Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers have some holes to fill in their secondary, with Donte Jackson and Cam Sutton both set to hit free agency this offseason.
While both players have their strengths, with the way the Steelers fell apart on defense down the stretch, and with communications breakdowns throughout the season, it’s not crazy to see the team seeking upgrades in free agency.
That’s not always easy to find, but there are plenty to be had in this year’s free agent class. While the pickings are slim at quarterback and wide receiver, there is at least one spot where Omar Khan has a big need, and free agency is almost certain to have the players to fill it.
2024 stats: 14 games, 64 tackles, 11 passes defended, 0 interceptions
2024 contract AAV: $11 million
Why it would work: Reed has been outstanding over the last three seasons in New York, forming a 1B to Sauce Gardner’s 1A with the Jets. The dynamic between him and Gardner is something the Steelers would love to have alongside Joey Porter Jr. The Jets play a lot of man coverage, about as much as the Steelers, and he would be a good fit for that part of their scheme.
The Jets are going to have to pay Gardner in the near future, and appear to be OK with Reed hitting free agency. He’s been fairly durable throughout his career.
Why it won’t work: Reed is just 5-foot-9, and that has not been the body archetype the Steelers have been pursuing at the cornerback position lately. The Steelers have traditionally cared a lot about tackling ability in cornerbacks. He has not been a turnover-maker, with just six picks over seven seasons. Reed was also highly penalized in 2024, drawing 11 flags aimed his way, with nine accepted penalties. All 11 were for pass interference, illegal use of hands, or holding.
He could very well be the most expensive free agent on the board, and while the Steelers have the cap space to play in his salary range, it may not be necessary to do so to get a strong starter, given the depth of the free agent class.
2024 stats: 17 games, 81 tackles, 14 passes defended, six interceptions
2024 contract AAV: $8.75 million
Why it would work: Murphy is coming off a fantastic season, making his first career Pro Bowl after serving as a key piece in Brian Flores’ ever-shifting defense and nabbing a career-high six picks. He’s slot and outside versatile.
Why it won’t work: Minnesota played among the least man coverage in the league last year, something the Steelers could be looking to do more of by moving on from Donte Jackson. He’s a bit undersized for an outside cornerback and is not a particularly good tackler.
2024 stats: 13 games, 56 tackles, 11 passes defended, 2 interceptions
2024 contract AAV: $14.5 million
**Why it...
