The Pittsburgh Steelers had quite the interesting season in 2019 and are focused on trying to return to being at the top of the AFC North. Of course, the injury to Ben Roethlisberger played a huge part in how Pittsburgh's season went.
With the Baltimore Ravens continually getting better, it is vital that the Steelers bolster their roster this offseason. As of this moment, Pittsburgh currently is among the two teams that are over the cap with -$2.1 million in cap space, per Spotrac.
By the time free agency gets underway, that will be subject to change as Pittsburgh makes a few roster moves to create some cap space. Also, the team has a couple of notable free agents that they would like to re-sign in 2020.
Once the team gets some money to spend in free agency, they have a few glaring needs on the roster. In light of that, here are three positions the Steelers must focus on in free agency.
3. Quarterback
In Week 2 of the 2019 season, Roethlisberger went down with a season-ending elbow injury. While Roethlisberger was sidelined, the Steelers were unable to find a quarterback that could formidably replace him.
Both Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges received opportunities to prove themselves. Despite Mike Tomlin saying that he's comfortable with Rudolph as his backup, the Steelers should look to add someone more reliable in free agency.
Over the past five seasons, Roethlisberger has only started in all 16 games in a season just once. Provided that, Pittsburgh should add a veteran signal-caller in case Roethlisberger misses some time with an injury next season.
2. Defensive tackle
Ahead of free agency, Javon Hargrave is slated to become an unrestricted free agent for the Steelers. Even though the Steelers want to re-sign him, he could price his way out of Pittsburgh.
In the event that Hargrave is no longer on the roster, the Steelers are going to have to find his replacement. Some fans may believe that drafting an interior defender could be the best choice to make.
However, Pittsburgh is in win-now mode and can't afford to wait for a player to develop. With that in mind, the Steelers would have to consider cheaper options in free agency due to their current financial situation.
1. Tight end
Throughout the 2019 season, it was apparent that the Steelers were lacking a go-to tight end in the offense. Vance McDonald has struggled with injuries in his career and it remains to be seen if Nick Vannett returns to Pittsburgh in 2020.
At the same time, McDonald could be a cap casualty for the Steelers in the offseason. Regardless of what happens to McDonald and Vannett, Pittsburgh desperately needs a reliable tight end for Roethlisberger to target.
While the Steelers can't afford Hunter Henry or Austin Hooper, they could be in the market for a tight end. It would be an awful idea to draft a tight end in the 2020 NFL Draft and sign a veteran in free agency to strengthen the position.
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