Three free agents Pittsburgh Steelers should target

Free agency is just around the corner as the new league year begins on March 13 at 4 p.m. ET.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have about $16 million in salary cap space and can still make a few moves to create more before the start of free agency.

Here are three free agents Pittsburgh should target.

Linebacker Jerome Baker

The Dolphins released Baker on Tuesday, and there's a good chance he's near the top of the Steelers' free-agent wish list. The Steelers need to add to their inside linebacker room after watching Cole Holcomb (knee) and Kwon Alexander (Achilles) suffer season-ending injuries last season. 

Holcomb's return timeline remains unknown, and Alexander will be a free agent. Pittsburgh still has Elandon Roberts under contract in 2024, and it has the chance to reunite him with Baker, who he played with for three seasons (2020-22) in Miami. 

Plus, Baker is still only 27 and is coming off a season in which he had 78 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions, three passes defensed, and one touchdown in 13 games. It seems like a no-brainer since the two already have rapport playing together.

Cornerback Xavien Howard

Yes, another former Dolphin. Howard was another one of Miami's salary cap casualties this offseason and could also be wearing the black and gold in 2024.

The Steelers need to find another corner play opposite rising star Joey Porter Jr., the No. 32 overall pick in 2023, especially after releasing veteran CB Patrick Peterson on Friday. Howard could be a cheap answer, as he'll turn 31 this offseason and may be what Pittsburgh thought it was getting in Peterson last season.

Safety Jordan Poyer

The Steelers also announced the release of veteran safety Keanu Neal on Thursday. While veteran safety Damontae Kazee is still under contract for 2024, he has yet to be guaranteed the starting role.

Poyer is one of several big-name safeties set to hit the open market next week. Pittsburgh could be interested in pairing him with four-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on the defense's back end. 

Poyer could also provide a cheap option at 32 years old while still having plenty of gas left in the tank. In 2023, he posted 101 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and four passes defensed.