Offseason In Review: Pittsburgh Steelers

For the primary time since 1957, the Steelers have spent an offseason completely reshaping their quarterback depth chart. All three signal-callers who were in place for 2023 have departed, and the position’s recent faces offer intrigue but additionally carry loads of query marks. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are at different parts of their respective careers, though the approaching season offers each of them the chance to rebuild their value and land an prolonged stay in Pittsburgh or interest from outside suitors.

The Mike Tomlin era is ready to proceed through Pittsburgh’s latest efforts to search out a real Ben Roethlisberger successor. It stays to be seen if Wilson or Fields will prove able to earning that title, but Tomlin’s ongoing presence on the sidelines points to the Steelers again having a high floor. Postseason success has proven to be elusive in recent times; whether or not a brand new arrangement under center ends that drought might be the defining storyline for a team which once more faces an extended list of divisional and conference challengers.

Free agency additions:

• Patrick Queen, LB: Three years, $41MM ($13.84MM guaranteed)
• Cameron Johnston, P: Three years, $9MM ($2.88MM guaranteed)
• Cordarrelle Patterson, RB/KR: Two years, $6MM ($1.9MM guaranteed)
• DeShon Elliott, S: One 12 months, $3MM ($1.5MM guaranteed)
• Dean Lowry, DL: Two years, $5MM ($1.25MM guaranteed)
• Russell Wilson, QB: One 12 months: $1.2MM ($1.2MM guaranteed)
• Kyle Allen, QB: One 12 months, $1.29MM ($168K guaranteed)
• Van Jefferson, WR: One 12 months, $1.29MM ($168K guaranteed)
• Scotty Miller, WR: One 12 months, $1.29MM
• MyCole Pruitt, TE: One 12 months, $1.26MM
• Cameron Sutton, CB: One 12 months, $1.21MM
• Tyler Matakevich, LB: One 12 months, $1.21MM
• Boston Scott, RB (practice squad deal)
• Ben Skowronek, WR (practice squad deal)
• Jonathan Ward, RB (practice squad deal)
• Quez Watkins, WR (practice squad deal)

From the time of head coach Sean Payton’s arrival in Denver, questions were raised about how he and Wilson would mesh. The Saints Super Bowl winner helped Wilson bounce back to an extent from his calamitous debut within the Mile High City, however the team’s passing attack was still insufficient to qualify for the postseason. By the tip of the campaign, Jarrett Stidham was atop the depth chart with Wilson seeming to be destined for a fresh start.

Denver asked the nine-time Pro Bowler to waive the longer term guarantees in his contract; his refusal to accomplish that eventually led to Stidham taking on. Regardless of the way in which 2023 played out, Wilson made it clear on multiple occasions his preference was to stay in Denver. It ultimately got here as no surprise when the Broncos formally decided to maneuver on, though.

The team will tackle a record-breaking $85MM in dead cap charges by cutting Wilson consequently of the guaranteed money left on his pact – an element which led to the expectation he would join his next team on a veteran-minimum deal. That will up being the case once the 35-year-old’s Pittsburgh agreement was in place. Mutual interest quickly emerged between team and player, although Wilson also took a visit with the Giants in the course of the period between Denver allowing him to barter with suitors and officially releasing him.

The Steelers had quite a few other options to select from this offseason, one among which was Ryan Tannehill. The longtime Titans starter would have been a well-recognized face for brand new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, but he stays available on the market after receiving early consideration from Pittsburgh. As a substitute, Wilson might be counted on to supply a veteran presence within the team’s new-look quarterback room. The ten-year Seattle starter entered his first offseason together with his recent team in pole position for the starting gig, although a calf injury limited his training camp participation to an extent.

Once the preseason had concluded, though, Tomlin tapped Wilson because the passer who will top the depth chart to start the campaign. A return to his form in the course of the Seahawks’ back-to-back Super Bowl appearances shouldn’t be expected, but a consistent presence under center could still give the Steelers higher production from the QB spot than the past two years. If Wilson can clear that bar, he’ll position himself for an additional Pittsburgh contract or a comparatively healthy free agent market next spring.

