Steelers 2023 free agent signings

NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2023 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year began March 15 at 4 p.m. ET. The first round of the 2023 NFL draft begins April 27 on ESPN.

Though normally quiet in free agency, the Pittsburgh Steelers were active on the first day of the legal tampering period Monday, when they agreed to terms with veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson. The 32-year-old Peterson, who recorded five interceptions in his second season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, will help Pittsburgh overcome the loss of Cameron Sutton, who agreed to a deal with the Detroit Lions earlier on Monday.

On Tuesday, the Steelers agreed to terms with guard Nate Herbig, formerly of the New York Jets, also re-signing safety Demontae Kazee and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi.

Early Wednesday, the Steelers agreed to a deal with former Commanders linebacker Cole Holcomb.

Here's a breakdown of every 2023 NFL free-agent signing by the Steelers, and how each will impact the upcoming season:

The four-year NFL veteran Holcomb agreed to a three-year deal with the Steelers.

What it means: The Steelers had an imminent need at inside linebacker and it only became more pressing after ILB Robert Spillane signed in Las Vegas leaving just Mark Robinson and Myles Jack as the two significant inside linebackers under contract for 2023. Before a foot injury last season, Holcomb posted 69 tackles in seven games. In signing Holcomb, who wore the green dot for the Commanders, to a three-year deal, the Steelers are signaling an intention to make the inside linebacker a significant part of their future.

What's the risk: Holcomb missed more than half of the 2022 season with a foot injury that required surgery, but the injury is not expected to have a long-term impact. A four-year starter, Holcomb was a significant piece of Washington's defense in his last two years and was a solid three-down linebacker. The signing is a good start to restock the cupboard, but there's more work to be done.

Ogunjobi re-signed to the Steelers on a three-year, $28.75 million deal

What it means: The Steelers had to address the defensive line this offseason, and they do it in a big way by retaining Ogunjobi after a one-year stint where he was a crucial run-stopper. The Steelers signed Ogunjobi on a one-year discount -- $8 million -- last offseason after his deal with Chicago fell through as the result of a failed physical from a foot injury. He played well for the Steelers with 7 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits -- well enough to get a big payday in Pittsburgh.

What's the risk: The Steelers are giving Ogunjobi a $28.75 million deal with most of it -- $21.75 million -- coming in the first year. It's a big hit for a guy who was plagued by nagging toe, knee and back injuries last season. Even so, Ogunjobi still played 16 games and was effective in the middle of the line. In front-loading the deal, the Steelers are betting that he's completely healthy entering 2023.

Kazee will re-sign to the Steelers on a two-year deal.

What it means: The Steelers kept one of their own in retaining Kazee. He missed nearly half the season after sustaining a wrist injury in the final preseason game, but he was a versatile and productive depth piece when healthy. He had two picks, started four games and allowed the Steelers to deploy a three-safety package at times with Minkah Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds.

What's the risk: There's not much risk in signing Kazee, who was productive in limited work. The biggest thing to monitor is what the Steelers do with Edmunds, who is set to hit free agency after returning on a one-year deal in 2022. Kazee is either in line to return as the No. 3 safety, or he could be elevated to No. 2 if the Steelers don't bring Edmunds back. Fitzpatrick and Kazee already have a rapport from the 2022 season, making the pairing an ideal one.

Herbig agreed to a two-year deal worth $8 million, including $4 million guaranteed.

What it means: New assistant general manager Andy Weidl is plenty familiar with Herbig after the Eagles signed the guard as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Primarily a reserve, he wound up starting 17 games in Philadelphia and 11 with the New York Jets last season. He's a versatile interior lineman with the bulk of his snaps coming at right guard. Herbig appears to be a solid depth signing, but he could push Kevin Dotson for a starting job.

What's the risk: With just $4 million guaranteed, Herbig is a relatively low-risk signing. The Steelers can always use versatile interior linemen, and it doesn't preclude them from adding more in free agency or the draft. The Steelers line struggled early last season, but had the benefit of cohesion and was a serviceable unit by the end of the year.

Peterson agreed to a 2-year deal including a $5.85 million signing bonus and $1.3 million in 2023 salary, both fully guaranteed. Peterson's 2024 figures include a $5.15 million salary and a $3 million roster bonus, both non-guaranteed. . The 12-year veteran and three-time All-Pro is tied for the lead among active NFL players in interceptions, with 34.

What it means: The Steelers started out the legal tampering period by losing its top corner Sutton to the Detroit Lions, but netting Peterson on a two-year deal later in the day instantly infuses the Steelers with a veteran leader in an otherwise young room. After Sutton's departure, the Steelers cornerback room was reduced to Levi Wallace, James Pierre and Ahkello Witherspoon -- and both Pierre and Witherspoon were benched at times. Peterson helps solidify the group, but the Steelers shouldn't be done adding to the position.

What's the risk: Turning 33 before the 2023 season, Peterson is in the final years of his Pro Bowl career. His effectiveness declined in his final seasons in Arizona's man defense, but his production picked back up over his last two seasons in Minnesota's zone-heavy scheme. Peterson grabbed five picks in 2022, his most since recording seven in 2012 -- his second year in the league. The Steelers play a mix of zone and man, and they'll have to find the right fit for Peterson within that to maximize his versatility and skill set in the late stages of his career.