Options for a Successful Steelers Offseason

With the offseason under way, there are several options for the Steelers to upgrade at several positions, or at least establish a plan for the future.

First on the checklist for the Steelers needs to be solidifying the inside linebacker position. With a plethora of injuries and the carousel of starters in 2023, the Steelers need to sure up the position.

There are several free agent options that will be dipping their toe in the pool to check the temperature, and we usually don’t go overpay for free agent talent. Patrick Queen, Bobby Wagner, Drue Tranquill, Lavonte David and Devin White highlight the top of the free agent class at inside linebacker this year. For my taste I think we see what it takes to bring in Devin White to anchor down our middle paired with Holcomb coming back from injury. Keep Myles Jack and Robinson for depth, and look at drafting a linebacker in the middle of the draft if one falls in our laps unexpectedly.

Secondly, at the corner position the Steelers are in need of another top corner that can play alongside Joey Porter Jr. Porter Jr. has shown he has the talent to be a pro bowl level corner. Patrick Peterson is still on the roster, for now, even if he is on the team, we still need to look at adding a top corner via the draft or free agency. Bringing back Chandon Sullivan should be a priority as it can probably be done on a reasonable deal. I would love to draft Quinyon Mitchell out of Toledo in the 1st round. If not maybe look at corner in the 2-3rd rounds if someone falls to us.

Third, the offensive line…. releasing Cole and Okorafor created an immediate need at center, and offensive tackle. Jones has solidified himself as a starter moving forward, and was a great pick in 23′. We signed project tackle Dylan Cook to extension but we can’t assume that he is ready to start in 2024. If Cook is the plan for the future then bringing in a veteran tackle in free agency may be the answer and allow Steelers brass to focus on other positions early in the draft. Tomlin was rumored to be enamored with Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson and WVU center Zach Frazier is also an option on day 2 of the draft. A couple of centers in Free agency that Arthur Smith is familiar with … Aaron Brewer, 26, played at the guard position during Smith’s tenure in Tennessee but moved to center in 2023. Brewer has allowed 18 sacks and 92 pressures in 1,500 pass-blocking snaps. Another option, Matt Hennessy took 1,169 snaps at center before moving to guard in 2022. Hennessy allowed six sacks and 50 pressures in 849 pass-blocking snaps and had 106 plays with a positive run-block grade.

Fourth, the safety position for the Steelers was bit murky last year with the suspension of Kazee, the injuries to Neal and Fitzpatrick. Eric Rowe was brought in mid-season and should be someone we hang onto as he played well down the stretch. Kazee and Neal will probably be cap casualties at some point and both really aren’t worth what they’re being paid right now. Terrell Edmunds could be a free agent worth bringing back, as he’s still only 27, familiarity with the defense and staff, and was not elite but provided consistent play from the safety postion. He was never a great cover guy but was excellent in run support. We only probably look to spend on one top free agent this offseason, so if we can’t wrangle in Devin White or another top linebacker, then maybe trying to go after a Kyle Dugger or Kameron Curl could be a good signing.