The seasonal schedule for the NFL never stops, as the free agency period is right around the corner. The Pittsburgh Steelers, like everyone else, will be met with some crucial decisions to make regarding their roster. None of their Pro Bowlers are up for re-negotiation, but a litany of role players are looking for new deals. Most of the coaching staff will stay, and so will most of their key players. However, whether or not they can make a playoff run, might depend on what they do with the UFAs listed below:
Larry Ogunjobi: Re-Sign
The Steelers picked up Larry Ogunjobi in 2022, signing him to a one-year deal. The transaction occurred after he initially signed with the Chicago Bears; a deal that fell through the cracks due to a failed physical.
Despite battling injuries throughout 2022, Ogunjobi remained stout on the interior. He recorded 48 combined tackles (seven for loss) and 1.5 sacks. He looked stout as a run defender and paired up nicely with Cameron Heyward. While his sack count was low, he has proven himself to be a good interior pass rusher throughout his career, so last year was the outlier.
Wicked slap/dip from Larry Ogunjobi pic.twitter.com/yiPKrOz5rv
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) November 22, 2022
Whether or not Pittsburgh decides to keep him will depend on his asking price. They were able to sign him for $8 million last season, and his value did not take a hit based on how he performed. The Steelers should definitely make an effort to bring him back to the team for 2023. That is if there isn’t a team willing to donate an arm and a leg for him. Behind Heyward, Ogunjobi is the most reliable IDL for Pittsburgh.
Devin Bush: Cut
The Steelers traded three picks in order to draft Devin Bush 10th overall back in 2019. Since then, his time spent in Pittsburgh has been very rocky. The potential that made them draft him has only shown up in spurts.
While he did have an impressive rookie year in 2019, Bush has failed to expand from that season. Ever since suffering a knee injury back in 2020, Bush has struggled to provide the consistency needed for his team. His 2021 tape was a nightmare, as he was out of position too often and struggled to get off blocks. He looked better in 2022, but his reps went down as the season went on. Ever since his rookie year, Bush has failed to record at least 100 tackles in a season.
The Ravens running game is so creative, someone get Bush a map pic.twitter.com/68kUJMXmI7
— Theo Ash (@TheoAshNFL) August 11, 2022
The LB position appears to be one of Pittsburgh’s weak spots, but I still don’t think Bush is worth re-signing. Despite a decent campaign in 2022, the Steelers expected more than a decent player when they drafted him. It’s not a good sign to see players beneath him on the depth chart taking his reps. Perhaps a team in free agency will spend a chunk on him, hoping he can return to the guy he was. However, the writing is on the wall; his time in Pittsburgh is done.
Cameron Sutton: Re-Sign
The Steelers drafted Cameron Sutton 94th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. Unlike most CBs Pittsburgh has gone after recently, Sutton has mostly panned out. He’s getting better year by year, and 2022 was his best campaign yet. Spending most of his career so far in the slot, Sutton held his own playing as an outside corner. 2022 was also productive for him in terms of making plays on the ball. He finished the year with 15 passes defended and three interceptions.
Cannot state enough how great of a play Cameron Sutton made on the game-sealing INT. Responsible for deep third, does a great job of flipping hips, getting depth and then racing from outside numbers to the hash for the diving INT. Absurd play from the #Steelers CB. pic.twitter.com/tahUFsEy6B
— Josh Carney (@ByJoshCarney) December 27, 2022
Sutton has shown that his scheme versatility can provide use for the Steelers’ defense. His numbers have mostly gotten better as the years have gone by. He’ll be 28 years old by the time the season starts, so he’s still got some good years left in his prime. Pittsburgh would be foolish if they don’t at least make an attempt to bring him back. Rumors are circulating that the Steelers will look to release William Jackson. If said rumors are true, that should free up space to give Sutton the contract he deserves.
Terrell Edmunds: Re-Sign
Terrell Edmunds was drafted 28th overall by the Steelers in the 2018 NFL Draft. He hasn’t wowed anyone over in his five seasons, but he has been a steady performer. Edmunds signed a franchise tag for 2022 after failing to find any suitors in the FA market. Under the tag, he performed like his usual self. While Minkah Fitzpatrick is capable of playing numerous roles in the secondary, Edmunds has provided use as a physical box safety who can cover the middle of the field and blitz from time to time.
SS Terrell Edmunds, who will be a free agent, says he wants to be back in Pittsburgh next year. Says he knows what to expect with the negotiating process this time around.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) January 8, 2023
The FA market in 2023 will be filled with big-name safeties. Edmunds will likely be under the radar because of those big-name guys. His value is just about the same this offseason, so his asking price should be affordable. Terrell’s consistency should be rewarded by the Steelers this offseason. Plus, he’ll only be 26 years once the season starts. With how things have gone, there’s no reason to believe his performance will drop off anytime soon.
Robert Spillane: Re-Sign
Robert Spillane is the second LB on the roster set to become a free agent this offseason. Undrafted in 2018 and signed by Pittsburgh in 2019, Spillane has had to scratch and claw for everything he’s earned in the league. He started off as a special teamer, eventually earning his playing time on defense. While not as gifted an athlete as Devin Bush, Robert is a grinder and a heady player. Mostly a rotational LB, he really stepped up in 2022, playing in every single defensive snap over the last four games.
Robert Spillane absolutely earned a new contract. Whether it’s in Pittsburgh or another city. He’s solid against the run and seems like the guy that will fix your water heater for a fair price. Also is an HVAC specialist.
— ?????? (@scarpizio) February 4, 2023
While not the most gifted of players, Spillane has value to keep around as an LB3 option. I also don’t anticipate his numeral value to be as high as Devin Bush’s on the market. Being a former first-round pick, Bush will attract teams as a reclamation project. Spillane isn’t viewed by other teams as a player with a ceiling as high. However, he is a grinder who provides depth at one of Pittsburgh’s weakest positions on paper. Cut Bush, draft another LB and keep Spillane in case the rookie is struggling.
Chris Wormley: Cut
The Steelers acquired Chris Wormley via trade from the Ravens in 2020. After not playing much in that 2020 season, he emerged as a starter in 2021 following injuries to Tyson Alualu and Stephon Tuitt. While it was an up-and-down season for him, Wormley put up impressive numbers; 51 tackles (six for loss) and seven sacks. Wormley was back up in 2022, playing the first 13 games until suffering an ACL injury.
Pittsburgh might feel tempted to keep Wormley because Alualu and Ogunjobi are also UFAs. But with the presence of Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal, and Montravius Adams, there are plenty of young guys who can play his role. Perhaps the Steelers look to keep Ogunjobi and draft/sign another IDL for 2023.
I would like to thank you for taking your time to read through this article. For more sports-related content, head over to Belly Up Sports. We have articles, op-eds, and podcasts available on our website. Disagree with anything? Think I’m crazy? Want to continue this discussion? You can find me on Twitter @RevKoka.
