The Pittsburgh Steelers, known for their patient approach to building a team, have undergone a seismic shift under second-year GM Omar Khan. Following the lead of team president Art Rooney II, Khan, and his staff are injecting a much-needed dose of urgency into a franchise yearning for its first playof𝔍f win since 2016.
Pittsburgh Steelers Offseason Recap
While Khan previously emphasized the team’s traditional draft-and-develop philosophy, his actions in free agency speak a different language. The addition of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson is a clear statement of intent.
Although 36 years old, Wilson brings a championship pedigree and leadership qualities the Steelers desperately crave. His arrival coincides with a return to a run-heavy offensive scheme reminiscent of his Seattle Seahawks days. Additionally, with the Denver Broncos covering a significant portion of his salary, Wilson steps in with a cap hit of just $1.21 million, making him a potential sꦗteal if he can effectively utilize the talented young receiver, George Pickens.
Another shrewd move was acquiring Justin Fields after trading Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles. Similar to Wilson, Fields arrives on a rookie contract, offering a cost-effective and ex♋perienced backup option. With 34 career starts under his belt at just 25 ꩵyears old, Fields represents a potential heir apparent to Wilson, should things develop as planned.
The signing of linebacker Patrick Queen bolsters a position of long-standing weakness for the Steelers, and cornerback Donte Jackson, while unproven, provides a fresh face at the position next to second-year starter Joey Porte🀅r Jr.
While the success of these moves remains to be seen, one thing is clear: Khan’s aggressive approach has become a defining characteristic of his tenure. Now, with free agency’s first wave complete, let’s delve into the Steelers’ most pressing needs moving forward.
Pittsburgh Steelers Effective Salary Cap Space
(how much a team will have to spend after signing at least 51 players and its projected rookie class to its roster.)
$10,531,127 (per )
Pittsburgh Steelers Pending Free Agents
| Player | Pos. | Type | Snaps | Age | Current APY | Guarantees |
| Mason Cole | C | SFA | 100.00% | 28 | $5,250,000 | $4,565,000 |
| Patrick Peterson | CB | SFA | 97.10% | 34 | $7,000,000 | $5,850,000 |
| Allen Robinson | WR | SFA | 72.00% | 31 | $7,500,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Levi Wallace | CB | UFA | 64.30% | 29 | $4,000,000 | $2,965,000 |
| Keanu Neal | S | SFA | 38.10% | 29 | $2,125,000 | $920,000 |
| Chandon Sullivan | CB | UFA | 37.40% | 28 | $1,232,500 | $152,500 |
| Kwon Alexander | LB | UFA | 32.10% | 30 | $1,317,500 | $152,500 |
| Pressley Harvin | P | SFA | 29.70% | 26 | $890,183 | $80,732 |
| Mykal Walker | LB | UFA | 26.00% | 27 | $1,010,000 | $0 |
| Markus Golden | EDGE | UFA | 20.40% | 33 | $1,317,500 | $152,500 |
| Miles Boykin | WR | UFA | 11.30% | 28 | $1,080,000 | $0 |
| Elijah Riley | S | UFA | 4.40% | 26 | $952,500 | $0 |
| Blake Martinez | LB | UFA | 1.90% | 30 | $1,165,000 | $0 |
| Renell Wren | IDL | RFA | 0.00% | 29 | $870,000 | $0 |
| Chapelle Russell | LB | RFA | 0.00% | 27 | $940,000 | $0 |
| Godwin Igwebuike | S | RFA | 0.00% | 30 | $1,010,000 | $0 |
Pittsburgh Steelers Offseason Decisions/Positional Needs
Wide Receiver
According to reports, the Pittsburgh Steelers are actively seeking an established wide receiver to complement George Pickens’s explosive talent. With Diontae Johnson now in Carolina, the Steelers have a vacancy at the No. 2 receiver spot.
The ideal candidate would be a reliable route runner who thrives in the short-to-iꦯntermediate areas of the field, creating a well-rounded receiving duo with the deep threat that Pickens possesses.
There have been whispers of mutual interest between the Steelers and former Pittsburgh product Tyler Boyd. A standout at Pitt, Boyd has carved out a successful career with the Cincinnati Bengals, and he is known for his precise route running and consistent production. While not a burner, Boyd’s ability to separate from defenders and make contested catches would be a valuable asset for this Pittsburgh Steelers offense.
The 2024 NFL Draft boasts 🐲a deep wide🐻 receiver class, and GM Omar Khan might be tempted to address the position with a rookie on a cost-controlled contract.
Offensive Line
With the NFL Draft approaching, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line remains a focal point. The Steelers’ need at center is undeniable. The release of two-year starter Mason Cole leaves a gaping hole in the middle of the line.
This year’s draft boasts a strong interior offensive line class, presenting an opportunity for the Steelers to address their need in the early rounds. Names like Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson, WVU’s Zach Frazier, and Duke’s Graham Barton could be rising on Pittsburgh’s draft board. Their performances and workouts likely solidified their case for the Steelers’ consideration.
Beyond center, the Steelers might explore fortifying their tackle positions. The talented tackle class in the first two rounds presents a unique opportunity. Drafting a top tackle could lead to an interesting shuffle. Dan Moore Jr., who started at right tackle in 2023, could potentially slide into the vacated backup spot left by Chukwuma Okorafor’s release. This scenario allows the Steelers to address a pressing need at center while bolstering their tackle depth with a high-upside rookie.
Defensive Back
The Pittsburgh Steelers secondary underwent a significant makeover this ℱoffseason, aiming to address the glaring holes left by departing veterans. The Steelers entered free agency with a depleted secondary. Key contributors departed, including starting strong safety Keanu Neal, starting outside cornerback Patrick Peterson, nickel corner Chandon Sullivan, and backu♊p corner Levi Wallace. The team wasted no time in attempting to plug the leaks.
They acquired cornerback Donte Jackson via trade, a mo🧜ve aimed at bolstering their outside cornerback position vacated by Peterson. Additionally, they signed hard-hitting safety DeShon Elliott on a two-year deal, likely to replace Neal at strong safety.
While Elliott’s experience playing free safety, nickel linebacker, and nickel corner provides the Steelers with some flexibility, his past versatility doesn’t necessarily guarantee a seamless transition into Neal’s strong safety role. Similarly, while Jackson has experience as an outside cornerback, his first season back from an Achilles injury in 2023 saw a dip in production.
The potential return of promising young cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (who missed his rookie season due to injury) offers further depth at the position. However, Trice Jr.’s availability creates some uncertainty regarding Wallace’s potential return.
