Most likely signings for Steelers as free agency spoofing opens

 Welcome to the free dealer, Pittsburgh Steelers fans! Monday is a very important day. It marked the beginning of the NFL's legal spoofing era, where free agent players could officially begin negotiating with teams. The contracts won't be considered official until Wednesday (March 15), but Monday essentially marks the start of the 2023 NFL season.

News of the free agency will come fast and furious, as the top players will be leaving the table in a few hours. As the Steelers often do, they will steer clear of familiar names like Odell Beckham Jr. and Bobby Wagner. Instead, the team will focus on finding excellent players who will help fill the demand for positions and sign contracts at reasonable prices. Here is a list of four reasonable free agents for the Steelers to sign.

Free Agent #1 - CB: Rock Ya-Sin

There's no denying the Steelers' need to tackle the full-back position this season. Kicking off a strong campaign in 2022 with the Raiders, Rock Ya-Sin is a reasonable free agent candidate, especially when you consider the interest he's received from the Steelers during the project. draft 2019. He has progressed steadily throughout his career and has proven himself to be an above-average press corner, someone who is ready to tackle.

The plausibility of bringing in Ya-Sin would increase dramatically if the Steelers decided to let Cam Sutton go. General Manager Omar Khan has acknowledged his desire to bring Sutton back, but he'll likely quickly outpace the Steelers' price range and they'll be forced to look elsewhere. Recent reports have linked Sutton to former Steelers ILB coach Brian Flores and possibly signing the Vikings. If that's the case, don't be surprised if the Ya-Sin is seriously considered by the Steelers as a cost-effective alternative.

Free Agent #2 - ILB: Leighton Vander Esch

Unfortunately, the Steelers need a new inner full-back. Intriguing enough to make a big splash by adding Tremaine Edmunds, he might simply be too expensive for the Steelers. Is Pittsburgh willing to enter the bidding war for Edmunds' service? Possible, but not likely. This is where Leighton Vander Esch comes in. The main concern throughout his career has been injuries. However, he has kept fit over the past two seasons, missing just three games. Vander Esch would also fit into the scheme nicely, with the ability to become a three-way full-back, something the Steelers have been looking for since Ryan Shazier's injury in 2017.

Similar to Ya-Sin, there were numerous reports of the Steelers seriously considering giving their first pick of 2018 to Vander Esch before he was ultimately picked by the Dallas Cowboys. With both Devin Bush and Robert Spillane slated to hit the open market, it's likely the Steelers will look to add a veteran insider from the outset as a free agent. The free agent ILB tier is particularly deep this year, so don't be surprised if there are other players the Steelers will look to add if Vander Esch signs elsewhere. Other names at ILB to watch out for include Kyzir White (Eagles) and David Long (Titans).

Free Agent #3 - OLB: Bud Dupree

Go home, Bud Dupree. He looks better in black and gold than in the blue and white of the Tennessee Titans. Not only does he fill an immediate need at OLB3, but he could be open to rejoining the Steelers under a team-friendly deal. Will he sign the Steelers on his first day as a free agent on Wednesday? Or even the first week? Hard to say. He won't have his most productive year, scoring just four sacks, but he'll also likely pick a new team sooner rather than later based on the class of free-passers who aren't particularly deep. .

At the age of 30, not many teams see Dupree as a substitute outside of the starting line-up. The Steelers will be one of those teams. Make no mistake if the Steelers sign him: Alex Highsmith is your starting OLB alongside TJ Watt, not Bud Dupree. Highsmith is entering the peak of his career and is poised to build on his best season as a pro in 2023. Optimistically speaking, Highsmith will sign a long-term contract within This season to avoid becoming a free agent in 2024. Dupree Hand, on the other hand, would serve very well in the role of alternate passer, where he is expected to play with the same intensity as he did. did during the first time in Pittsburgh.

Free Agent #4 - ILB: TJ Edwards

Two free agents inside linebacker in one listing? Well, that's how deep this year's class is. Will the Steelers ever be able to add two starter caliber free agents inside the supports in the same season? Yes, both Devin Bush and Robert Spillane are freelancers. Furthermore, Myles Jack did not prove himself enough in 2022 to be the unsuspecting starter and possibly end up being a victim. The Steelers could save up to $8 million in cap space by letting Jack go. GM Omar Khan will have his pick this season when it comes to deciding the duo to start at ILB.

TJ Edwards is what many NFL teams look for in an inner fullback, including the Steelers. He's done exceptionally well at blocking passes, allowing only 3.6 yards per pass as main defender last season. He was also a tackle machine in 2022, finishing the season with a total of nearly 160 tackles along with 10 tackles lost and two tackles. He would complement Leighton Vander Esch very well. TJ Edwards could perhaps serve as the long-term answer at ILB to black and gold.

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