Pittsburgh Steelers free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

The Steelers narrowly missed the playoffs in 2018, but a few solid free agency acquisitions could help them return to the postseason next season.

No one in Pittsburgh is happy with the fact that the Steelers finished 9-6-1 last season. This team has entirely too much talent to miss the postseason. Unfortunately, an abundance of drama in the Steel City derailed this team’s chances to make serious noise in 2018.

Next season is a different issue though. The contract saga of Le’Veon Bell will almost certainly leave town. It’s possible the franchise will also move on without Antonio Brown’s off-field antics as well. No matter how you slice it, Mike Tomlin is going to do his best to get the focus back on football next season.

His roster isn’t perfect though. As always, the Steelers will concentrate most of their offseason energy trying to build through the draft. Pittsburgh shouldn’t ignore free agency though. There are quite a few veterans who could really help them get over the top. Read on to identify five free agents who can really help Tomlin and company make a deep run into next year’s postseason.

5. Mark Ingram

James Conner did an admirable job of filling in for Bell last season. He did a particularly good job catching the football out of the backfield. Unfortunately, he wasn’t quite the runner that the Steelers offense needed him to be.

Pittsburgh finished next to last in the NFL in rushing yards per game last season. Part of that can be attributed to their talent in the passing game, but it’s obvious Tomlin would prefer more balance. That means the franchise needs to find a running back to pair with Conner next year.

Signing Ingram would be a perfect complement to Conner’s skills. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry as Alvin Kamara’s sidekick in New Orleans this season. The Steelers shouldn’t offer the veteran a massive deal, but he’d be a great offensive addition if the price is right.