The bulk of free agency is over and done with, and teams are turning their attention to the NFL Draft. But that doesn’t mean there still can’t be diamonds in the rough to find in free agency, and some big names still remain available. While I don’t foresee the Steelers going out and adding a big-name free agent, there are still players left that would make sense for a potential signing as the team fills out its 90-man roster. None of these names are splashy, and none would even be roster locks. But they’re players with some intrigue and upside that might be worth taking a flier on.

RB Dare Ogunbowale

Yes, the Steelers already signed a running back with special teams value in Travis Homer. Yes, the team already has four running backs on the active roster. But despite Mike McCarthy’s praise for Kaleb Johnson, there’s still a chance he’s buried as the team’s RB3 this season. In that case, it would make sense to explore his trade value. Add in Ogunbowale, who has plenty of special teams experience and has also produced as a both a runner and receiver in his career, largely spent with the Houston Texans.

The numbers aren’t eye-popping, but Ogunbowale has 109 career receptions and can certainly be a serviceable RB3 or RB4. As I said, none of these signings would be locks to make the 53-man roster, but Ogunbowale could be worth a look to have around in training camp while the team evaluates Johnson.

TE Donald Parham

The Steelers liked Parham enough to sign him last offseason, but a torn Achilles in OTAs ended his season. Obviously, that’s a severe injury, but we’ve seen athletes recover faster and more effectively from it in recent years. Right now, the Steelers’ TE room consists of Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and JJ Galbreath. The team saw enough in Parham to bring him in to try and compete last offseason, and adding him to the room as extra depth would make sense.

Pittsburgh would need to be comfortable with Parham’s medicals, and they likely know where he’s at better than other teams. But assuming his injury hasn’t completely zapped him of his athleticism, Parham could add depth to the tight end room.

CB Martin Emerson

Like Parham, Emerson is coming off a torn Achilles, but he did visit with the Houston Texans earlier this week. Emerson’s addition would hinge on how the draft shakes out. If the Steelers miss out on a cornerback early, adding Emerson would make a lot of sense. Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean are starters on the outside, with Asante Samuel Jr. likely the top backup. But Dean has injury concerns and Porter missed time last year. Emerson is a proven starting corner who snagged four interceptions in 2023, and could come in as very reliable depth.

It won’t make as much sense if the Steelers address cornerback early in the draft. But Emerson is a player who could’ve made a lot of money this offseason if he hadn’t been injured. He could be had on the cheap and would certainly bolster the cornerback room.