The Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 free agents are an underwhelming group to say the least. Omar Khan will not be wringing his hands over any decisions with this group. There are however a few players the team should try to retain. Here’s our view of who they should keep, and who should be gone for the 2024 season:
Keep:
Montravius Adams (DT) – Adams improved his play quite a bit in 2023. He has made himself into a useful rotational piece along the Steelers defensive line. Expect him back on a reasonable contract next season,
Miles Killebrew (S) – One of the two players to earn a Pro Bowl nod in 2023, Miles Killabrew is one of the premier special teams players in the league. He may be the top priority among this team’s free agent class.
Markus Golden (Edge) – Golden is a solid veteran option for the third edge rusher spot on this roster. He will be 33 next season, so age will be a concern. Having said that we expect him back in the fold on a minimum contract.
Arman Watts (DT) – Omar Khan built a deep defensive line group in 2023. Watts was a solid contributor all season, and should be retained for next year.
James Pierre (CB) – Pierre is a decent depth piece at corner, and has made himself into a valuable special teamer. At a minimum contract the Steelers could do worse.
Cut Bait:
Levi Wallace (CB) – If you have listened to any of our podcasts, you know our feeling on Mr, Wallace. This is the number one player we would not have back for the Steelers 2024 free agents. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1981237/14324302-episode-70-the-final-postmortem
Kwon Alexander (ILB) – Kwon was a nice pick up as depth at inside linebacker. Unfortunately this is a very injury prone player who is about to turn 30.
Chandon Sullivan (CB) – Sullivan came on in the second half of the season to become a decent slot corner for this team. We see this position as one that needs a serious upgrade however. Khan can do better at nickel corner.
Blake Martinez (ILB) – Signed in desperation after all the injuries at inside linebacker. This is a hard no for us. Martinez probably will not be in the league in 2024.
Miles Boykin (WR) – Feels like Pittsburgh could find a core special teamer who could give them a little more on offense. It’s time to move on from Boykin.
Mykal Walker (ILB) – We’ve seen all we need to see from Mykal Walker. Hard no.
Elijah Riley (S) – This one could go either way. Riley is a versatile piece who can play multiple positions in the secondary, and contribute on special teams. It feels like they could get the same with Darius Rush, with a whole lot more upside however.
Mason Rudolph (QB) – We saved the best for last here. There is no question Rudolph was the best quarterback for this team in 2023 by a wide margin. The Steelers seem determined to stick with Kenny Pickett for next season, and the cost to keep Rudolph has grown drastically. It was a fun ride at the end of 2023, but it is time to part ways with Mason Rudolph once and for all.