Negotiating pay when I have been out of work after 7 years as a web developer

I have been out of work for 4 weeks and feel pressure to accept less. I also do not want to sell myself short. What did you say?

Asking about the range for the role first worked for me. Some recruiters share it.

I gave a range based on local postings and said I was flexible depending on the whole package. They did not push back.