The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason kicked into high gear following their embarrassing loss to the Buffalo Bills in the wild card round on Sunday. The most important task of their offseason — following exit interviews, which are underway this week — is free agency.
Free agency begins with the new NFL year on March 13 at 4 p.m. Eastern.
There are no splashy names on this list, but three players stand out: Quarterback Mason Rudolph, inside linebacker Kwon Alexander and outside linebacker Markus Golden.
Here are the Steelers’ 19 players currently set to test the free-agent market.
1
QB Mason Rudolph
Locking up Mason Rudolph this offseason should be the Steelers’ top priority as far as their own players. Who would’ve thought this would even be a thing, but it is. Rudolph showed he’s a starter-capable player after riding pine since the 2020 season. Given Kenny Pickett‘s inability to stay healthy, having a backup of Rudolph’s effectiveness and experience in their system is critical. They could keep Mitch Trubisky, but why?
2
EDGE Markus Golden
Inking Markus Golden to a new (cheap) deal should be a no-brainer for the same reason as Rudolph. Injuries happen, even to alien T.J. Watt, and Golden has shown he can get the job done. He and Nick Herbig, as rotational guys, are necessary to keep that unit well-oiled.
3
LB Kwon Alexander
It was a shame the hit that the inside linebacker corp took — first with Cole Holcomb, then Kwon Alexander. The 10-year vet was a quality depth piece and still has enough juice left in the tank to continue in that role should the Steelers feel the same. Injuries are freak occurrences that can happen to any player at any moment. He’s missed a few games over the last two seasons, but that’s no reason to not re-sign him.
4
CB Levi Wallace
5
DT Montravius Adams
6
RB Godwin Igewbuike
7
WR Miles Boykin
8
DT Armon Watts
9
DT Renell Wren
10
LB Mykal Walker
11
LB Blake Martinez
12
LB Chapelle Russell
13
CB Chandon Sullivan
14
CB James Pierre
15
S Elijah Riley
16
S Miles Killebrew
17
RB Anthony McFarland
18
OT Dylan Cook
19
LS Christian Kuntz
