Rumors heating up that Pittsburgh Steelers could land Pro-Bowl defender
Could the Pittsburgh Steelers be gearing up to make a splash free agent addition to their defense? Rumors are heating up that Pittsburgh could be a contender to land free agent safety Tyrann Mathieu. Former Steelers linebacker Terence Garvin tweeted on Tuesday night that Pittsburgh is trying to land the Honey Badger. That goes along […]
Could the Pittsburgh Steelers be gearing up to make a splash free agent addition to their defense?
Rumors are heating up that Pittsburgh could be a contender to land free agent safety Tyrann Mathieu.
Former Steelers linebacker Terence Garvin tweeted on Tuesday night that Pittsburgh is trying to land the Honey Badger.
That goes along with other reports that the Steelers could be in the mix.
Mathieu, who turns 30 in May, is coming off two straight Pro-Bowl seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City moved on from Mathieu earlier this week by agreeing to sign free agent safety Justin Reid to a three-year deal.
Reid is cheaper than Mathieu. And with the Chiefs working on long-term deals for offensive lineman Orlando Brown and Tyreek Hill, they just couldn't afford to bring Mathieu back in 2022.
Pittsburgh, however, is in good shape when it comes to the salary cap. That doesn't mean they can spend recklessly, but it should allow them to be a serious contender for Mathieu.
If the Steelers manage to sign Mathieu, it would possibly give Pittsburgh the best safety duo in the NFL. Mathieu and Minkah Fitzpatrick paired together would be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Pittsburgh safety Terrell Edmunds is expected to test free agency this week. His departure leaves an obvious need for a safety.
It's also not out of the question that the Steelers could sign Mathieu and also re-sign Edmunds and move him to inside linebacker (a position where he has experience).
The Steelers have some exciting options on the table. Mathieu, however, could bring elite leadership and versatility to Pittsburgh's defense.
If the Steelers are going to make a deep playoff run in 2022, it will likely be on the back of their defense. So why not beef up the defense even more?
There are certainly worse ways to spend money.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
