PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – If you go back to the opening lineup of the season, the Steelers have only two starters who hit free agency. A deep dive will show others who made impacts in 2023.
Most notably among them is the third-stringer who became the starting quarterback.
The top 11 unrestricted free agents who had different levels of impact this season.
QB Mason Rudolph
Reasons to sign
· Led the Steelers to three straight wins and into the playoffs with no turnovers in the regular season
· Has the endorsement of Diontae Johnson and the confidence from guys in the room to at least be a competent backup, if not more
Let him go
· After never been given a chance to compete to be the starter the last 2 years, the Steelers obviously don't feel strongly about him being the lead QB
· If you want Kenny Pickett to be the starter, re-signing Rudolph means at the first incompletion in camp, chants could start for Mason putting more pressure on your first-round pick
CB Levi Wallace
Reasons to sign
· As been the most consistent starter in the secondary in his pair of seasons with the Steelers
· Continuity, if you believe in this secondary is better with Wallace
Let him go
· Signed for $4 million last season, you can find cheaper options or draft a cheaper corner at the position opposite of Joey Porter, Junior
· At 28 years-old had two interceptions with 32 solo tackles in 16 games
DL Montravius Adams
Reasons to sign
· Started 8 games in 2023 while playing 35 after he was picked up off waivers from the Saints late in 2021.
· Has versatility to move around the line and could back up Keeanu Benton and tackles during a game. Also blocked a kick on special teams.
Let him go
· He's dealt with injuries over his career and could be a concern, missing 4 games in 2023
· Assuming he wants a pay raise from $2.5 million, you could find cheaper options as he only had 24 tackles with two tackles for loss
S Miles Killebrew
Reasons to sign
· Voted best special teams player in the NFL
· Captain of the kick units who can be an emergency safety with great leadership qualities
Let him go
· He will be 31 playing a grueling position, you may have been the pinnacle of his career
· Could utilize the likely $2 million plus in other areas and give that position to a younger player with higher defensive upside
OLB Markus Golden
Reasons to sign
· The lead veteran backup at outside linebacker
· In limited action had 4 sacks and 6 tackles for loss, a good locker room guy who understands his role
Let him go
· At 33, could find a younger option with Nick Herbig becoming the lead backup
· Doesn't play special teams, only 13 snaps in 2023 on teams, can use this spot for a more impactful kick unit player
LB Kwon Alexander
Reasons to sign
· There is a chance Cole Holcomb won't be ready at the start of the season, good, veteran insurance
· Knows the Steelers defense and relatively cheap option at $1.3 (at least what he signed for last year)
Let him go
· Has battled injuries, playing only 9 games this year, played one full season since 2016
· You draft an inside linebacker and use a back-up spot for someone, who like Golden, would play more special teams (Alexander played 5 special teams snaps in 2023)
CB James Pierre
Reasons to sign
· 27-year-old has always been about potential, would this be the season he finds that potential as a relatively cheap veteran
· Knows the Steelers defense and has played opposite of Porter before
Let him go
· Has been with the Steelers for four years, has had opportunities in that time to win a job and hasn't—only 4 career starts, none in 16 games in 2023
· You decide to keep Patrick Peterson at corner
CB Chandon Sullivan
Reasons to sign
· Not noticeable for giving up big plays
· Fits in well with the secondary group and fairly cheap if he remains at $1.2 million.
Let him go
· You keep Patrick Peterson and his move can be to slot along with some safety work
· Played in 17 games, starting 2 with 22 tackles and one interception
WR Miles Boykin
Reasons to sign
· Is a key special teamer
· Is a positive influence in the room and could help with leadership with receivers especially if you release Allen Robinson
Let him go
· Could find another receiver who can play special teams with greater offensive upside (5 catches in 33 games with Steelers)
· If you keep Killebrew, you likely would have to save money from somewhere
LB Mykal Walker
Reasons to sign
· Came in after the middle linebacker injuries to start 5 games and finish with 33 tackles (had 10 tackles vs.Arizona)
· A former starter with Atlanta, has more upside and less expensive than Kwon Alexander at this point of his career
Let him go
· If Holcomb is ready and if you re-sign Alexander, you don't need another veteran
· While playing in 8 games, provided few splash plays, only 6 total tackles in last 3 games and you could find someone better
S Elijah Riley
Reasons to sign
· Another special teamer, playing 216 snaps this year
· Intriguing potential safety with room for growth, had a sack and 12 tackles in only 50 snaps
Let him go
· You can find several other projects available in free agency or the draft
· Weren't impressed with what you saw in his limited action
Steelers are in good shape with free agency, next year is a much different story.
