3 free agents Steelers should avoid at all costs

The Pittsburgh Steelers made another surprising run at a positive season under Mike Tomlin. With so much positivity surrounding the franchise, the team must avoid any negative signings this offseason. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most intriguing teams going into this offseason. After head coach Mike Tomlin was miraculously able to finish the season over .500 again despite starting 3-7. Finishing the season with six wins in seven games has fans excited for the future. Kenny Pickett might be the right guy to lead this team into the next generation. Now, it’s time to fill out the roster around him.

One thing the Steelers must do is figure out what they want to be this offseason. Are they looking to make a jump into true contention? Is Pickett ready to make that jump? Can the defense make that kind of commitment to dominance?

The Steelers have just over $1 million in cap space according to Over the Cap. We don’t need to tell you that the salary cap is fake and doesn’t actually matter. Teams pay a lot of money to have literal scientists figure that out. Still, the Steelers have to be smart with their money. There’s one free agent who seems like the perfect fit, but the money he’ll command is just too much for where the Steelers are in their rebuilding phase.

Steelers rumors: 3 free agents Pittsburgh should avoid at all costs

1. DT Javon Hargrave

Everyone loves a homecoming. How about a homecoming after winning a Super Bowl? Javon Hargrave left the Steelers back in 2020 for the Philadelphia Eagles. He didn’t have to move far. Now, he’s one of the most coveted free agents on the market. Plus, the Steelers have a desperate need at defensive tackle.

This seems like a match made in heaven. Hargrave is used to Mike Tomlin and his coaching style. The two sides know what they want from each other. Hargrave has become a great tackle in his own right, and the Steelers need someone to lock down the middle of the line.

The issue here is money. Hargrave is going to command somewhere in the $20 million range. That’s probably the one move the Steelers can make, and he’s entering his 30s. Sometimes defensive tackles can be worthwhile in their 30s, but it’s a rarity. Hargrave is looking to cash in on a Super Bowl season. The Steelers should let someone else take that risk.