Free agency will be Steelers' likely route

The 2020 NFL Draft is now in the books. But with only six picks in the seven-round draft, the Steelers most certainly couldn't fill all the holes on their roster.

Don't misunderstand, the holes aren't big. The team did a good job of filling in spots prior to the draft, making sure that if it had to line up and play a game the Wednesday before the draft, it could field a starting 22 with NFL-caliber players.

But the additions of wide receiver Chase Claypool, outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, running back Anthony McFarland, guard Kevin Dotson, safety Antoine Brooks and nose tackle Carlos Davis didn't take care of all of the team's needs.

Highsmith and Brooks, for example, will fit into the mix at outside linebacker and safety -- and potentially inside linebacker in the case of Brooks. But counting on what was essentially a fourth and a sixth-round pick to be key backups might be a bit much to ask considering the NFL might have a truncated training camp and certainly won't have any on-field minicamps or OTAs.

But more so than any year in recent memory, there are a solid number of veteran players still available on the open market. And with the compensatory pick deadline having passed last Monday -- meaning anyone signed now doesn't count against the compensatory pick formula -- we could see the Steelers move to add some veteran depth soon.

Where might they look? Offensively, things look pretty set. But on defense, the team could use a veteran backup at outside linebacker, inside linebacker and particularly safety, where it could use a player capable of playing free or strong.

Here's a look at some of the players available who might fit the bill on the cheap:

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

Jabaal Sheard -- A lot of people are focusing on Clay Matthews, but I'm told the veteran has no inclination to sign a deal somewhere that he'll be counted on to be a backup. He wants to start. But Sheard? The former Pitt star might want the same thing, but he's less likely to get the chance than Matthews. Sheard had 25 tackles and 4.5 sacks for the Colts last season in 13 games, 12 of which were starts. His starting days are likely behind him. But he'd be a nice No. 3 behind Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt while Highsmith learns the ropes.

Anthony Chickillo -- Yes, that Anthony Chickillo. He hasn't gotten any nibbles on the open market. And he had to go before free agency opened because he was making too much money. But if he would return on a cheap deal, he'd make a lot of sense. He knows the system. And in a season in which preseason practice time will be limited, that is huge.

Sam Acho -- The 31-year-old most certainly is no longer a starter like he was in his days with the Cardinals and Bears, but if he's healthy, he could provide a solid veteran presence coming off the bench.

INSIDE LINEBACKER

Mark Barron -- The Steelers had to release Barron to get under the salary cap. But he's yet to sign anywhere and he played a lot of snaps for them last season (750). Like Chickillo, Barron wouldn't need to learn the defense. Unlike Chickillo, Barron is much more valuable.

Nigel Bradham -- At 30, Bradham's best days might be behind him. But he's always been decent in coverage and would certainly be a potential complementary player, whether that be competing with Vince Williams or backing him up. He likely wants a chance to start somewhere, however.

Mychal Kendricks -- It wasn't that long ago, Kendricks was a hot name on the free agent market that everyone in Pittsburgh wanted. He's still a good player. The 29-year-old started for the Seahawks in 2019, but Seattle has moved on.

Wesley Woodyard -- At 34, Woodyard is the oldest player here. But he also has the most experience, having appeared in 180 career games with 110 starts. If he can still run, the former Titans' linebacker can give you a little something across the board. He's got eight career interceptions and 28 career sacks.

SAFETY

Kurt Coleman -- Coleman has played some free safety, strong safety and linebacker in his 10-year career. His veteran guidance could help the Steelers in a lot of ways, especially in the locker room with a very young safety group. And he can still play in a pinch.

Tavon Wilson -- The former Patriots and Lions safety played for Steelers assistant defensive and secondary coach Teryl Austin with the Lions. He's played both free and strong safety and will still only be 30 in 2020. Wilson had a career-high 98 tackles for the Lions last season. This would make a lot of sense.

Reshad Jones -- A two-time Pro Bowl player, Jones is now 32 and could be reunited with Minkah Fitzpatrick. He only played in four games last season, so health is obviously a factor, but Jones would be a nice addition.

Darian Stewart -- The 10-year veteran spent the 2019 season with the Buccaneers, appearing in 13 games with one start. He has played both strong and free safety and even a little cornerback at times. Stewart went to the Pro Bowl with the Broncos in 2016 and might be looking to make one more run.