The Steelers are traditionally not big spenders in free agency, and that generally remained true in 2024. Indeed, Queen was the one member of PFR’s top 50 list to take a cope with Pittsburgh. After the Ravens declined his fifth-year option last offseason (a move which followed Baltimore’s market-topping Roquan Smith extension), signs pointed to the second-team All-Pro finding a brand new team in free agency. Queen was not amongst Baltimore’s financial priorities for 2024, confirming he would depart after playing out his rookie contract.

The Pro Bowler’s pact raised eyebrows considering how limited it’s by way of guarantees. Queen, 25, only received one 12 months of fully locked-in compensation, and the team has the choice to proceed on a year-to-year basis beyond 2024. The LSU alum received more lucrative offers, but he selected to affix the Steelers as an alternative. Given his past as a Raven, that fact will add a brand new layer to the teams’ ongoing rivalry. Nonetheless, Queen will face high expectations in Pittsburgh.

Attached to the fifth-highest AAV for linebackers, Queen will step right into a full-time starting role in Pittsburgh. Queen saw his production improve after Smith was acquired via trade, and in 2023 he set profession highs in multiple categories (133 tackles, 3.5 sacks, six pass deflections). Having yet to miss a game up to now, durability shouldn’t be a priority as well. The Steelers’ veteran-laden defense will receive a youthful infusion of production if Queen’s deal pays off.

Interest in Patterson quickly emerged once the NFL’s recent kickoff rules were approved. The four-time All-Pro returner has eclipsed 1,000 scrimmage yards just once in his profession, but he has led the league in kick return average 3 times. Patterson, 33, had his best offensive season while serving in a running back/receiver hybrid role with the Falcons under Smith, although a repeat of that production can be a surprise. He’ll provide depth within the backfield while handling return duties in his debut Pittsburgh campaign, at a minimum.

Sutton spent his first six years with the Steelers before taking a three-year Lions pact in free agency. His time in Detroit got here to an end not long after it was learned a domestic violence arrest warrant had been issued for him. The 29-year-old had his case resolved by entering a pre-trial diversion program, paving the way in which for a Pittsburgh reunion. Sutton will begin the season by serving an eight-game suspension, but once available he could handle multiple roles within the secondary. A veteran of 56 starts, the previous third-rounder represents an experienced option in each the slot and on the perimeter.

The Steelers were linked to a homecoming deal for Tyler Boyd, and at one point a deal seemed likely. The team was unwilling to make a commitment beyond one season, though, and with other suitors emerging, the probabilities of a Boyd-to-Pittsburgh agreement steadily dwindled. Notably, the longtime Bengal would up signing a one-year Titans deal featuring just $1.2MM in guarantees.

Within the absence of a more proven commodity like Boyd, the Steelers’ receiver depth might be price watching. George Pickens will serve because the team’s top pass catcher, while the likes of Jefferson and Miller (together with the Skowronek-Watkins duo) will vie for enjoying time. Any member of that group filling a complementary role would in fact be a welcomed development on offense.

Trades:

In very short order, the Wilson signing kicked off a sequence of events which saw Pickett traded away with Fields being brought in. Keeping in mind Pittsburgh’s aforementioned initial intention of simply adding competition for Pickett, his response to Wilson being added was comprehensible. The 2022 first-rounder asked to be moved once he learned Wilson was coming to Pittsburgh.

Touted as essentially the most pro-ready prospect from his draft class, Pickett was unable to deliver on expectations during his Steelers stint. The 26-year-old threw as many touchdowns as he did interceptions (13) and didn’t progress as hoped in Yr 2 after a rookie campaign which included concussion issues. After ending the 2023 campaign on the bench despite being healthy, a change of scenery might be best for all parties involved.

Steelers GM Omar Khan offered public praise for Pickett’s NFL outlook when reflecting on the trade. A starting gig doesn’t await the Pitt alum given the presence of Jalen Hurts, but he could do enough over the 2 years left on his rookie contract – one which can surely not have the fifth-year option picked up – to earn an prolonged stay in Philadelphia. No matter how the Steelers’ 2024 QB experiment shakes out, though, Pickett might be out of the image altogether.

