The Steelers “would love” to have their seasoned defensive starter back.
Mason Rudolph, the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has expressed his desire to be re-signed in a very public manner. However, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic claimed on February 6 that, in an ideal world, the Steelers would also sign Levi Wallace, the cornerback, again.
Wallace is the free agent that the Steelers would most like to re-sign, according to Kaboly’s ranking. Rudolph ranked first.
Kaboly wrote, “The Steelers would love to have Wallace back.”
That claim made sense in light of what ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported in January regarding Wallace and the Steelers.
Fowler noted, “Wallace has been a solid starter over two years in Pittsburgh, producing six interceptions and 12 pass breakups since 2022. The Steelers’ free agency class is not star-studded.” “He could stay there for an additional two years, getting closer to free agency,” I said.
Wallace is the only free agent signed by Pittsburgh this offseason who started nine or more games in 2023, to address Fowler’s claim.
For a two-year contract, Spotrac estimated Wallace’s market value to be $11.88 million. The seasoned cornerback would receive an average yearly salary of $5.9 million under such a contract.
Is CB Levi Wallace Something the Pittsburgh Steelers Could Bring Back?
The Steelers would really like to have Wallace on the roster in 2024, according to Kaboly. Kaboly did not anticipate that Omar Khan, the general manager, would give the experienced cornerback first priority.
Kaboly stated, “Even after a season in which he started nine games, played in sixteen, and logged 69 percent of the defensive snaps, [Wallace is] surely not at the top of their free-agent priority list.” “The Steelers have the luxury to experiment with their No. 2 guy as Joey Porter Jr. emerges as the clear No. 1 cornerback.”
Kaboly predicts the Steelers “snooping around free agency” for younger players with greater potential rather than signing Wallace right away.
Analysts have linked cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed and Jaylon Johnson to the Steelers. Both may be available for free this offseason.
The Steelers don’t have a lot of cap space to deal with before 2024, even if they become available.
The Steelers might then decide to go back and re-sign Wallace if they are unable to find another solution.
Why Wallace Should Be Re-Signed by the Steelers.
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The Steelers’ choice regarding Wallace’s free agency may also be influenced by Patrick Peterson’s future. The 33-year-old’s deal is set to expire in 2024, although there have been rumors that he would be lost to cap space this summer.
Peterson also advised him to relocate for safety.
The Steelers won’t have much depth at cornerback when free agency rolls around if they lose Peterson. In addition to Wallace, Pittsburgh’s pending free agents include cornerbacks James Pierre, Chandon Sullivan, and Elijah Riley.
Kaboly’s list of free agents cornerbacks that the Steelers should re-sign had Sullivan at number seven. However, Kaboly proposed that Peterson may play more nickel to cover for Sullivan if the Steelers re-sign Wallace.
The Steelers are bringing back Joey Porter Jr. from the starting lineup in addition to Peterson for 2024. Porter, the No. 32 overall selection in 2023, is anticipated to grow into the team’s next disruptive cornerback.
Also under contract through 2024 with the Steelers are cornerbacks Darius Rush, Cory Trice, Josiah Scott, Luq Barcoo, Kalon Barnes, Thomas Graham Jr., and Nate Meadors.
