We’ve compiled a list of the Steelers top free agents that need to be re-signed in order of importance. Out of the 22 Steelers that will hit free agency this season, these eight are the most impactful.

8. Devin Bush, ILB

Projected Contract: One-Year, $3 Million

While Devin Bush will most likely end up on a new team next season, he was included among these players in the event that the Steelers aren’t able to re-sign the other linebacker ahead of him on this list. Even if the Steelers do shore-up the linebacker position, whether it’s through the draft or free agency, the 2019 first-round pick could be a solid rotational player. After a few subpar seasons following his 2020 ACL tear, it’s not unreasonable to expect Bush to sign a contract with an annual salary of around $3 million.

7. Derek Watt, FB

Projected Contract: Two-Years, $6 Million

Derek Watt was severely underutilized in his first two seasons with the team, but he managed to carve out a larger role in the offense last season. Watt was extremely valuable on third-down in 2022 where he managed to rack up 8 conversions. He also ran for one touchdown and added another through the air. Additionally, Watt brings excellent special teams play to the table and will probably command about $3 million per year on the open market. He might also be willing to accept a small pay-cut so that he can continue to play with his brother.

6. Zach Gentry, TE

Projected Contract: Two-Years, $5 Million

Zach Gentry has blossomed into a reliable blocking tight end for the Steelers over the last couple years. He’s also a decent pass catcher and a guy that many in the locker room are fond of. “I have so much love for this organization and the people who are here,” Gentry said when discussing his impending free agency. Gentry could sign a team-friendly deal and stick around for another season or two.

5. Damontae Kazee, S

Projected Contract: One-Year, $1.2 Million

Damontae Kazee dealt with a wrist injury and a three-game suspension near the beginning of the 2022 season, but once he was on the field he made an immediate impact. In his first start, he picked off Andy Dalton while filling in for an injured Minkah Fitzpatrick. Kazee is also one of the better depth safeties hitting the open market and he’s stated that he’d like to remain in the black & gold for at least another season. The Steelers signed Damontae Kazee to a one-year deal worth $1.18 million in 2022 and something similar could be worked out during the 2023 off-season.

4. Robert Spillane, ILB

Projected Contract: Two-Years, $5 Million

With the Steelers lack of depth at the position, at least one of the linebackers on this list needs to be re-signed. Mark Robinson and Myles Jack are the only other inside linebackers on the roster and with the latter being a potential cap casualty, the Steelers will have to retool the position. Robert Spillane would be the preferred option since he’s been more consistent over the last few seasons. His reliability and cheaper price tag is the reason he gets the nod over Bush. Expect Spillane to receive a contract with a similar annual salary to what he earned in 2022 (a little over $2 million).

3. Terrell Edmunds, S

Projected Contract: Two-Years, $7.5 Million

The Steelers 2018 first-round pick has been labeled a ‘bust’ by many and hasn’t lived up to his high draft pedigree, but Terrell Edmunds has progressively gotten better in pass coverage and has settled into his role as a box safety through his first five seasons in Pittsburgh. Edmunds has stated his desire to return to the Steelers in 2023 and if you couple that with the fact that Miles Killebrew is the only other strong safety on the roster, it would be easy to imagine the two sides try and make something work. Spotrac.com lists Edmunds market value at around $5.4 million per year, but he might have a hard time finding a team willing to shell out that much money. A more reasonable expectation would be somewhere in the $3 million to $4 million range.

2. Larry Ogunjobi, DE

Projected Contract: Two-Years, $15.5 Million

Larry Ogunjobi is a long shot to be re-signed but if the Steelers can somehow make it happen it would be extremely beneficial for the defensive front. Ogunjobi was a huge reason why the Steelers run defense got better down the stretch in 2022. His ability to stop the run and rush the passer would be invaluable, especially with significant help needed along the D-line and an aging Cameron Heyward. Ogunjobi’s annual price tag will likely come in around $8 million, the same amount he signed for in 2022.

1. Cameron Sutton, CB

Projected Contract: Three-Years, $21 Million

If only one free agent from this list can be re-signed, it needs to be Cameron Sutton. The Steelers have a dire need at the cornerback position going forward. William Jackson and Ahkello Witherspoon are both candidates to be cut this off-season which leaves Levi Wallace and Arthur Maulet as the only serviceable players in the CB room. This year’s draft is deep at corner and could yield a suitable replacement for Sutton. However, it might make more sense to continue on with a player that has been in the Steelers’ system for 6 seasons. Sutton also brings more versatility as he’s able to line up on the outside and in the slot. An ideal situation would have the Steelers and Cam Sutton coming to terms on a new deal somewhere in the neighborhood of $6 million to $7 million annually.

All Steelers 2023 Free Agents

Did we miss anyone? Which free agents do you want back with the Steelers in 2023?