The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for their commitment to stability, and the news of Mike Tomlin returning for his 18th season as head coach in 2024 exemplifies this principle. The organization has a knack for identifying what works and sticking with it, which is reflected in their approach to free agency. The Steelers prioritize retaining players they truly value and rarely let them hit the free market. While the upcoming offseason may not feature any game-changing free agents, there are several pending free agents whom the Steelers should consider bringing back for the next season.
One such player is Mason Rudolph, the backup quarterback who unexpectedly found himself in a starting role during Week 16 of the previous season. Despite spending the majority of the past three seasons on the sidelines, Rudolph showcased his abilities when called upon. Winning all three regular-season starts without throwing a single interception, he proved to be a reliable option. Although his playoff performance was mixed, considering his role as a third-string passer, Rudolph’s contributions should not be overlooked. Given the uncertainty surrounding the Steelers’ quarterback situation for the next season, retaining Rudolph as a stable backup is a sensible move.
Another player the Steelers should consider re-signing is outside linebacker Markus Golden. While the defense revolves around T.J. Watt, having multiple effective pass rushers is essential. Golden demonstrated his value by finishing the 2023 regular season with four sacks, 10 QB hits, and six tackles-for-loss, all while playing less than 40% of the defensive snaps. His performance as a fill-in for the injured Watt in the playoffs further highlighted his contributions. Despite being 33 years old at the start of the next season, Golden’s experience and ability make him a valuable asset in the Steelers’ defensive rotation.
In the realm of special teams, safety Miles Killebrew emerged as a standout player, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. Killebrew’s impact on special teams, particularly his blocked punt in Week 5 leading to a safety, played a crucial role in securing a victory. Given the importance of special teams in tight games, retaining Killebrew, who ensures game-changing plays on the margins, is a priority for the Steelers.
Cornerback Chandon Sullivan is another pending free agent the Steelers should consider bringing back. With the emergence of Joey Porter Jr. as a star, maintaining depth in the secondary becomes crucial. Sullivan, as the team’s nickel corner, showcased his reliability in a decent sample size. While there’s a question of how he would fare with increased playing time, Sullivan’s solid performance as a third/fourth cornerback suggests he has a valuable role to play in the Steelers’ defense in 2024.
In summary, while the Steelers may not have headline-grabbing free agents this offseason, retaining players like Mason Rudolph, Markus Golden, Miles Killebrew, and Chandon Sullivan can contribute to the team’s stability and success in the upcoming season. Each player brings a unique set of skills that align with the Steelers’ commitment to building a cohesive and effective roster.
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