pick. But there has no resolution has been made as of yet.

Cam Heyward remains one of the best defensive linemen in the game. A healthy Tyson Alualu would be a positive. And Pittsburgh used a third-round draft choice on Texas A&M’s DeMarvin Leal, who could wind up seeing action all along the defensive front.

The front-seven had its issues this past year as the club allowed the most rushing yards in the league.

Veteran defensive end Akiem Hicks offers enough versatility to new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. The 10-year pro has spent the last six seasons with the Chicago Bears after stints with the Saints and Patriots.

He played in just nine games this past year but still finished with 25 tackles and a respectable 3.5 sacks.