Last year I wrote an article on some lower tier FA’s I would have liked to see the Steelers target. The list was almost identical compared to the draft in terms of positions targeted. I wanted the Steelers to target two young Chargers, Carlos Polk (OLB) and Ryan Bingham (DE/NT). Polk saw the field sparingly, but filled in nicely for Merriman in 06. Bingham filled in for the Chargers this year and earned himself a nice contract extension. I wanted the team to go after a second TE. My favorite target was Cincinnati Bungal Reggie Kelly. I also wanted Kelly Washington, who was signed by the Patriots and ended up being a special teams stand-out for them. Washington would have filled two needs.

The team obviously spent their day one picks on LB’s and a TE. They also grabbed a DE in round 4 and a receiver in R7. They could have just as easily addressed these minor needs in FA with lower end FA’s like these guys (who have almost the same potential) and used all of day 2 to attack the OL. Instead the team spread their draft picks out and tried to meet all their needs with one source. The strategy was a failure. The team addressed the need of a second TE, a punter, and LB adequately, but failed when it comes to the OL and back-up DE spot.

My strategy is simple. It’s the same thing the Pats have used throughout their dynasty. Attack lower end FA’s and use them to fill out the bottom of your roster. Low risk, but there is the potential of great rewards. I wanted a Carlos Polk because he reminded me a bit of a guy like Mike Vrabel. The Pats raided the bottom of the Steelers roster (and have done so for years) to try and address their needs. They created masses of competition and added depth by adding vets in FA. In 2001, they added some 20 of these players.

This year, we can identify OL as the key area of need, and one in which we need starters. OL will likely be hit heavy in the draft. Back-up DE is the next spot. The team could use a back-up behind Parker, especially after his injury (a real one, not Davenport). LB is an area of depth concern still. A playmaking corner would be a nice addition, if unnecessary.

Moore was buried in Minnesota this season, but has been a solid contributor for several seasons prior to this one. Moore wants to go somewhere to get more carries, and Pittsburgh would be as an ideal of a spot as any for him. Moore has been a third down back and a reliable receiving back throughout his career. Ran for over 600 yards in 2005 at 4.3 YPC. Averaged 5.5 and 5.7 YPC the past two seasons.

Smith is a name Steelers fans are probably more familiar with. He doesn’t have much production, but he has done good as a change of pace in the Baltimore offense. He’s athletic for his size and catches the ball naturally. He would be an upgrade over Davenport if given the chance.

Aiken has the size people desperately look for at receiver and was originally a fourth rounder in 2003. He has been one of the key members of their top ranked special teams for years now. You know he can contribute to the team at least in one aspect. He can battle it out for the fifth roster receiver spot with Willie Reid and Dallas Baker. He still has potential at receiver, as he’s always been buried on the depth chart in Buffalo and played with lousy QB’s. Poor QB’s don’t spread the ball out and aren’t going to be hitting the fourth or fifth receiver too often.

Bell has experience at tackle and guard in his NFL career, and has started the past two seasons on one of the league’s most underrated offensive lines. The Titans have been one of the most successful inside running teams in the league. The QB’s and RB’s have changed in this offense, but the production really hasn’t.

Kelly is a 4-3 DE who lacks the explosiveness to ever be a great rush end. However, he has the strength to move the pocket and the ideal bulk to play inside a 3-4. He will likely come cheap after being injured in 07, but the man is just a good football player. Looking at his stats, he also has a knack for causing fumbles. He has as many in three seasons of play as Aaron Smith does in his career.

Meier is a personal favorite of mine. I think he would absolutely dominate in a 3-4, and extend his career several more seasons. He has been a solid wave player at DE and occasionally DT (actually started there last year much of the time). He is one of the best interior pass rushers in the league, while still being especially stout against the run. Age, and lacking great value to 4-3 teams could make him a relatively cheap signing. If he could be had for 3-4 million, he would be a stud for 4-5 seasons. Meier has never been a starter full time, besides when others have gotten hurt. He‘s just been buried on the depth chart in Jacksonville, which is a shame. The Steelers saw him twice last year beat the shit out of Kendall Simmons and Sean Mahan, so hopefully that helps them make up their mind. If you can’t beat a team, raid their roster…

Smith is more athletic, yet less stout than Meier. The only advantage is that he’s younger, yet he’ll likely cost more money. He would need to bulk up some, but Smith would probably do well in a 3-4. He’s a bit like Keisel and will move the pocket consistently. He has always been solid against the run outside, and rarely gets himself turned or pushed around. This is the priciest player I will list, but I think he could be had for 4-5 million.

Wyms is a guy who stuck out to me whenever I watched Seattle because he seemed to be a well rounded player who was exceptional for a DT at getting in the face of QB‘s. He was originally drafted by Dungy to be a penetrating Tampa 2 DT. He should come very cheap, but I think he would be an absolute steal. He doesn’t have great height, and would probably only ever be a back-up in the 3-4. He would be a huge upgrade over the likes of Nick Eason.

I see very little value for the Steelers at LB or DB in FA.