Like three of the opposite 4 non-Trevor Lawrence quarterbacks taken on Day 1 of the 2021 draft, Fields’ time together with his original team represented a disappointment and resulted in a trade including capital nowhere near as invaluable as that which was used to pick out him. The Ohio State alum showed flashes during his Bears tenure, but his lack of development as a passer helped inform the team’s commitment to retaining the No. 1 pick in April’s draft and using it on Caleb Williams. General manager Ryan Poles repeatedly expressed a willingness to “do right by” Fields once it became increasingly clear a commitment to Williams was forthcoming.

To that end, the Bears took a less invaluable offer from the Steelers than ones made by other teams. Pittsburgh represented a more viable path to a starting role for Fields, even with Wilson in place as competition. The Steelers were a team Fields had interest in anyway, so the deal (which can see the pick turn out to be a fourth-rounder if he plays 51% or more of Pittsburgh’s offensive snaps) suits team and player alike. That can obviously turn out to be very true if the 25-year-old overtakes Wilson atop the depth chart.

While Wilson earned the nod to begin the campaign, Fields made progress in the course of the summer amid his bid to win the QB1 job. The latter has increased his accuracy with each passing season (albeit to a height of only 61.4% in 2023) and his 2,220 rushing yards illustrate his ability together with his legs. His age gap to Wilson could point to untapped upside, and Fields generated support inside the organization in the times leading as much as learning he would serve because the backup. From a contract status, though, each passers have plenty on the road this 12 months.

Just as Wilson is a pending free agent, Fields is as well for the reason that Steelers made the expected move of declining his $25.7MM 2025 fifth-year option. That figure wouldn’t have been feasible after a 12 months spent on the sidelines, and an evaluation period might be needed if Fields is to earn himself a stay in Pittsburgh after the approaching campaign. How each passer fares in the approaching months will dictate the way in which by which Khan proceeds on the position.

Pittsburgh is (at the very least in the intervening time) open to recent deals with each Wilson and Fields. Exceptions to the team-imposed ban on in-season negotiating is not going to be made for either player, nevertheless, so the campaign might want to play out before any financial clarity emerges.

Johnson has one 12 months remaining on his pact, but given his trade request it comes as little surprise the Steelers elected to maneuver on. The 28-year-old was a staple of Pittsburgh’s passing game during his five-year tenure with the team; Johnson’s 87 targets in an injury-shortened 2023 campaign were the fewest of his profession. The crafty route runner will look to maneuver past the problems related to drops and energy which emerged at times in his Pittsburgh stint on the rebuilding Panthers for at the very least one campaign. The previous Pro Bowler is open to a Carolina extension, nevertheless, so he could remain in place well beyond the approaching season.

Jackson, 28, was a full-time starter during his time in Charlotte. Mentioned as a trade chip leading as much as last 12 months’s deadline, he remained in place through the campaign but became a cut candidate in the course of the offseason. A notable defensive role in Pittsburgh could await him, but his recent team’s CB play will in fact depend largely on the continued development of Joey Porter Jr. A pending free agent who was held without an interception last season, Jackson collected a $4MM roster bonus upon arrival in Pittsburgh and his ability to land one other lucrative pact (just like the one he signed in 2022) might be dictated by his ability to regain his previous form.

Re-signings:

Killebrew first joined the Steelers on a one-year contract in 2021. His play that season earned him one other deal, this time a two-year, $4MM accord. The 31-year-old remained a core special teams contributor while playing out that pact, while also logging 111 defensive snaps in 2023 (his largest workload in five years). Killebrew earned a Pro Bowl invitation and first-team All-Pro nod for the primary time in his profession, and that performance resulted in one other raise.

The previous Lions draftee continues to be unlikely to see a daily starting role with Pittsburgh as he plays out his third contract with the team. Minkah Fitzpatrick and Damontae Kazee are still in place, and free agent pickup DeShon Elliott has first-team experience. If the Steelers are to enhance on their Twentieth-place finish in special teams DVOA from 2023, though, Killebrew will little question be a central figure of their progress.

