Steelers' Best Options In Free Agency To Replace Pressley Harvin III In 2024

The long-awaited release of former Pittsburgh Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III finally occurred on Monday. The 2021 seventh-round draft pick struggled with inconsistencies throughout his young career and after a tough stretch at the end of 2023, the organization has made the decision to not allow him to compete for a job in 2024. The question now becomes: what will the front office and Head Coach Mike Tomlin do at the position? It is an area that has plagued the team for years and while it may seem like an insignificant position, they need to take a big swing in the 2024 offseason.

There are a couple punting prospects in the draft that could hear their name called to the Steelers, but the small free agent class also has some solid talent that is worth taking a look at. It all starts with bringing in a guy who the organization gave up on in 2023, despite him probably being the better overall player at the position. Pittsburgh needs to initially target Braden Mann come March.

1.) Braden Mann - Philadelphia Eagles

There's no guaranteeing that Mann will be available. The Philadelphia Eagles could sign him to a contract prior to free agency beginning. They would be smart to do so, as he was promoted to the active roster with the cross-state rival in early October. It ended up being a home run signing for the Eagles, as Mann finished seventh in the NFL with a punting average of 49.8.

The sample size is smaller than most of the league's punters, but the consistency of Mann can't be ignored. That piece of the game is what Harvin struggled with the most. The Steelers love familiarity and Mann has that with the organization after a short stint throughout 2023 training camp. He will likely be at the top of a short list to replace Harvin if free agency is way the team decides to go.

2.) Corey Bojorquez - Cleveland Browns

There aren't many things better than stealing away a key player from a division rival. Corey Bojorquez was wildly consistent for the Cleveland Browns in 2023. He was up near Mann with a punting average of 49.4, but had 87 punts compared to Mann's 44. If the Browns refrain from rewarding him with a contract extension, a call from the Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan could be on its way.

Bojorquez has the league's best average for those in the top five in punts. That is the exact kind of consistency Pittsburgh needs to target for the position moving forward. It will be surprising if Cleveland allows him to test the market, but if he does, it makes complete sense for the Steelers to do what they can in order for him to jump ship.

3.) Rigoberto Sanchez - Indianapolis Colts

Do you get the idea, here? The Steelers need to go after guys with a track record of consistency. Rigoberto Sanchez has punted for the Indianapolis Colts since the 2017 season (besides 2022). He had one of his best seasons in 2023, booting the ball 68 times with an average of 48.3 and net average of 42.8 (one of the top 10 marks in the league).

Sanchez had a scary battle with a cancerous tumor back in 2020, but has returned to full health. He would be a good candidate to bring in to replace Harvin and is expected to be a part of the small free agent class, unless the Colts decide to bring him back on a team-friendly deal before the new league year begins in March.

Steelers Would Be Wise To Reach Out To Matt Araiza

Matt Araiza is technically a free agent, but wasn't on a team in 2023. After being drafted by the Buffalo Bills, he was released prior to the 2022 regular season beginning. Sexual assault allegations were brought up from his time at San Diego State, but he was removed from the civil lawsuit when prosecutors told the court he was not present at the time of the alleged incident. He deserves another chance in the NFL, so why not in Pittsburgh with an open spot?

Who do you want to see the Steelers replace Harvin with?