Given our window of opportunity is closing fast (1-3 years), I would hope the Steelers are much more active in FA next year given the time it takes for a draft pick to develop. I think our need for doing this is strictly on the defensive side of the ball, and specifically the targets should be safety (replace Mitchell), ILB (Shazier replacement) and possibly find another Big Snack DT. Here is a list of top FA's from Walter Football by each of those positions (top 6). Who do you think we should go after?
Safety
1. Morgan Burnett, S, Packers. Age: 29.
Green Bay's defense has been atrocious in recent seasons, but don't blame Morgan Burnett. The 29-year-old is the centerpiece of Green Bay's defense, playing numerous positions. He should be able to perform on an extremely high level for at least three more years.
2. Lamarcus Joyner, S, Rams. Age: 27.
Lamarcus Joyner, a second-round pick in 2014, has improved each season in the NFL. He has evolved into one of the elite safeties in the NFL, and at just 27, he has at least five more terrific years remaining in his career.
3. Ricardo Allen (RFA), S, Falcons. Age: 26.
Ricardo Allen is a talented, well-rounded safety, and he won't even turn 27 until December. He should have at least five more great years, so he's due for a big contract next offseason.
4. Kenny Vaccaro, S/CB, Saints. Age: 27.
Kenny Vaccaro was having a great year covering players in the slot, but suffered a groin injury in the middle of the season. He returned after a two-game absence, but struggled after that before landing on injured reserve.
5. Eric Reid, S, 49ers. Age: 26.
Eric Reid has missed 12 games in the past two seasons, but he's too talented not to grade highly. Reid misses tackles, but happens to be excellent in coverage. He's only 26, so there's still lots of room for improvement.
6. Tre Boston, S, Chargers. Age: 25.
Tre Boston was inconsistent in Carolina, so he signed a 1-year "prove it" deal with the Chargers last offseason. That definitely worked, as Boston had a strong 2017 campaign, earning himself some money. Boston missed some tackles, but was tremendous in coverage.
Inside Linebacker
1. NaVorro Bowman, ILB, Raiders. Age: 30.
NaVorro Bowman has a very checkered injury history, and he'd be a risky, long-term signing for that reason. However, he's an impactful player when healthy. Oakland's run defense improved by leaps and bounds after Bowman signed in mid-October.
2. Mason Foster, ILB, Redskins. Age: 29.
Mason Foster was excellent in 2016, but saw a decline in play this past season because he was playing through a torn labrum. The Redskins finally sat him down at the end of October. Foster should be able to bounce back next season.
3. Avery Williamson, ILB, Titans. Age: 26.
Avery Williamson was a fifth-round pick in 2014, but he has evolved into a capable inside linebacker. He can stand to improve in coverage, but he's a dominant run-stuffer.
4. Demario Davis, ILB, Jets. Age: 29.
Demario Davis had struggled for most of his career heading into 2017, so it was considered laughable when the Jets opted to start him at one of the linebacker spots. Davis had the last laugh, however, playing extremely well last year. Was this a fluke, or a sign of things to come? Perhaps Davis will have to sign a 1-year "prove it" deal so his next team can find out.
5. Todd Davis, ILB, Broncos. Age: 26.
Todd Davis is a young linebacker who has been a big part of Denver's outstanding run defense. Unfortunately, he's been routinely abused in coverage.
Defensive Tackle
1. David Irving (RFA), DT, Cowboys. Age: 25.
David Irving was dominant down the stretch in 2016, and he proved that wasn't a fluke this past season. He was limited to just eight games because of a concussion and a suspension, but he was terrific in those eight contests, registering seven sacks, which is a high number for a player at his position in a full 16-game slate. Irving, just 25 in August, should continue to improve his game.
2. Sheldon Richardson, DE/DT, Seahawks. Age: 27.
Sheldon Richardson is an extremely talented defensive lineman, playing very strongly in the pass rush and run defense. He can play in both the 4-3 and 3-4, so he should garner tons of interest if he gets to the open market.
3. Dontari Poe, NT, Falcons. Age: 27.
Dontari Poe signed a 1-year "prove it" deal this past season after struggling his final year with the Chiefs. He responded well, playing well in both run support and the pass rush. I would be nervous to sign him to a long-term deal, but it could pay off if Poe lives up to his immense potential.
4. Justin Ellis, NT, Raiders. Age: 27.
Justin Ellis provides nothing as a pass-rusher - he has yet to register a full sack in his career - but he's a monstrous run-stuffer. He won't be 28 until after Christmas.