Adams, 29, is one other role player who proven to supply good value and earn one other multi-year commitment. The previous third-rounder has began 17 contests during his Steelers run, and he’ll at the very least represent an economical rotational option along the defensive interior moving forward. Pittsburgh’s veteran D-line core is joined by the likes of recent draftees Keeanu Benton, DeMarvin Leal and Logan Lee. If Adams can remain healthy, though, he must be continued on to chip in as a run defender particularly.

Notable losses:

• Miles Boykin, WR
• Mason Cole, C (released)
• Pressley Harvin III, P (released)
• Keanu Neal, S (released)
• Chukwuma Okorafor, T (released)
• Mitch Trubisky, QB (released)
• Patrick Peterson, DB (released)
• James Pierre, CB
• Elijah Riley, S
• Allen Robinson, WR (released)
• Mason Rudolph¸QB
• Mykal Walker, LB
• Levi Wallace, CB
• Armon Watts, DL

Rudolph’s Steelers tenure began in 2018, but his future as a starter – or at times even a backup – with the franchise was an issue mark in recent times. Playing on one other one-year pact, the Oklahoma State product nevertheless found himself on the helm of Pittsburgh’s offense in the course of the team’s playoff push. Remaining in place after Kenny Pickett was healthy, Rudolph posted a triple-digit passer rating in each of his three starts to shut out the regular season.

It thus got here as no surprise that he remained atop the depth chart for Pittsburgh’s wild-card loss, a game which didn’t include a stellar performance on offense. Still, while it was unclear within the aftermath of that defeat how the Steelers would proceed at quarterback, it became known they were all for retaining the 29-year-old. Talks on one other recent contract took place well prematurely of free agency, with the franchise’s goal at that time being so as to add competition to a depth chart including Pickett and Rudolph. Things modified somewhat quickly thereafter, though, and the latter took a cope with the Titans to compete for the QB2 role.

Tennessee kept Rudolph in second on the depth chart throughout training camp, and the team’s decision to trade away Malik Willis during roster cutdowns confirmed he’ll back up Will Levis in 2024. The deal which sent Rudolph to Nashville is yet one more one-year accord, so a Pittsburgh reunion might be a possibility depending on how the approaching season plays out together with his old team.

While it got here as something of a surprise that Rudolph departed this offseason, the identical was not the case for Trubisky. The previous No. 2 pick would up making just seven starts across his two seasons in Pittsburgh, and each before and after the Wilson and Fields acquisitions it was clear he wouldn’t have a path to a first-team spot. A return to Buffalo will allow Trubisky to reprise his previous role as Josh Allen’s backup.

Each Cole and Okorafor had one 12 months remaining on their respective deals after they were let go. Cole’s PFF evaluation took a step back in 2023 after the 2 preceding years had produced his highest marks. The actual fact he stays unsigned is a sign of his underwhelming market, and the Steelers have moved forward with a long-term investment in the course of their O-line.

Cole began every game of his Pittsburgh profession; Okorafor spent much of his tenure as a first-stringer. The 27-year-old operated as a full-time first-team option from 2020 through to the midway point of this past campaign. After an incident over remarks he made during a Week 8 loss, Okorafor was benched in favor of Broderick Jones. The 2023 first-rounder represented a significant long-term investment along the road, and his level of play early in his profession kept Okorafor on the bench to shut out the season.

Upon signing with the Patriots in free agency, the Western Michigan product is now a candidate not only to reclaim a starting role but to accomplish that at left tackle. While a gig at his more familiar right tackle spot could also be more likely, it should help Okorafor’s free agent stock if he manages to deliver a robust season together with his recent team. PFF rated the previous third-rounder higher over the past three years than his first three within the league, but he has never finished a 12 months higher than fifty fifth amongst qualifying tackles. Expectations might be higher moving forward for his Pittsburgh substitute(s).

Robinson was acquired via trade from the Rams last offseason after an underwhelming Los Angeles campaign. The previous Pro Bowler began every game in 2023, but he was unable to deliver a productive season. The Steelers’ decision to maneuver on got here as a surprise to him, given his intention of staying within the league for several more years. Robinson, 31, landed a possibility with the Giants in free agency; as a veteran who doesn’t play special teams, nevertheless, he didn’t survive roster cuts.

