The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't the elite defensive force they once were.

The six-time Super Bowl champions have ranked outside the Top 12 in defense in consecutive seasons for the first time since the 1991 and 1992 seasons.

To make matters worse, Hall of Fame defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will not be with the team next season as he is now a member of the Tennessee Titans. The AFC North is one of the toughest divisions in the league, and the Steelers know they have a lot of work to do this offseason. A home playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens is not what the Steelers had planned.

Jason Worilds is a great linebacker, one of the most underrated in the game today. Worilds led the Steelers in sacks last season with 7.5, but he is set to become a free agent. Although fans would love to have him back, but the Steelers may let him walk as a free agent this offseason.

It's more than likely that Ike Taylor will not be back with the Steelers next season. For whatever reason, he continues to decline on the field, especially in coverage situations. Taylor hasn't appeared to be the same since Tim Tebow connected on the game-winning 80-yard touchdown against him in the playoffs in 2012.

Without a doubt, the biggest buzz has surrounded James Harrison, who will be 37 years old next season, but fits the Steelers system very well. Despite starting just four games for the Steelers last season, Harrison had 5.5 quarterback sacks. Odds are Harrison won't get very much on the open market, so he should be willing to re-sign with the Steelers.

The Steelers also have to make a big decision with safety Troy Polamalu, who is far past his prime with the injuries having taken their toll on the potential future Hall of Famer. Polamalu is scheduled to count more than $16 million against the Steelers salary cap the next two seasons, and if he doesn't agree to restructure for less, they may just release him.

Then there's Darrius Heyward-Bey. The young wide receiver has outstanding speed, but he has below average catching skills and route running abilities. There's a good chance the Steelers will let him walk in free agency.

As far as team needs and potential free agent targets, the Steelers would love to bring in young talent. General manager Kevin Colbert knows he has to improve this defense that ranked 18th overall last season. It's very likely the Kansas City Chiefs will franchise tag Justin Houston, but he would be a perfect Steelers type of player to add.

Some notable secondary players who are set to become free agents include Byron Maxwell, Antonio Cromartie, Antrel Rolle and Devin McCourty. The Steelers pass defense ranked 27th in the league last season.

2015 Steelers Free Agents

1. Jason Worilds
2. Ike Taylor
3. Matt Spaeth
4. Brice McCain
5. Arthur Moats
6. Darrius Heyward-Bey
7. Will Allen
8. Robert Golden
9. Will Johnson
10. Michael Palmer
11. Antwon Blake
12. James Harrison
13. Bryant Browning
14. Clifton Geathers
15. Ben Tate

The NFL free agent and trading period begins on Tuesday, March 10 at 4 p.m. EST. Monday, March 2 at 4 p.m. EST is the last day for teams to use the franchise tag.

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