Steelers Free Agency: Week 1 Brought Two Starting LBs, OL Splash

The Pittsburgh Steelers were busy on the open market during the first week of free agency. This is a franchise not normally known for making the big splash, but instead picking and choosing their spots to find value in the offseason. In Omar Khan's first real offseason as general manager, he's made some interesting moves and placed a priority on building through the trenches on both sides of the ball. 

Let's break down all of the signings and their fits so far. 

Patrick Peterson, CB

The soon-to-be 33-year-old veteran cornerback inked a two-year, $14 million dollar deal with the Steelers shortly after the franchise saw Cam Sutton agree to a deal with the Detroit Lions. 2022 was something of a career resurgence for Peterson, with him picking off five passes for the Vikings' defense and excelling in their zone coverage-based scheme. 

Peterson's football I.Q. and ball skills are still tremendous, even if he's lost a step from his prime in which he was typically found shadowing the opposing team's best receiver. He's more matchup and scheme dependent these days, but he appears to still have some gas left in the tank and he should be the perfect mentor for whichever cornerback they select in the NFL Draft come April.

Nate Herbig, OL

Herbig was one of the many players thrust into the Jets offensive line last season that was ravaged by injuries from the start. A former Philadelphia Eagle, Herbig performed quite well when called upon, allowing only one sack in over 400 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. 

He's the ideal depth piece along the interior with plenty of experience holding down both guard spots and making a brief appearance at center back in 2021. He's a glovelike fit for the Steelers zone blocking attack and brings an element of physicality to the offensive line group. 

Finding quality depth on the market for the small price of $5.08 million over two years is solid work from the organization.

Cole Holcomb

Holcomb, unfortunately, suffered a season-ending injury last season in what was a contract year for him but in 2021, he was playing some of the best ball of his career. 

A plus athlete for the position, his athleticism is evident, showing off plenty of range and the ability to flow sideline to sideline. He's fluid in coverage with a pretty sound understanding of his assignments and leverage, but he would never be confused with a coverage linebacker, necessarily, as that's not truly his strength. 

Consider him a baseline starter for the Steelers' defense next season with some potential upside to unlock in the right environment. A three-year, $18 million dollar deal with little guaranteed money and just a $2.72 million dollar cap hit for 2023 is a low-risk move for a team looking to overhaul the position.

Elandon Roberts

The Steelers weren't shy about their true feelings on their inside linebackers play last season, as all three key members were shown the door while they ushered in two backers early during the free agency period. 

Roberts is an early down capable, throwback thumper type who loves contact and does his best work near the line of scrimmage against the run or blitzing the quarterback. He's the ideal depth piece to a room, a former captain with a plethora of special teams experience over the course of his career. 

For a team that seems intent on adding a youngster to the position at some point during the NFL Draft, adding a vet like Roberts is a fine move for $4.65 million over two years. 

Isaac Seumalo

Signing the former Eagles guard to a reported 3-year, $24 million dollar deal, is about as big of a splash as you'll ever see the Steelers make in free agency. If not for his struggles to stay healthy, the 29-year-old would've cashed in with a more significant deal coming off his best career season in 2022. Still, this was a no-brainer decision for the Steelers organization, with Seumalo providing stability to a position that they've been desperate for consistency over the past several seasons. 

Seumalo is an aggressive player who thrives in pass protection and offers plus mobility with the ability to pull and climb as a run blocker. So, as long as he stays healthy, this could be the first massive win in free agency for Omar Khan as the head man in charge. 

Damontae Kazee

The Steelers opted to prioritize Kazee's ball skills early on in free agency by re-signing him to a two-year, $4.25 million dollar contract. With 14 interceptions in 78 career games, his affinity for making plays on the football in the air are well documented, making him a perfect fit for their philosophy on defense. 

Teryl Austin deployed three safety looks frequently last season after Kazee worked himself back from injury, and the results were fantastic. This contract doesn't exactly scream starting caliber player, but he can certainly fill in nicely when called upon, with the ability to wear many different hats on defense, capable of playing both safety spots at a respectable level. 

Larry Ogunjobi

It's not necessarily a surprise that Ogunjobi landed back in Pittsburgh, but he was able to secure a better contract than expected by signing a three-year, $28.75 million dollar deal. This one is tough to gauge because Ogunjobi's productivity dipped last season, only registering 1.5 sacks while dealing with some nagging injuries throughout the season. 

He's always been known as a player that runs a bit hot and cold, but the flashes as a pass rusher have always been intriguing. With the way that this contract is structured, it certainly feels like the Steelers are confident that we haven't yet seen the best of Ogunjobi in black and gold. 

Without much proven depth behind him on the depth chart, let's hope that they are correct. 

Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Do Steelers Replace Terrell Edmunds With Kevin Byard?

Steelers Super Bowl Window is Open

Steelers Looking Into Free Agent Wide Receiver

Nate Herbig Gets Raving Reviews

Bears Could Trade Chase Claypool

• Subscribe to the All Steelers YouTube Channel
• Follow All Steelers on Twitter: @si_steelers