Calvin Austin is in line to handle a bigger role within the slot this 12 months. Having missed his entire rookie campaign, it should be interesting to see how the 2022 fourth-rounder handles an increased workload in the course of the coming season, one by which a distinct system might be in place and at the very least one recent quarterback might be on the sphere. Austin has two years left on his rookie deal, and he could play his way right into a second contract with a robust showing in a starter’s role.

Peterson held a first-team spot in his debut Steelers campaign, however the Donte Jackson move showed the team’s willingness to try other options within the secondary. Peterson, 34, hopes to proceed his profession and his open to returning to Pittsburgh for 2024. No agreement with the Steelers (or another team) has been reached, and the 2010s All-Decade member will little question be expected to handle a depth role if one other contract comes his way.

Draft:

• Round 1, No. 20: Troy Fautanu (OL, Washington) (signed)
• Round 2, No. 51: Zach Frazier (C, West Virginia) (signed)
• Round 3, No. 84: Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan) (signed)
• Round 3, No. 98 (from Eagles): Payton Wilson (LB, NC State) (signed)
• Round 4, No. 119: Mason McCormick (G, South Dakota State) (signed)
• Round 6, No. 178 (from Cardinals through Panthers): Logan Lee (DT, Iowa) (signed)
• Round 6, No. 195: Ryan Watts (CB, Texas) (signed)

Considered one of the defining elements of the Khan tenure thus far has been a significant overhaul along the offensive line. That effort continued on all three days of the 2024 draft, with two immediate starters set to emerge from Pittsburgh’ class.

Fautanu was a part of a deep crop of offensive line prospects, and he took visits with teams across the first-round order. While he served almost exclusively as a left tackle in college, the 23-year-old faced questions within the lead-in to the draft about where he can be best suited on the NFL level. Some interested parties considered him a guard, but Pittsburgh was not amongst them.

The Steelers spent their top pick on Broderick Jones last 12 months, using the Georgia alum at right tackle during his rookie season. Jones was added as a long-term option on the blindside, though, and he’s positioned to interchange Dan Moore Jr. at that spot in 2024. Fautanu – who grew up a Steelers fan – will tackle right tackle duties to start his profession. The 2-time all-conference blocker faces high expectations based not only on his draft stock but how he was evaluated within the pre-draft process.

Pittsburgh rated Fautanu higher in 2024 than Jones as a prospect, so despite being less experienced the previous Huskie might be counted on to deliver consistent performances instantly. Fautanu allowed only three sacks in his college profession, and a robust redshirt senior season won him the Morris Trophy because the Pac 12’s top offensive lineman. Forming an efficient tandem with Jones would give the Steelers a long-term solution at each tackle spots.

Frazier entered training camp behind Nate Herbig on the middle depth chart. The latter suffered a torn rotator cuff and can miss the 2024 season, nevertheless. With Herbig not in the image, the way in which has been cleared for Frazier to tackle starting responsibilities during his rookie season.

The 6-3, 316-pounder was a standout for much of his 4 years with the Mountaineers. Frazier earned second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2021 and ’22, landing a spot on the conference’s first team last season. If he manages to translate his success at the faculty level to the NFL, Pittsburgh could have an impact starter in the course of the O-line now and for the foreseeable future. The identical could in fact be true at a guard spot if McCormick steps right into a first-team role down the road.

With questions looming over the Steelers’ receiver depth, Roman Wilson must have the possibility to earn at the very least a rotational role relatively quickly. Excelling within the slot during his time with the Wolverines, his best campaign got here in 2023 while helping the team post an undefeated season en path to a national title. Wilson scored 12 touchdowns in 2023 while averaging 16.4 yards per catch in a run-heavy offense, but his stock fell outside the highest two rounds prior to the draft. That made it no surprise he was available late on Day 2, but he could still prove to be an efficient complementary option while splitting time with Calvin Austin as a slot goal.

Payton Wilson was widely thought to be one among the highest linebackers on the board, and he was often seen on top-50 rating lists. Questions over his health led to a fall down the order, nevertheless. The 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Yr handled knee and shoulder injuries during his lengthy college profession, one which nevertheless included loads of production. Wilson eclipsed 100 tackles twice (in 2020 and ’23), recording 11.5 or more tackles for loss 3 times. His final campaign resulted in recent profession highs in sacks (six) and interceptions (three), showcasing his ability against the run and pass.

