The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering another crucial offseason in 2024. The franchise hasn’t been taken seriously as a contender since the 2020 season when they started off with a record of 11-0. The organization has a strong foundation on offense, but seems to be lacking the most important piece: a formidable quarterback. While it appears they will give Kenny Pickett one final chance to prove himself, there are several other areas that General Manager Omar Khan needs to improve if the team wants to have a chance to seriously compete in 2024. The free agency class has many options to target, and a few of them come from within the AFC North.
It’s never a bad thing to bring in a player from a rival team. Not only do these additions give a team a bit more insight to what’s going on in another building, but taking away a contributor from a divisional opponent also leaves that team with a hole in any given area. The Steelers owe the Cincinnati Bengals one after they snagged Mike Hilton in 2021. They have a cornerback ready to hit the market that would be a huge acquisition for the secondary.
1.) Chidobe Awuzie – Cornerback – Cincinnati Bengals
Many may have more interest in bringing in wide receiver Tyler Boyd. That argument certainly holds some weight given Pittsburgh’s need for a solidified number three receiver. If Diontae Johnson is shockingly traded, it makes even more sense. As of now, however, Chidobe Awuzie would be an incredible get for the Steelers in free agency.
The cornerback is an unrestricted free agent and given the Bengals’ likely desire to sign Ja’Marr Chase to a massive extension, some of the veteran players on both sides of the ball will probably be looking for new homes. Awuzie played in 15 games for Cincinnati in 2023 and was able to log six passes defended. He hasn’t been known as a ball hawk, securing only six career interceptions, but he would be a nice complement to Joey Porter Jr.
2.) Corey Bojorquez – Punter – Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh is looking at heading into the league’s new year without a punter after the release of Pressley Harvin III. With a few strong prospects becoming available in the 2024 NFL Draft, that is a route the Steelers could decide to go. However, there is a solid free agent pool that could be targeted by Khan once the legal tampering period begins.
Corey Bojorquez of the Cleveland Browns could sign an extension before he were to become available, but Pittsburgh should look to bring him on board if he is available in March. He averaged 49.4 yards per punt in 2023 while logging the fourth most punts in the league (87). That is the exact kind of consistency that the Steelers need from the position after a rough three-year stint from Harvin.
3.) Devin Duvernay – Wide Receiver – Baltimore Ravens
The idea of the Steelers targeting Patrick Queen, Justin Madubuike or Geno Stone are all very attractive, but unlikely given the team’s cap situation and the expected cost for each of those players. While Devin Duvernay’s official position has been a wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, he could turn out to be a standout special teams player for Pittsburgh immediately upon arrival.
Pittsburgh attempted to bring in a former All-Pro returner once, and it failed with Gunner Olszewski. Calvin Austin III averaged a modest 8.6 yards per punt return in 2023, while Duvernay has never been under 11.5 in his four-year career. Duvernay provides a bit of depth at receiver, but also could come in and allow Austin to focus on taking the next step in the slot for the Steelers. This is a low-risk, high-reward option for a team desperate for more dynamic return play.
Steelers Can Make Moves In Free Agency After Cap Adjustments
Khan began clearing cap space with the releases of Mitch Trubisky, Chukwuma Okorafor and Harvin. More are expected to come as well as contract restructures. The front office was rather aggressive in free agency in 2023 and the roster isn’t turning into a championship one strictly through the draft in 2024. Khan will find ways to open up the checkbook, and these divisional rivals will all be reasonably priced and able to contribute in their respective areas.
Which AFC North free agents do you want the Steelers to target in 2024 free agency?
