Pittsburgh Steelers free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 09: Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Dee Ford (55) before the snap in the fourth quarter of an NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs on December 9, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 23: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates an interception by inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney #55 (not pictured) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. Tyrann Mathieu

Whereas signing Hicks would go under the radar, bringing the Honey Badger into the fold would get a lot of people in Pittsburgh pretty excited. The Steelers defense was pretty good last season, but adding a playmaker like Mathieu in the back-end might nudge it up to great in 2019.

We really like what Morgan Burnett gives the team at strong safety, but Sean Davis isn’t dynamic enough at the free safety spot. Specifically, that’s where we could see Mathieu making a massive impact.

Davis only had one interception last season. A team that generates as much pressure on the Steelers should really pride themselves on takeaways at the back-end. Mathieu isn’t the same sort of physical presence that Troy Polamalu was in his prime, but he’d give Pittsburgh an All-Pro caliber player at safety.

It’s very possible that Mathieu is going to incite a small bidding war this offseason. The Steelers should strongly consider making him their No. 1 target in free agency. It’s possible the contract demands could get silly, but as long as they stay within reason, Pittsburgh should push to bring the Honey Badger to the Steel City.

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