Pittsburgh has Queen and returnee Elandon Roberts in place on the linebacker spot to begin the campaign, but Wilson – if healthy – could see a heavy workload on special teams along with defensive usage in certain packages. Questions over his ability to stay on the sphere might be a talking point over the course of his rookie contract, however the potential the Steelers have by way of a future impact producer is straightforward to see. For at the very least the time being, though, attention will mainly be focused on the team’s offensive draft investments.

Extensions and restructures:

Heyward was set to gather $16MM in 2024, the ultimate 12 months of his existing contract. The brand new deal replaces that old one, though, while locking in his compensation for the approaching season and keeping him on the books through 2026. The three-time All-Pro made it clear this offseason he intended to retire as a Steeler, and that may now be possible. This past season ended his six-year Pro Bowl streak while a groin injury limited his production; Pittsburgh is clearly confident a bounce-back season is on tap.

The Steelers’ latest commitment to Heyward (which got here after a late negotiating push days before Week 1) represents a record by way of compensation for a defender aged 35 or older. The previous first-rounder’s age might be a think about determining how willing Pittsburgh is to maintain him within the fold for the lifetime of this recent pact, but that call will turn out to be easier if 2024 includes one other double-digit sack campaign. Last 12 months’s Walter Payton Man of the Yr winner, Heyward’s leadership will even be welcomed as his profession winds down.

Pittsburgh has a mixture of veterans like Larry Ogunjobi, Dean Lowry and Montravius Adams together with recent draft investments along the defensive position. After Heyward floated the potential of a free agent departure within the spring, though, he’ll remain the leader of that unit particularly and one among the team’s key voices overall. Lowering his 2024 cap hit by roughly $9MM is one other positive takeaway from the Steelers’ perspective.

Holcomb was a key member of Pittsburgh’s 2023 efforts to revamp the linebacker position. The previous Commanders starter handled a heavy defensive workload during his debut Steelers campaign, as expected. The start of his three-year contract was halted by a significant knee injury, nevertheless, one which he continues to get better from. The 28-year-old could face a lengthy stretch on the sidelines in 2024.

When setting their initial 53-man roster, the Steelers placed Holcomb on the reserve/PUP list, guaranteeing at the very least a four-week absence to start the campaign. Teams use injury splits to cut back players’ base pay after they receive IR or PUP designations, but the choice to lock in only over half of Holcomb’s 2024 compensation is an encouraging sign for his health outlook. The North Carolina alum was set to hold a cap hit of $7.64MM this season before the restructure; that figure now sits at $4.74MM.

Other:

Within the buildup to Pittsburgh’s wild-card contest, speculation swirled regarding Tomlin’s status. The potential for him to take a 12 months off from coaching – just as Sean Payton did in 2022 – was raised. The press conference immediately following that loss to the Bills didn’t produce a solution, but at some point later Tomlin confirmed he would remain in place for at the very least another 12 months. To no surprise, nevertheless, 2024 was not arrange as a lame-duck situation.

Owner Art Rooney II made it clear in January he was prepared to make a brand new commitment to Tomlin. Bill Belichick‘s Patriots departure leaves the 52-year-old because the longest-tenured coach within the NFL. Tomlin has a championship on his resumé together with a second Super Bowl appearance which followed two years later. The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016, nevertheless, posting five straight one-and-done postseason appearances. That statistic is in fact weighed against the very fact Tomlin’s teams have never finished below .500 in his lengthy stint.

Remaining in contention for an AFC playoff spot will again be expected of the Steelers in 2024, no matter which quarterback sees essentially the most time. Likewise, moving on from one or each of Wilson and Fields within the offseason would create a transition Tomlin can be tasked with managing, just as he oversaw the move from Roethlisberger to Pickett. Failing to interrupt the playoff win drought will little question result in continued questions on a change on the sidelines down the road, nevertheless.

