The Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the hated Ravens in the Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs, and are looking to improve their roster to get back to the Super Bowl next year. However, the wrong signing could send them in the opposite direction. Here's who the Steelers need to avoid this offseason:
DE/LB Brian Orakpo
Orakpo is one of the top free agent pass rushers as a three-time Pro Bowler, which will drive the price tag up even though he’s torn a pectoral muscle three times in the past four seasons. The Steelers need someone they can rely on to rush the passer, and Orakpo’s injury history proves he won’t be that.
RB Ryan Mathews
Pittsburgh is in the market for a running back to pair with Le'Veon Bell, and Mathews is one of the bigger names on the market. He has been productive in his young career, but had dealt with numerous injuries and was limited to just six games last season. The injuries will drive the price down for Mathews, but the tag will still be relatively high. The reward just doesn’t outweigh the risk for the Steelers for the amount of money they’d have to spend on him.
S Nate Allen
Upgrading the secondary is one of the Steelers’ biggest priorities this offseason, but in a weak free agency class at the position, Nate Allen is one of the better options. He should be entering the prime of his career at age 27 that will likely cause a team to overpay for his services even though he’s just not that good. Allen allowed a 106.2 passer rating, five touchdowns, and a terrible 17.5 yards per completion for the Eagles last season, making it clear that he’s not a consistent starting-caliber guy.
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