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The ' free agent philosophy has evolved since the 1990s. In , former Steelers coach Bill Cowher wrote that back then, the Steelers' philosophy was to replace their outgoing free agents with rookies. This initially led to some down years, but eventually, many of those rookies turned into seasoned veterans who helped Pittsburgh win two championships during the 2000s.While they still prefer homegrown talent over outside help, the Steelers have embraced modern free agency since the start of the new millennium. Linebacker James Farrior, acquired in 2002, is regarded as the best free agent signing in franchise history. Cornerback arrival in 2017 was also significant, as Pittsburgh's pa s defense -- one of the league's worst before his arrival -- has been one of the NFL's best over the past five years.The Steelers will likely lean on history as they chart out a path for free agency this season. If this was a normal offseason, the Steelers would make subtle moves during the second wave of free agency while largely letting other teams grab the headlines. But this is not a typical offseason, given retirement and the fact that longtime general manager Kevin Colbert is putting the finishing touches on his highly succe sful 22-year run with the team. Colbert is not looking to jeopardize the Steelers' future, but he does want to put Brandon Morrow Jersey the team in the best po sible position to win a seventh Lombardi before handing the reigns to his succe sor.What does this mean for the Steelers' offseason? Look for Pittsburgh to largely stick to its playbook while being somewhat more aggre sive than they usually are this time of year. Unle s, that is, they are able to replace Roethlisberger with another future Hall of Fame quarterback. With Ron Santo Jersey that in mind, let's take a look at the five moves Colbert and company should make during free agency, which officially begins on March 16. NYJ QB #8 We what the Steelers' starting lineup could look like with Rodgers, who reportedly has included the Steelers as one of the teams he is considering if he decides to leave Green Bay (Tenne see and Denver are the other two). While it's still not a perfect roster, adding Rodgers to a team that went 9-7-1 last year is significant, especially when you look at what arrival meant for the (a 7-9 team the year before Brady arrived) and what arrival in Los Angeles meant for the .Surprisingly, there appear to be parts of Pittsburgh's fan base who aren't crazy about the idea of Rodgers joining the team. How much the Steelers would have to give up to acquire him (both draft picks and money) is surely one reason. Another could be the hoopla that comes with Rodgers, who is seemingly always in the news. Regardle s, Rodgers is still playing at an MVP level, and if there is a po sibility that he and the Steelers can join forces, Pittsburgh needs to aggre sively pursue this option.As Colbert always says, winning the Super Bowl is the only standard in Pittsburgh. Rodgers would help the Steelers add to their trophy case. It's as simple as that, and that's why the Steelers need to do everything in their power to acquire him. PIT DT #99 Pittsburgh had the worst run defense in the NFL last season. For a franchise that prides itself on running the ball and dominating opposing running games, this was obviously a bitter pill for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers' bra s to swallow.There's no promises that will return after mi sing the entire 2021 season for physical and personal reasons. will be Billy Williams Jersey back after mi sing most of last year with an injury, but he will be 35 next season and will be going into the final year of his contract. , the leader of Pittsburgh's defensive front, is still playing at an elite level. But Heyward will be 33 before the start of next season.Ogunjobi would be an ideal addition to Pittsburgh's defensive front. Last season, his first in Cincinnati, Ogunjobi had a career-high seven sacks, 12 tackles for lo s and 16 quarterback hits in 16 games. Ogunjobi was forced to watch the majority of the ' playoff run after he suffered a foot injury during Cincinnati's wild card win over Las Vegas. A suming that he is healthy, the 27-year-old would be a big addition to the Steelers' defense. He is also relatively affordable, as there are several other high-profile defensive linemen who may overshadow him on the open market. TB C #66 The Steelers are interested in acquiring Jensen, and for good reason. The soon-to-be 31-year-old center is coming off of his first Pro Bowl selection. In 2020, Ernie Banks Jersey he helped Brady win his seventh Super Bowl ring. Jensen has been extremely durable, as he has not mi sed a start since the start of the 2017 season.Jensen's market value is about $30.2 million over three years, . While it would be an investment, the Steelers' line needs an anchor after losing , and the previous offseason. Adding a veteran of Jensen's caliber could do wonders for Pittsburgh's young offensive line.While he enjoyed a succe sful partnership with , it appears that former first-round pick ' time in Pittsburgh is over. The Steelers wouldn't let Edmunds test the market unle s they are confident that they can replace him with someone better. This would suggest that they have an idea of who they'd like to replace him with, as there are several talented strong safeties that will be available in free agency, led by Diggs and Jackson. Both players come with pros and cons. Diggs is younger (29) and was a Pro Bowler during his last two years in Seattle. He is currently working his way back after breaking his fibula during Seattle's final game of the 2021 season (he will reportedly be ready for the start of training camp). Jackson is older (he turns 34 in April), but he is a savvy, accomplished player who seems like a natural fit in Pittsburgh's defense. Jackson will also likely be a cheaper option to Diggs who, despite his injury, is the top-rated strong safety in free agency. Either one would be a good choice. CLE CB #23 Injuries limited Haden to just 11 games last season. But when he was John Lackey Jersey on the field, Haden . He is also one of the Steelers' biggest leaders, an intangible that is even more valuable following Roethlisberger's retirement.The Steelers could opt to try to sign a cornerback in free agency, specifically former Patriot . But Haden would be a more affordable option. The Steelers could re-sign Haden, then draft his eventual succe sor next month. Pittsburgh needs to draft a cornerback anyway, so why not have their rookie learn from one of the best corners the league has had over the past dozen years? Haden wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh, and a suming that his contract demands are manageable, the three-time Pro Bowler should get his wish.
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