Steelers could find franchise cornerstone in free agency
Players of this age and quality are a rarity on the open market.
It's seldom that we see high-caliber players reach free agency with a perfect set of circumstances.
Typically we have older players, players with baggage, or mid-tier athletes that have injury concerns take a dive in the free agency pool.
The latest situation in Kansas City seems to be an exception to the rule though, with Orlando Brown Jr. slated to become a free agent.
While it's far too early to say Brown is out of K.C., the door is at least open, with the franchise tag no longer on the table.
Negotiations can continue to take place between Brown's representation and the K.C. brass, but negotiations have been going on for two years now.
Obviously, the Chiefs value Brown, but a $20 million franchise tag is a steep asking price for a team with an estimated cap space of $17.8 million.
Now we can't pretend the Steelers don't have their own cap situation to work through, but when presented with certain opportunities, pulling out all the stops is the least you can do.
Let's be clear here, this is a 4x Pro Bowler with a Super Bowl ring, all at the ripe age of 26.
Left tackle is the biggest liability on Pittsburgh's current unit, with an upgrade coming one way or another.
The 2023 NFL draft has a bevy of suitable tackles, but the odds of finding one at 17th overall that matches the potential of Brown Jr. are slim to none, and slim just left.
Now there's the question of Brown's future that has to be considered. For the record, he tested historically poor at the 2018 NFL Combine and paid the price in draft stock.
He then was drafted by Baltimore but fell out of favor with the team when they wouldn't let him play left tackle.
And while prospects scarcely improve their athleticism as they age, Brown has the versatility, playstyle, and strength to last another 10 years in the league.
Displaying high-level play as a left tackle, with the ability to kick inside to guard or back to right tackle as he ages, this is the type of player that you can sleep soundly about.
Asking prices and cap situations aside, the Steelers can take a solid offense and turn it into a contending one with this move.
With a young core that includes Kenny Pickett, Najee Harris, and George Pickens, inserting Brown could make the offense a powerhouse for years to come.