5. DaQuan Jones, DT, Titans. Age: 26.
DaQuan Jones is a dominant run-stuffer who can also contribute as an interior pass-rushing presence. He had 3.5 sacks in 12 games this past season, which is solid for a 320-pound force. Unfortunately for Jones, he missed the end of the season with torn biceps.
Safety
1. Morgan Burnett, S, Packers. Age: 29.
Green Bay's defense has been atrocious in recent seasons, but don't blame Morgan Burnett. The 29-year-old is the centerpiece of Green Bay's defense, playing numerous positions. He should be able to perform on an extremely high level for at least three more years.
2. Lamarcus Joyner, S, Rams. Age: 27.
Lamarcus Joyner, a second-round pick in 2014, has improved each season in the NFL. He has evolved into one of the elite safeties in the NFL, and at just 27, he has at least five more terrific years remaining in his career.
3. Ricardo Allen (RFA), S, Falcons. Age: 26.
Ricardo Allen is a talented, well-rounded safety, and he won't even turn 27 until December. He should have at least five more great years, so he's due for a big contract next offseason.
4. Kenny Vaccaro, S/CB, Saints. Age: 27.
Kenny Vaccaro was having a great year covering players in the slot, but suffered a groin injury in the middle of the season. He returned after a two-game absence, but struggled after that before landing on injured reserve.
5. Eric Reid, S, 49ers. Age: 26.
Eric Reid has missed 12 games in the past two seasons, but he's too talented not to grade highly. Reid misses tackles, but happens to be excellent in coverage. He's only 26, so there's still lots of room for improvement.
6. Tre Boston, S, Chargers. Age: 25.
Tre Boston was inconsistent in Carolina, so he signed a 1-year "prove it" deal with the Chargers last offseason. That definitely worked, as Boston had a strong 2017 campaign, earning himself some money. Boston missed some tackles, but was tremendous in coverage.
Inside Linebacker
1. NaVorro Bowman, ILB, Raiders. Age: 30.
NaVorro Bowman has a very checkered injury history, and he'd be a risky, long-term signing for that reason. However, he's an impactful player when healthy. Oakland's run defense improved by leaps and bounds after Bowman signed in mid-October.
2. Mason Foster, ILB, Redskins. Age: 29.
Mason Foster was excellent in 2016, but saw a decline in play this past season because he was playing through a torn labrum. The Redskins finally sat him down at the end of October. Foster should be able to bounce back next season.
3. Avery Williamson, ILB, Titans. Age: 26.
Avery Williamson was a fifth-round pick in 2014, but he has evolved into a capable inside linebacker. He can stand to improve in coverage, but he's a dominant run-stuffer.
4. Demario Davis, ILB, Jets. Age: 29.
Demario Davis had struggled for most of his career heading into 2017, so it was considered laughable when the Jets opted to start him at one of the linebacker spots. Davis had the last laugh, however, playing extremely well last year. Was this a fluke, or a sign of things to come? Perhaps Davis will have to sign a 1-year "prove it" deal so his next team can find out.
5. Todd Davis, ILB, Broncos. Age: 26.
Todd Davis is a young linebacker who has been a big part of Denver's outstanding run defense. Unfortunately, he's been routinely abused in coverage.
Defensive Tackle
1. David Irving (RFA), DT, Cowboys. Age: 25.
David Irving was dominant down the stretch in 2016, and he proved that wasn't a fluke this past season. He was limited to just eight games because of a concussion and a suspension, but he was terrific in those eight contests, registering seven sacks, which is a high number for a player at his position in a full 16-game slate. Irving, just 25 in August, should continue to improve his game.
2. Sheldon Richardson, DE/DT, Seahawks. Age: 27.
Sheldon Richardson is an extremely talented defensive lineman, playing very strongly in the pass rush and run defense. He can play in both the 4-3 and 3-4, so he should garner tons of interest if he gets to the open market.
3. Dontari Poe, NT, Falcons. Age: 27.
Dontari Poe signed a 1-year "prove it" deal this past season after struggling his final year with the Chiefs. He responded well, playing well in both run support and the pass rush. I would be nervous to sign him to a long-term deal, but it could pay off if Poe lives up to his immense potential.
4. Justin Ellis, NT, Raiders. Age: 27.
Justin Ellis provides nothing as a pass-rusher - he has yet to register a full sack in his career - but he's a monstrous run-stuffer. He won't be 28 until after Christmas.
5. DaQuan Jones, DT, Titans. Age: 26.
DaQuan Jones is a dominant run-stuffer who can also contribute as an interior pass-rushing presence. He had 3.5 sacks in 12 games this past season, which is solid for a 320-pound force. Unfortunately for Jones, he missed the end of the season with torn biceps.
