Steelers Next Re-Signings Will Likely Come After NFL Draft
PITTSBURGH -- So far, the Pittsburgh Steelers have retained Damontae Kazee, Larry Ogunjobi and Zach Gentry in free agency. Chances are, they aren't done just yet. But this next wave will likely wait until after the NFL Draft.
Who would the Steelers re-sign? At the top of the list is wide receiver Miles Boykin, followed by a potential return by running back Benny Snell Jr., Derek Watt, Marcus Allen, and more known vets like Karl Joseph and Chris Wormley.
These could be broken up into categories, with Boykin sitting at the top of the list, followed by Allen, possibly Joseph and then Snell and Watt. Wormley feels like a good fit for cheap, but after his ACL tear last season, that's a player all teams will wait on until he's healthy again.
The Steelers could, and will, wait, though. They don't have a pressing need for any of these players but could utilize all of them. Boykin, in particular, was one of their best special teamers last season, and bringing a bigger wideout with gunner capability back isn't going to be a move Pittsburgh ignores.
It will be one they wait on.
Much like Steelers.com writer Bob Labriola said in his recent Asked and Answered column, the Steelers will wait to see how the draft plays out for them. Wide receiver, defensive linemen and special teams players will all be options with their seven picks. Depending on how everything shakes out, they'll reevaluate their needs and move from there.
"I would think that after the draft the Steelers might try to work something out with Miles Boykin, because his contribution as a gunner was a significant element in the Steelers punt team finishing second in the NFL in average yards allowed per return during the 2022 season; he presents a physical element from the wide receiver position on running plays; and by all accounts he's a solid teammate and example for younger players," Labriola writes in response to a fan asking about re-signing Boykin.
As long as he's not signed elsewhere, Boykin is probably a lock to return. Snell's return will depend on his desire to come back and his market after the draft.
For the rest of them, it'll be about filling holes with players they're familiar with. That could leave a spot open for Allen and Joseph, and if they want Watt back at fullback, he'll be here.
Still, don't expect much more noise from re-signings until after April. Right now, the Steelers want players they believe upgrade their team. From there, their attention is on the NFL Draft. And afterward, they'll look at their own again.
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