Ever since I heard the Steelers roster described as lacking a middle class, I realized I agree. They need some affordable contracts with solid players. This will allow them to build depth as younger players develop rather than thrusting them into the starting lineup before they are ready. These would be some of my targets. (All contract projections are from PFF)
Mitchell Trubisky, QB, Bills
Rudolph isn't bad enough to get the Steelers in the top 3 of the draft and isn't going to be fun to watch. Trubisky at least adds some entertainment factor. His contract is predicted at 2 years, $14 million.
Ben Jones, C, Titans
PFF projects him at 3 years, $6.67 million, which would place him in the middle of the pack for starting centers. Give me a veteran who can help stabilizes this offensive line.
Brandon Shell, RT, Seahawks
Solid player who would be an upgrade over Okorafor. He's had injury issues the past two years. He has a projected contract at 3 years, $18.75 million. I'd try to go two years and a bit less money while drafting a future RT this year.
Cedric Wilson, WR, Cowboys
His production has improved each year and he would add good size and speed. Has the ability to step in as slot receiver, which would be a huge upgrade over Ray Ray. Project at 2 years, $11 million.
Bilal Nichols, DE, Bears
If Tuitt isn't back, the Steelers should bring in a low-cost free agent. Nichols is a proven starter. He isn't a dynamic player, but has starting experience. 2 years, $13.6 million
Linval Joseph, IDL, Chargers
He's old, but has a history as a dominant run stuffer. I wouldn't expect that at this point of his career, but he could still contribute and is projected at $6.75 million for one year.
Anthony Walker, ILB, Browns
Productive defender who has the ability to drop into coverage. Like Schobert, he'll struggle against the run. Contract is at 2 years, $8 million.
Donte Jackson, CB, Panthers
Carolina invested in the position and will move on. A little smaller, but that's ok as the Steelers will hopefully bring back Witherspoon and have size at the position. I look at this as a Steven Nelson-type signing where they get a guy who is a scheme fit more than a dominant player. The idea is to get value. PFF projects him at 2 years, $20 million.
K'waun Williams, CB, 49ers
The Steelers did a poor job replacing Hilton last year. Williams would be a great fit in this position. He's just a solid football player and part of the "middle class" that the Steelers need to build up. He's projected only to get a 1 year, $2.5 million contract.
Jordan Whitehead, S, Buccaneers
Whitehead may not be the modern safety in terms of coverage, however, he is very good at what he does and would bring a physical presence to the secondary. If they don't try to re-sign Edmunds, PFF projects White at 3 years for $18 million. FWIW, Edmunds is projected at 3 years, $19.5 million.
