NFL free agency is in full swing, and that means changes are in the air.
In case you missed anything, here is a look at where the Steelers stand during this busy time of year.
The team released veterans William Gay, Robert Golden and Mike Mitchell at the onset of free agency. The Steelers also placed the franchise tag on running back Le'Veon Bell the week before free agency began.
Two restricted free agents were given tender offers, Chris Boswell and Anthony Chickillo. As a result of this, if either player would sign an offer sheet with another team, the Steelers would have the right to match the offer, or receive draft pick compensation. The restricted free agent signing period is March 14-April 20.
Boswell, who was voted to his first Pro Bowl, kicked four game-winning field goals in 2017, including three as time expired against the Colts, Packers and Bengals. The three field goals with time expiring tied the record for most in a single season since the 1970 NFL merger. His 53-yard game-winning field goal against the Packers tied the record for longest field goal at Heinz Field. Boswell connected on 35 of 38 field goal attempts and 37 of 39 extra point attempts. His 35 field goals set a Steelers single-season record and the first time a Steelers kicker made at least 30 field goals since Shaun Suisham did so in 2013. Boswell also set a team single-season record for most points with 142 and has the sixth-most field goals in team history with 85.
Chickillo had a career-high three sacks in 2017, including two in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns. He sacked Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer twice, the first multi-sack game of his career. Chickillo also scored the first touchdown of his career in the game, and the team's first touchdown of 2017, after Tyler Matakevich blocked a punt and he recovered it in the end zone. Chickillo finished the season with 14 tackles, three sacks, and a pass defense while playing in all 16 games, including two starts. For his career he has recorded 38 tackles, five and a half sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He also has added 16 special teams tackles.
When free agency went into full effect, the following became unrestricted free agents: Chris Hubbard (who has reportedly agreed to sign with Cleveland), Justin Hunter, Daniel McCullers, Arthur Moats, Stevan Ridley and Sean Spence.
In addition, Greg Ducre, Eli Rogers and Fitzgerald Toussaint, all who would have been restricted free agents, weren't offered contract tenders became unrestricted free agents. Mike Matthews, an exclusive rights free agent, wasn't signed and also is an unrestricted free agent.
UPDATED: The team signed Fitzgerald Toussaint to a one-year contract late Thursday afternoon.
