5 bold predictions for Steelers in 2024 free agency, trade market

Bold Prediction #3: Steelers take a chance on Jeremy Chinn or Julian Blackmon

One of the Pittsburgh Steelers' top needs heading into the offseason is safety. They have some decent corners, and Joey Porter Jr. has the makings of a star, but they are weak up top. They would like someone to take up the role next to Minkah Fitzpatrick. In our "Top 30 Free Agents piece," we had Patriots safety Kyle Dugger joining Pittsburgh. The Patriots used the transition tag on Dugger, so he's not going anywhere.

Since the top safety on the market will be out, the Steelers will look for huge upside plays. Enter Jeremy Chinn or Julian Blackmon. Both players lost a season to injury, which will bring their value down, but they both have had a superstar-level season, as well.

Blackmon will be a more expensive option (although not close to what they would have paid Dugger). He's coming off his best season, with 88 tackles, five tackles for loss, eight passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and four interceptions. He did just about everything. That's the type of player Tomlin prioritizes, and he'd look amazing on this defense.

Chinn finished his rookie year with 117 tackles and was second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. However, that was way back in 2020. He was good again in 2021, but his coverage numbers were dipping pretty bad. Last season, the Panthers didn't even use him in passing situations, and he only had 30 tackles. He's a project that Tomlin might like for a very affordable price. Obviously, Blackmon is preferred, but if the Colts keep him or someone outbids the Steelers, Chinn is an interesting backup plan.