The 2023 season has just ended, and on March 13, the 2024 campaign will open its doors. DNA of Sports therefore takes this opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the offseason. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agents to extend? Which recruits to observe? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today, the Pittsburgh Steelers. You will find the files for each team on this page.
In 2023, the Steelers managed to reach the playoffs, with the last qualifying place in the AFC. Head coach Mike Tomlin finished his 17th consecutive season with a positive record. However, behind this encouraging image, major projects still raise questions.
Pittsburgh's defense confirmed. Often called upon, she folded but only allowed an average of 19.1 points per game. The cornerback position and run defense remain areas for improvement to be in the very best defenses.
Conversely, the offensive sector raises questions. Very often struggling in attack, the Steelers have not found stability. Matt Canada, the offensive coordinator, was fired during the season and it had no impact over time. At the quarterback position, Kenny Pickett then Mitchell Trubisky then Mason Rudolph tried their hand during the season. With only three games around 400 yards on offense, the main work of the offseason is there.
To be in the fight in a competitive AFC North, what are the levers for general manager Omar Khan this offseason?
The captains
1. TJ Watt (Edge Rusher)
2. Minkah Fitzpatrick (S)
3. Cameron Heyward (DT)
For the 2024 season, Mike Tomlin can rely on his defense. The major player of this team is TJ Watt (Edge) for his personal impact but also for the dynamic he gives to this Pittsburgh defense. The league's three-time leader in sacks, if he doesn't get injured, TJ Watt will still be in the fight to be the best defender in the league.
Despite an incomplete 2023 season, Minkah Fitzpatrick (S) is a sure part of the defensive backfield. His ability to make big plays is an undeniable asset for a franchise that has been among the most successful in terms of turnover differential.
Still on defense, aged 35 at the start of the 2024 season, Cameron Heyward (DT) remains a core defensive lineman for the Steelers. If the tackle has a full season, he should once again stabilize the center of the line to allow the linebackers to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The undesirables
–Allen Robinson (WR)
– Patrick Peterson (CB)
In the 2023 offseason, the Steelers added Allen Robinson (WR) and Patrick Peterson (CB) to provide depth at both positions. Despite different playing times, the season for both veterans is disappointing.
In an underperforming offense, Allen Robinson's 2023 stats are low. In 17 games, his receiving total is 280 yards, or just over 16 yards per game.
With more playing time, Patrick Peterson's 2023 season isn't scandalous. He started 16 of the 17 regular season games. And it gave rookie Joey Porter Jr. some time to gain momentum during the season. Despite this, Peterson struggled in duels with fast and dynamic receivers.
Another argument working against the two players is the available payroll. To free up some space for the 2024 season, Steelers management could choose not to keep two salaries among the highest on the roster: 7th for Robinson and 11th for Peterson.
The summer man
Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator
Following the firing of Matt Canada during the season, former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith became the Steelers' offensive coordinator. As mentioned previously, the attack is the sector to improve this offseason. Smith had difficulty in Atlanta finding the offensive formula that worked. Without a reliable starting quarterback, he had increased his attempts.
The situation in Pennsylvania will be similar in 2024. The choice at quarterback is not clear between Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph or a future recruit who could come and turn the table. It must be done as quickly as possible.
However, Arthur Smith will also be able to count on a rather complete receiving and running squad. With Diontae Johnson (WR), George Pickens (WR), Najee Harris (RB), Jaylen Warren (RB) and Pat Freirmuth (TE), the coordinator will be able to diversify this attack. But we will have to succeed in keeping these young players motivated and calming their tempers.
The main free agents
1. Mitchell Trubisky (QB)
2. Mason Rudolph (QB)
3. Levi Wallace (CB)
4. Montravius Adams (DE)
5. Miles Killebrew (S)
Others : Kwon Alexander (ILB), Markus Golden (LB), James Pierre (CB), Armon Watts (DT), Chandon Sullivan (CB), Blake Martinez (LB), Miles Boykin (WR), Mykal Walker (LB), Pressley Harvin III (P), Elijah Riley (CB), Chukwuma Okorafor (OL)
With excess payroll, the good news for Pittsburgh is how few major players are free agents.
Mitchell Trubisky was cut early in the offseason. Thus, re-signing Mason Rudolph seems relevant for the position of understudy or even to be a starter according to locker room rumors.
On defense, if the general manager can negotiate low salaries, Levi Wallace (CB), Montravius Adams (DE) and Miles Killebrew (S) will be useful players in the rotation.
The Top 5 needs
1. Quarterback
2. Cornerback
3. Offensive line
4. Interior linebacker
5. Catcher
Already mentioned previously, the offseason should be access to the attack. In particular the quarterback and the offensive line need to be improved for the 2024 season. With two free agent quarterbacks and Kenny Pickett who is not meeting expectations at the moment, the Steelers could secure this key position from the start of the season. free agency.
The arrivals in 2023 of Broderick Jones (OT) and especially Isaac Seumalo (LG) have advanced Pittsburgh's offensive line. But it's still not enough to consistently create intervals for the ground game. Additionally, protecting the quarterback remains a priority. Thus, the center and tackle positions will need to be strengthened.
An additional receiver would be a good thing for the Steelers. Diontae Johnson missed four regular season games in 2023. And, just like Georges Pickens, these are players with “character”. Character which will perhaps be complicated to manage if the attack does not perform another season.
On the other side of the ball, to keep the defense among the best in the league, two positions need to be strengthened. First, a rookie at cornerback and even more so if Parick Peterson is not re-signed. Then to counter the running game of opposing teams and with the injuries at this position in 2023, reinforcements at the linebacker position would be wise, particularly on the interior.
The targets
Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings or Ryan Tannehill, QB, Titans
To be able to recruit, Omar Khan will first have to free up space in the payroll. Mike Tomlin announced it at the end of the season, Kenny Pickett will compete in 2024. And why not competition with a more experienced quarterback? During this free agency 2024, several quarterbacks are available: Kirk Cousins, Ryan Tannehill, Baker Mayfield, Gardner Minshew… Other quarterbacks could be traded by their franchises: Justin Fields, Russell Wilson…
In this list, Kirk Cousins would bring real added value to Pittsburgh's young offensive squad. But the soon-to-be 36-year-old seems unattainable in terms of salary. Thus, the Steelers could fall back on the recruitment of Ryan Tannehill. The Titans quarterback would reunite with Arthur Smith who was his offensive coordinator during his best years at the Titans in 2019 and 2020.
New blood
Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
If the question of the quarterback is still not resolved at the time of the draft, the Steelers could consider a new rookie only two years after Kenny Pickett. However, at 20th position in the 2024 draft, this choice does not seem the most wise.
Like the offense in 2023, Pittsburgh management is not used to being very offensive during the draft. By remaining with this logic and therefore without an exchange, Omar Khan could choose to address the cornerback position or the offensive line. If he is still available, Cooper DeJean (CB) could cover several needs. Thanks to his physical abilities, he could form a pair outside with Joey Porter Jr but also play in the slot and why not help out at the safety station.
Other picks: Amarius Mims (OT), Jackson Powers-Johnson (C), Nate Wiggins (CB)
