NFL free agency outlook: Shoring up leaky run defense a priority for Steelers

Thanks in part to a significant injury and an even bigger absence, the Pittsburgh Steelers used nine players on the defensive line throughout the 2021 season.

Quantity didn’t equate to quality despite another All-Pro season from Cameron Heyward. Even with his outstanding play, the Steelers still finished last in the NFL in stopping the run, hemorrhaging an outlandish 146 yards per game.

The defensive line never recovered from Stephon Tuitt sitting out the season because of a knee injury and the death of his younger brother, and when Tyson Alualu sustained a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2.

The Steelers tried to compensate with a combination of in-season free agent signings (Montravius Adams), rookie late-round draft picks (Isaiahh Loudermilk), former late-round selections (Carlos Davis, Isaiah Buggs) and undrafted free agents (Henry Mondeaux, Daniel Archibong). Chris Wormley stepped up in his second season with the Steelers, but more help was needed elsewhere.

The return of Tuitt could provide immediate dividends given he had a career-high 11 sacks in 2020. The Steelers have indicated Tuitt wants to resume his career but his nearly $14 million salary cap number could be problematic. Alualu is on track to come back from his injury. The downside is he will be 35 when the season starts.

The draft could bring a first-round pick that the organization has lacked since taking Heyward with the No. 30 overall in 2011. Free agency also could help fortify the defensive trenches, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Steelers sign a low-cost veteran to a two-year deal, much like they did with Alualu in 2017 (and again in ‘19 and ‘21).

The Steelers will enter free agency at least $29 million under the salary cap.

Steelers situation

On the roster (10): Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Chris Wormley, Tyson Alualu, Henry Mondeaux, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Carlos Davis, Khalil Davis, Daniel Archibong. The position remains bloated and also includes DeMarcus Christmas, who is an exclusive rights free agent.

Unrestricted free agents (1): Montravius Adams. He helped plug the gap at nose tackle after joining the Steelers mid-season.

Exploring the market

The Steelers likely would target a top-tier defensive lineman in free agency only if Tuitt doesn’t return or becomes a salary-cap casualty.

Akiem Hicks, Bears: He is 32 and coming off his sixth season in Chicago, which was limited to nine games. He is considered a good run stopper but would have to move outside to defensive end in the 3-4. He carried a $12 million cap hit in 2021.

Linval Joseph, Chargers: A true nose tackle, he is known for stopping the run and has remained relatively healthy throughout his career. Problem is, he is 33 and entering his 13th season.

Calais Campbell, Ravens: At 35 and entering his 15th season, Campbell is winding down a career that has included six Pro Bowl nods. He can play all over the defensive line and likely wouldn’t be expected to be a three-down player anymore.

B.J. Hill, Bengals: He could be attractive because he’s 26 and entering his fifth season. A former third-round pick of the New York Giants, Hill spent last season in Cincinnati and tied a career high with 5.5 sacks.

D.J. Jones, 49ers: He is a nose tackle who showed versatility in five seasons in San Francisco. He only has seven career sacks, showing that his value lies in stopping the run.