The business of football never stops. Despite the Pittsburgh Steelers losing Monday to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild-Card Game, there is a never-ending list of things to do. From scouting to contractual decisions, the Black and Gold have a lot to tend to so I’m taking an early look at their current free agents. Who stays? Who goes? We shall see!
| Levi Wallace | CB | Steelers | UFA | 64.3% of snaps | 29 | $4,000,000 | $2,965,000 | |
| Montravius Adams | IDL | Steelers | UFA | 35.6% | 29 | $2,500,000 | $1,465,000 | |
| Miles Killebrew | S | Steelers | UFA | 9.8% | 31 | $2,000,000 | $965,000 | |
| Markus Golden | EDGE | Steelers | UFA | 20.4% | 33 | $1,317,500 | $152,500 | |
| Kwon Alexander | LB | Steelers | UFA | 32.1% | 30 | $1,317,500 | $152,500 | |
| James Pierre | CB | Steelers | UFA | 2.3% | 28 | $1,300,000 | $0 | |
| Armon Watts | IDL | Steelers | UFA | 24.2% | 28 | $1,232,500 | $152,500 | |
| Chandon Sullivan | CB | Steelers | UFA | 37.4% | 28 | $1,232,500 | $152,500 | |
| Blake Martinez | LB | Steelers | UFA | 1.9% | 30 | $1,165,000 | $0 | |
| Mason Rudolph | QB | Steelers | UFA | 18.6% | 29 | $1,080,000 | $0 | |
| Miles Boykin | WR | Steelers | UFA | 11.3% | 28 | $1,080,000 | $0 | |
| Mykal Walker | LB | Steelers | UFA | 26.0% | 27 | $1,010,000 | $0 | |
| Godwin Igwebuike | S | Steelers | RFA | 0.0% | 30 | $1,010,000 | $0 | |
| Elijah Riley | S | Steelers | UFA | 4.4% | 26 | $952,500 | $0 | |
| Chapelle Russell | LB | Steelers | RFA | 0.0% | 27 | $940,000 | $0 | |
| Christian Kuntz | LS | Steelers | RFA | 0.0% | 30 | $940,000 | $0 | |
| Renell Wren | IDL | Steelers | RFA | 0.0% | 29 | $870,000 | $0 | |
| Dylan Cook |
Chart courtesy overthecap.com.
As I go through the list please keep in mind that just because I say “He’s Back” doesn’t mean the player will be on the roster come the 2024 season. It just means that this player will get a chance on the 90-man roster heading into Camp this summer. First up are the Unrestricted Free Agents. These are guys free to sign with any team when the free agency period begins on March 13th.
Levi Wallace – I’m a firm believer that the Steelers MUST upgrade at the CB position opposite Joey Porter, Jr. I get the feeling the Steelers “like” Wallace but I’m not sure there’s enough talent here to bring him back. VERDICT: Let Him Go.
Montravius Adams – This guy was a literal steal when they got him off the Saints’ practice squad. He’s an excellent penetrator who uses quickness to his advantage. As a run stuffer, I find him lacking in that area but with few options right now they might not have a choice. VERDICT: He’s Back.
Miles Killebrew – Even at 31 years old I’m not sure how you get rid of a guy that was selected as an All-Pro Special Teams player. His leadership and overall presence on Teams is irreplaceable and he filled in adequately on defense when needed although it is definitely not his forte. VERDICT: He’s Back.
Markus Golden – He was a decent surprise at times in backing up Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt but at 33 years old, he may need to move on. Nick Herbig’s emergence means the Steelers have some wiggle room here but this decision could be up to Golden in terms of how much he wants to play for. VERDICT: He’s Back
Kwon Alexander – This is a tough one. Alexander did a really nice job after joining the team but then the injury bug – which has plagued his career – struck again. Inside LB is a place the team MUST upgrade and with Alexander likely rehabbing for awhile longer his chances of return are slim. But… VERDICT: He’s Back
James Pierre – This guy logged just 2.3% of the overall total defensive snaps on the season as he fell out of favor with the coaching staff. He’s still a valuable Special Teams guy and would likely be cheap. The question is whether they feel he can add anything at corner. VERDICT: Let Him Go.
Armon Watts – With the rise of Keeanu Benton, Watts saw less time than he probably expected. It could ultimately come down to him or Adams in terms of both cost and how things go in the Draft. VERDICT: Let Him Go.
Chandon Sullivan – When he came over from Minnesota, he brought with him a pretty poor record of covering slot receivers and things didn’t change much. With the Steelers relying on their slot CB to blitz and play the run as often as they do, Sullivan had his moments but overall they can do better here. VERDICT: Let Him Go.
Blake Martinez – The Pokeman collector came out of retirement and gave the Steelers very little. VERDICT: Let Him Go.
Mason Rudolph – Rudy has already made it clear that he enjoys being in Pittsburgh, got the endorsement of Diontae Johnson and clearly made this offense better in his four starts. Therefore this comes down to money and opportunity. While Mike Tomlin said Kenny Pickett is “QB1” I believe that was said in reference to who was still on the roster. Mitchell Trubisky is more than likely cut so bringing back Rudolph is vital. VERDICT: He’s Back.
Miles Boykin – There’s two things the Steelers like about Boykin. He’s terrific on Special Teams and he blocks well on offense. At 28 years old there’s a chance they’re ready to move on from him but I think he’s still a valuable guy. VERDICT: He’s Back.
Elijah Riley – He battled some injuries throughout the season but I think he did enough to earn an opportunity and he will come rather inexpensively too. VERDICT: He’s Back.
The next group of guys are Restricted Free Agents. These are guys who can sign with other teams but… their current team has the right to match that deal or receive draft pick compensation.
Chapelle Russell – The linebacker didn’t see any action on defense this year and at 27 years old may be nearing the end of his NFL stay. That said, he’s very cheap and knows the system. VERDICT: He’s Back.
Christian Kuntz – The 30-year old long snapper has been solid and reliable. This one is easy. VERDICT: He’s Back.
Renell Wren – The interior D-Lineman is 29 years old and didn’t see any action on defense. While he’d be cheap, I see no reason not to look to the Draft or rookie free agents here. He would be an easy cut in Training Camp. VERDICT: He’s Back.
Dylan Cook – The 26-year old offensive lineman hasn’t seen any game action but the Steelers like guys like him. They’ll give him another year to see if he can become a depth piece at a good price. VERDICT: He’s Back.
