The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently preparing to head to Latrobe, PA for training camp ahead of the 2024 regular season. General Manager Omar Khan has made plenty of changes to the roster, but he is likely far from finished. There are some obvious areas that the team needs to improve upon, and Khan doesn't shy away from signing free agents once camp starts. Kwon Alexander was a training camp signing in 2023, and was an important contributor on the defense before his season-ending injury.
Pittsburgh's obvious areas of need at this point in the offseason are at wide receiver, cornerback, and along the defensive line. The organization will evaluate each position during training camp, and if the coaching staff feels as though external help is needed, Khan can bring some available free agents in. The Steelers currently have almost $16 million in cap space for the 2024 season, and that number can grow even larger if they decide to restructure any contracts.
Here are some free agents from each position of need for Khan to keep his eye on.
Russell Gage
Russell Gage was once looked at as a promising, up and coming receiver. He signed a three-year deal worth $30 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the 2022 season, but has since suffered multiple injuries. Due to barely seeing the field on his current deal, Tampa Bay declined the team option that was put in place for the third year of his contract.
Despite struggling with injuries in recent years, Gage was once one of the more productive receivers that were the third option on their team. He was extremely consistent in 2020 and 2021 with the Atlanta Falcons, catching over 65 passes in each year while recording over 770 yards. He also scored 4 touchdowns in each of those seasons.
It's unclear if Gage would be able to get back to his old, healthy self, or if he would align more with the crop of receivers the Steelers have brought in during the 2024 offseason. Regardless, he should be cheap due to the recent injury history. Bring him in before training camp, if he doesn't look good, cut him.
Eric Rowe
Eric Rowe is listed as a safety, but throughout his career has played over 1,000 snaps as a corner on the outside, a slot corner, and as a strong safety. Pittsburgh learned in 2023 that a team can never have too much depth, as Rowe had to be called up to the active roster after the Steelers' safety room got depleted. Rowe wound up playing well for the Steelers, even starting in their playoff game.
The nine-year vet would be a good addition, as the team needs experience at slot corner in case of a serious suspension for Cam Sutton. Rowe proved he is more than serviceable, and there is no reason the Steelers shouldn't bring him back in the fold.
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