It’s housekeeping time in the NFL, where franchises are releasing, resigning and restructuring contracts in hopes of putting their best team on the field when the 2017 season kicks off later this year.

The NFL free agency period is set to begin in a few weeks, and as such, the Steelers are also looking to bring back several players who are set to become free agents.

Kevin Colbert sat down with the media last Thursday to discuss some pending moves this offseason. Based on reports and what the Steelers GM said his pressure, here’s an update on where the Steelers stand with those players.

Antonio Brown

The big one on everyone’s radar (aside from Le’Veon Bell). Apparently it is a big one for Colbert and the Steelers as well.

.#Steelers GM Kevin Colbert told reporters today negotiations have started with Antonio Brown on long-term deal, calling it a "priority."

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) February 16, 2017

I had mentioned in another article how the Steelers would be crazy to get rid of one of the best, with potential to be the greatest ever, wide receivers on the team… and in the league.

With one year remaining on his current deal, Antonio Brown will be signed to a decent-sized contract which will make sense for the team as well. Colbert had already been maneuvering money over the last two seasons to “make up” for AB’s current “underpaying” agreement he made with the team back in 2012.

That means he’s definitely a priority to bring back to the Steelers.

Alejandro Villanueva

The Steelers found a gem when they signed the former Army Ranger off the streets in 2014, and subsequently signed Villanueva to a two-year futures deal in 2015.

Giving “Big Al” a chance to play as left tackle actually gave Pittsburgh one of the most cost-effective blindside protectors in all of professional football. An exclusive rights free agent for 2017, Pittsburgh is apparently trying to lock down a long-term deal for their offensive lineman soon:

My story: Steelers target Alejandro Villanueva for long-term deal https://t.co/J2LKFMk9sJ via @PittsburghPG

— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) February 16, 2017

Big Al was one of several offensive lineman to help turn the Steelers line into a powerhouse in 2016, paving the way for Le’Veon Bell’s record-breaking runs, and keeping Ben Roethlisberger upright more often than not.

Retaining Villanueva for the future would be a solid decision by the Steelers front office.

Landry Jones

Apparently the Steelers front office doesn’t dislike Landry as much as the fanbase does.

Colbert: Would like to re-sign backup Landry Jones, keep him "in the mix." But might not be ready to seek Ben's replacement just yet.

— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) February 16, 2017

Reading into Colbert’s statement is easy: Without getting into the full discussion here, Jones is one of the better backups in the league, and comes at an affordable price.

Rather than start over with a rookie or do the same with signing a veteran, the Steelers may opt to pay in the same ballpark of what they had for Bruce Gradkowski, to retain a younger, reliable number two, while evaluating what current number three Zach Mettenberger is capable of.