Steelers: 4 free agent targets who could alter 2021 NFL Draft plans
By Cory Kinnan
What a whirlwind of a year for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who after starting the season 11-0, crawled to the finish line. They went on to lose four of their last five games in the regular season, before getting a first round boot at the hands of the Cleveland Browns in the Wildcard round of the playoffs.
Now, the Steelers face uncertainty on both sides of the football, especially on their offense. With the 2021 NFL Draft rolling closer and closer by day, general manager Kevin Colbert and his team will need to nail their haul given they do not have the money to move around at this point to make more than one big move in free agency. we take a look at their team needs as the new league year gets set to begin.
Looking at team needs for Steelers
The Steelers are in quite an unfavorable location with their roster and with their cap space. Not only are they facing the hole left by center Maurkice Pouncey, and potentially that of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but with his regression as a whole if he returns to the team. They are faced with the free agency of wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster, as well as that of running back James Conner and left tackle Alejandro Villanueva.
Needless to say, the offense in Pittsburgh is facing an uphill battle this offseason. Defensively, they will likely let Bud Dupree walk, leaving a hole off the edge, and are faced with the free agency of linebacker Avery Williamson as well. Their secondary faces uncertainty as well, in need of at least one cornerback and one safety.
As free agency approaches, what moves will the Steelers make that could potentially impact their plans for the 2021 NFL Draft?