The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of holes to fill if they want to get back into the Super Bowl contender conversation. Last season, the offense couldn't get much going through the air with the lack of weapons in the wide receiver room and the run game was inconsistent at best. On the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers were getting pounded on the ground, especially late into the season. Omar Khan has his hands full, but he can start moving in the right direction during the free agency period. With multiple key free agents ready for a fresh start somewhere else and the Steelers with plenty of cap space to work with, Khan could check some boxes before the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around.
For many fans, the biggest concerns for the Steelers is their wide receiver room and the defensive line. George Pickens needs quality help around him and the Steelers are a Cam Heyward injury away from being in serious trouble in the trenches. When it comes to the defensive line, insider Mark Kaboly has one player in mind that could help the Steelers immediately and Pittsburgh could just be waiting for the right opportunity to grab him.
"I'd love for the Steelers to acquire [Jonathan] Allen," said Kaboly. "He still is a good football player and a better locker-room guy who would fit in easily. Washington is looking to trade him, but the Steelers could be waiting for the Commanders to release him."
Jonathan Allen isn't the only quality defensive lineman that the Steelers are zeroing in on. With guys like D.J. Jones and Milton Williams, Khan really cannot go wrong with the available talent at his disposal. When it comes to another top available defensive linemen that Steelers fans are hoping to land however, Kaboly isn't too high on bringing back Javon Hargrave.
"As for Hargrave, I don't know," said Kaboly. "I wouldn't say no, but he wouldn't be on the top of my list."
The Steelers will be looking for the best fit when it comes to their current roster. While their defense is the highest paid unit in the NFL, they still need help in the trenches. Allen could make an immediate impact, as he has been a staple of the Washington Commanders' defense for the last eight seasons when healthy. He could be the monstrous presence that Pittsburgh has needed to help clog up the middle.
While many fans would be very happy to land Allen, some will be shocked by Kaboly's lack of desire for Hargrave. Hargrave was drafted by the Steelers in 2016, developing into a great piece in their trenches. He would move on and sign with the Philadelphia Eagles and in his second season there, would be named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. He found similar success in his first year with the San Francisco 49ers, but last season, he tore his triceps -- ending his season just after three games.
The Steelers could be really diving into the Eagles' playbook this offseason, building up the defensive line and allowing TJ Watt to create more chaos. With how poor the line played, it allowed teams to take Watt out of the equation, especially near the end of the season. Khan needs to help his star edge rusher and bringing in a talent like Allen will do just that.
Steelers Need To Build The Trenches Defensively If They Are Going To Right The Ship
The Steelers have a lot of things to fix before the 2025 season and the defensive trenches is on the top of that list. Allen is just the right player to help stuff the run game and assist in elevating his teammates around him on and off the field. The Steelers are in desperate need to bolster their line to make sure that they do not get diced up on the ground again, just like they did in the Wild Card Round this past season.
Adding Allen and maybe a young rookie will help beef up the depth, but allow Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff to push Benton to his full potential, moving across the line. Allen is a player Kaboly would go after and the Steelers could have the same mindset.
Would you make a move for Allen? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
