JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 22: D.J. Chark #17 of the Jacksonville Jaguars waves to fans during warmups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at TIAA Bank Field on November 22, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Steelers may not have much cap flexibility, but they can still negotiate for the NFL’s top players to address critical team needs.
Like most NFL teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2023 offseason with glaring roster deficiencies. Yet, unlike nearly half of the league’s franchises, the Steelers were unable to clinch a playoff berth, ending the 2022 season with a third-ranked 9-8 record.
Ending a season with nine wins would be impressive for some NFL teams, but for Pittsburgh, it’s a plunge into mediocrity. While the Steelers develop Kenny Pickett and retain Mitch Trubisky, they’ll need a boost from the rest of their roster to adequately compete in the AFC North.
Fortunately for the Steelers, there are several enticing free-agent options that are expected to become available by March 15. Bolstering the team on the defensive and offensive lines, the secondary and at wide receiver could give Pittsburgh the strength it needs to power through to another AFC North division title.
However, the Steelers are notably tight on cap space. Still Curtain’s Tommy Jaggi noted in February that the team has just over $1 million in cap space, but a few strategic cuts could free up at least $27.7 million in cap space.
Once the Steelers free up a considerable amount of cap space, are eight free agents who could reinvigorate the roster in the 2023 season.
Who should be on top of the Steelers NFL Free Agency board?
8. D.J. Chark, WR
The Steelers are famous for being able to consistently scout for the NFL’s prime wide receiving talent, whether it’s a sixth-rounder like Antonio Brown or a third-rounder like Diontae Johnson.
While the Steelers do have Johnson and George Pickens, they could use depth at the position, which is where D.J. Chark comes in. Chark has flashed talent in Jacksonville and Detroit, and while the 26-year-old could be heading to his third NFL team, it’s not for a lack of capability.
The Steelers organization proves year after year that it can bring out the best in receivers, and bringing in Chark would be more of the same in the best possible way.
