The start of NFL free agency is now less than a week away. The Steelers have several needs, but not a whole lot of money to spend. With that in mind, here’s a likely list of seven free agents on the Steelers radar.
1. Drue Tranquill LB:
Steelers certainly have a need for an athletic linebacker who can cover, and Drue Tranquill fits that bill nicely. Tranquill is coming off a 100 tackle season for the Chargers. He tested extremely well coming out of Notre Dame in 2019. There are other bigger name linebackers available in free agency, but Tranquill is the kind of low key signing Pittsburgh is known for.
2. Juan Thornhill S:
Think of Juan Thornhill as another Terrell Edmunds, only with the splash plays. Thornhill was a combine wonder just like Edmunds. The difference being he has 8 career interceptions to Edmunds 5, in one less season. If Pittsburgh decides to look elsewhere for a strong safety, keep an eye on this former Chief standout.
3. A’Shawn Robinson DT:
If the Steelers are looking for a run stuffing defensive tackle (and they should be), A’Shawn Robinson is a good candidate. He certainly fits their mold at 6’4”, and 34” arms. Robinson is coming off a season ending torn meniscus. He is however only 28 years old, with some good years ahead of him. In a division with the likes of Baltimore and Cleveland, the Steelers could use all the run defending help they can get.
4. Isaac Seumalo G:
Pittsburgh could certainly be looking to upgrade over the inconsistent Kevin Dotson. New assistant GM Andy Weidl should be very familiar with Seumalo from his days with Philadelphia. The Eagles had one of the best offensive lines in the entire league last season. Why not get a piece of that to replace the weak link on their line?
5. Andrew Van Ginkel LB:
Andrew Van Ginkel is exactly the type of free agent the Steelers like in free agency. First and foremost he will come on the cheap. Van Ginkel was one of the team’s pre-draft visits in 2019, something to keep an eye on when determining free agent signings. The Steelers like to be familiar with the free agents they ultimately sign. Finally, Van Ginkel tested extremely well coming out of Wisconsin. Add all those factors up, and we may very well be seeing AVG in a Steelers uniform in 2023.
6. OJ Howard TE:
OJ Howard was a physical marvel coming out of Alabama in 2016. So much so, he was drafted 19th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Howard has never lived up to his first round billing however. What he has excelled at during his career is run blocking. If the Steelers are looking to upgrade that part of their tight end game, Howard would be an inexpensive choice there. We admit this is a player we have had on prior free agency wish lists over the years Ten free agent targets for the Pittsburgh Steelers
7. Kelvin Beachum OT:
Old friend Kelvin Beachum is still doing his thing at a reasonably high level. At 33 years old, Beachum won’t command much in free agency. He could provide much needed depth at either tackle spot here in Pittsburgh. It’s not a flashy signing, but one that could really help a team with zero depth along the offensive line.