NFL Free Agency isn’t technically over, but we are entering the stage of the offseason where the players remaining on the open market certainly have some question marks surrounding them. When all 32 teams have passed multiple times on adding these players, there is typically a reason. Sometimes the reason is age, injury history, or maybe fit for a specific scheme a team deploys. Nonetheless, there are still veteran players out there on the open market.

While many players look for their next NFL home, it is also noteworthy, and possibly even more damning, when a team has decided to pass on their own free agents all the way to the point of getting into Phase III of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and Mandatory Minicamp.

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, they entered the offseason with 13 players who would be Unrestricted Free Agents (UFAs) when the new league year began in March. Of those 13 players, only five remain unsigned. Check out the list below:

QB Mason Rudolph — Signed one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans
ILB Kwon Alexander
S/ST Miles Killebrew — Re-signed with the Steelers on 2-year deal
DT Montravius Adams — Re-signed 2-year deal with the Steelers
CB Levi Wallace — Signed with the Denver Broncos NEW
ILB Mykal Walker — Signing with the Washington Commanders
WR Miles Boykin — Signed one-year deal with the New York Giants
OLB Markus Golden
CB Chandon Sullivan
S Elijah Riley
CB James Pierre — Signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders
DT Armon Watts — Signed by the New England Patriots to 1-year deal
ILB Blake Martinez

When you look at the available players from the 2023 roster, you can see clearly why some are still on the open market; however, some the answer isn’t quite as clear.

Kwon Alexander – Coming off a ruptured Achilles tendon last season. If he proves he is healthy there will likely be a suitor for him this season.

Markus Golden – A veteran pass rusher who doesn’t need the extra work/reps of OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Likely just waiting to see what team is the best fit for him, and where he can see the field the most. Don’t rule out a return to Pittsburgh, but most likely not until closer to training camp.

Chandon Sullivan – Sullivan was signed by the Steelers on the final day of the 2023 NFL Draft, and played meaningful snaps in the slot throughout last season. The team not bringing him back, even at this juncture, might speak more to how they view his role at the position than anything else.

Elijah Riley – Last training camp the Steelers were extremely high on Riley and his position flexibility. He was making plays in the preseason, and in training camp, but injuries continue to be a theme with him in his career. Riley could be an option for the Steelers, but only if they absolutely need the help at the S/CB position.

Blake Martinez – Martinez was signed as a stop-gap when the team saw almost all of their inside linebackers get hurt. If Martinez finds a home in 2024, it is likely on someone’s practice squad.

Will the Steelers kick the tires on any of these players who know the system and have lived it? Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they prepare for the 2024 regular season.