In 2023, head coach Mike Tomlin extended his non-losing record to 17 seasons. But if he wants his club to avoid going eight years without a postseason triumph, the Steelers must make a few big additions this offseason.
With that in mind, here are some trades, cuts, and signings Pittsburgh should consider in the coming months.
TRADED: 2024 second-round pick for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
The Steelers can’t run it back with quarterback Kenny Pickett, who has just 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 25 games, or quarterback Mason Rudolph, who is anticipated to look for a fresh start elsewhere.
That is why dealing for a quarterback with far more upside, such as Fields, is worth the risk. Although the 24-year-old’s 10-28 record as a starter is poor, his figures are: 4,804 yards and 33 touchdowns passing and 1,800 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing in 2022-23.
The Bears must still decide whether to keep the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft or trade him and choose USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But if Chicago decides to do the latter, Pittsburgh should get on the phone.
CUT: Wide receiver Allen Robinson II
The Steelers have already made a few releases to start the offseason, but they are still expected to be $7.44 million above the salary threshold. That suggests more cuts are on the way, one of which should be Robinson II.
This season, the 30-year-old has 34 catches for 280 yards and zero touchdowns, and Pittsburgh would save $10 million in contract space if he was released. With wide receivers Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Calvin Austin III remaining on the roster, as well as the necessity to acquire at least one major free agent, it appears to be a no-brainer.
SIGNING: Cornerback Jaylon Johnson or L’Jarius Sneed
The Steelers appear to have scored a home run with CB Joey Porter Jr., the 32nd overall choice in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, they must now find another trustworthy cornerback to pair with him on defense as veterans Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace were repeatedly targeted in 2023.
Johnson and Sneed still have time to sign extensions or be franchised by the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively. However, if they became available, they would be very appealing possibilities. If that happens, they will be pricey to acquire.
Johnson is set to sign a five-year, $78.7 million contract with 161 tackles, three forced fumbles, five interceptions, and 41 passes defensed to start his career. Sneed, for his part, is expected to sign a four-year, $65.3 million contract after recording 303 tackles, 6.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, ten interceptions, and forty passes defensed.
