It’s officially been over a week since the Free Agency market opened up to teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers were lively in some areas, and quiet as a church mouse in most.
What has been talked about continuously is the urge for a starting quarterback. While that is the elephant in the room, the Steelers need to find strength in other areas of the ball as well. The beginning of Free Agency was a perfect opportunity to find strong talent to fill holes where needed. Below are a few grades for those acquisitions:
The Good
D.K. Metcalf: B+
Let’s start with the largest contract given to a player in Steelers franchise history. Trading for D.K. Metcalf and signing him to a five-year, $150 million contract. Absolutely the price you have to pay for an elite level wide receiver. This was the first major move straight out of the gates for Pittsburgh, and it was a great one. This move strengthens the receiving core, advancing it from last year. One of the best signings this offseason.
Kenneth Gainwell: B
We move to the running back position where the Steelers re-signed Jaylen Warren and acquired former Super Bowl champion, Kenneth Gainwell. The former Eagles running back signed a one-year, $1.79 million contract with Pittsburgh. This move adds needed depth to the position after Najee Harris went to the LA Chargers. Gainwell works great in the run and pass game, and is a solid third down back. He is shifty and fast down in the red zone, paired up with Jaylen Warren will ultimately lead to trouble defending the run. Look for the Steelers to pick up their third running back in the later rounds of the Draft.
Brandin Echols & Darius Slay: B
Two solid additions in the secondary. Starting with Brandin Echols, he signed a two-year deal with Pittsburgh. Echols will work as a solid depth piece in the cornerback position, a position of great need for the Steelers. He is known to play tight coverage down in the red zone and can quickly become a ball hawk. He can line up as a slot corner, but primarily on the outside.
For Darius Slay, he signed a one-year, fully guaranteed $10 million contract. He is an older option for Pittsburgh, which has its obvious downside, but there is an upside. Slay is an elite veteran cornerback that will pass down knowledge to rookie acquisitions. He is a Super Bowl champion and former captain for the Eagles. Slay will bring a veteran presence and a championship mentality to the defense.
The Not So Good
Malik Harrison: C
Another former Baltimore Ravens linebacker is making his way to Pittsburgh. Malik Harrison signed a two-year, $10 million contract. I don’t agree with this contract at all. Signing Harrison sent Elandon Roberts packing. In fact, Roberts signed with the Las Vegas Raiders for $3 million, a cheaper contract for a better option at linebacker. Harrison plays a little bit of both special teams and defense. He is a key addition for the special teams, that’s about it. A very head-scratching signing for Pittsburgh as Harrison doesn’t put up the stats to back his contract worth.
Juan Thornhill: C
A more recent signing for the Steelers comes in a one-year contract for Juan Thornhill. Not too impressed with this signing. Obviously a depth piece at the safety position. He is injury plagued which concerns me. Thornhill only managed to play 22 games in the two years he played for the Browns. His stats prove him to be a solid third safety for the Steelers, possibly getting rid of any question at safety for the Draft.
QB Room: D
The Steelers brought back the man who took a helmet straight to his head for this team, Mason Rudolph. This is the only “good”, if you even want to call it that, saving this grade from a F. The current two quarterbacks under contract are Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. Ongoing rumors have been circulating this team regarding an acquisition of a 41 year-old, drama filled quarterback. That alone sets this grade at a D+.