Improvement on offense might be a key think about that regard. The Steelers made an incredibly rare move by firing an OC (Matt Canada) midseason after he clashed with other staffers at times. Each Mike Sullivan and Eddie Faulkner – Canada’s interim replacements – are still in place on the staff, and Smith is predicted to incorporate them in game-planning greater than his predecessor. Nonetheless it comes about, steps forward in efficiency on that side of the ball might be welcomed by all involved.

Smith was fired by the Falcons after three straight 7-10 seasons. The 42-year-old was unable to utilize Atlanta’s recent skill-position draftees to full effect, and future head coaching interest might be affected by his ability to maximise Pittsburgh’s scoring potential. With a scarcity of proven wideouts other than George Pickens, Smith – who turned aside interest from the Jets for an unspecified offensive role – is predicted to duplicate his run-heavy approach from his time because the Titans’ OC. Success on the bottom would help compensate for underwhelming quarterback play in 2024 or later if neither Wilson nor Fields were to be retained. It could also boost Smith’s stock and help Pittsburgh’s bid for a deep playoff run.

Harris will play a central part within the Steelers’ attack for 2024, but it should be interesting to see if that is still the case beyond the approaching season. Omar Khan’s public remarks on the running back market last offseason foreshadowed the choice to place Harris on target totally free agency in March. The Alabama product has remained durable while handling one among the league’s heaviest workloads thus far, but his 3.9 yards per carry average illustrates a scarcity of efficiency which is probably not overcome in the longer term.

Khan has since confirmed a brand new deal for Harris, 26, could still be in play. Much of his stock on a second Steelers pact will rely upon his performance under Smith this 12 months, but the identical can be said of fellow pending free agent Jaylen Warren. The latter showed potential by outperforming Harris on the bottom and within the air last season, and a robust showing could generate strong interest relative to the position’s current financial constraints. With none major offensive deals on the books for 2025 (pending extensions for Pickens and/or Freiermuth being in place by then), the Steelers will definitely have the choice of creating a notable investment in Harris, Warren or one other back in the course of the spring.

Aiyuk’s 49ers saga became one among this 12 months’s foremost offseason storylines. The second-team All-Pro appeared destined to depart via trade at one point during training camp, but he turned down the chance to go to the Patriots or Browns. Tomlin and the Steelers, against this, were a sexy destination. Pittsburgh’s extension offers fell wanting $28MM per 12 months, a figure dwarfed by the AAV of Aiyuk’s eventual 49ers deal (4 years, $120MM).

Had the San Francisco-Pittsburgh swap taken place, second- and third-round picks would have gone the 49ers’ way. Needing a direct receiver substitute, the Round 3 selection would have been flipped to the Broncos for Courtland Sutton. With Denver turning down that proposal, though, the agreement fell through. Khan’s willingness to pay notable draft capital and make a receiver investment near the highest of the market is actually notable, and poor showings from Pittsburgh’s secondary receivers could drive him to renew his pursuit of an out of doors addition next 12 months.

Top 10 cap charges for 2024:

1. T.J. Watt, OLB: $30.42MM
2. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S: $21.36MM
3. Cameron Heyward, DT: $13.41MM
4. Larry Ogunjobi, DT: $13.29MM
5. James Daniels, G: $11.17MM
6. Isaac Seumalo, G: $10.19MM
7. Alex Highsmith, OLB: $6.27MM
8. Patrick Queen, LB: $6.73MM
9. Donte Jackson, CB: $6MM
10. Chris Boswell, K: $4.72MM

The Steelers’ 2024 financial outlook underscores how heavily they might be leaning on their defense this season – and potentially beyond, depending on how the quarterback and receiver positions are handled moving forward. Daniels is the one pending free agent on the list other than Jackson, and he seemed to be an extension candidate earlier within the offseason. A June update from the 26-year-old himself confirmed 2024 might be a walk 12 months, though, so his play this season might be price watching closely.

Because the AFC North showed last season, a winning record doesn’t ensure much with respect to qualifying for the playoffs. The division particularly and conference at large figures to stay strong in 2024, and one other 12 months of poor offensive production could leave the Steelers in need of resetting on the QB position once more next spring. At the least one member of the present depth chart could emerge as a viable long-term candidate, though, and coupling that passer with a robust defense may give Pittsburgh the possibility to finish the streak of early playoff defeats.