The Steelers need to make some crucial choices this offseason after a successful 2023 campaign.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2023 season was chaotic once more. The outcome, which saw the team lose to the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the playoffs, was expected before the season. However, the road to get there included three starting quarterbacks, a new offensive coordinator, a run game comeback, and serious injuries to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cameron Heyward that would have prevented many teams from making the playoffs or even finishing with a winning record.
Mike Tomlin, the head coach, was not going to allow these obstacles to defeat his team. The Steelers have hope despite their heartbreaking playoff loss in the Wild Card Round.
The team will now look to draft or sign upgrades at several positions, including the offensive and defensive lines and the secondary, as the offseason approaches. Up until the next season, Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett’s competition for the starting quarterback position will dominate Pittsburgh’s headlines. However, a strong class of free agents may be what finally propels this team to the next level of competition. The Steelers should target these five deceptively talented free agents this offseason.
Lloyd Cushenberry III (C), Denver Broncos
With a Pro Football Focus Player Grade of 57.3, center Mason Cole was the second worst-rated player on the Pittsburgh offensive line. Lloyd Cushenberry is a young, up-and-coming offensive lineman who improved greatly this year despite turmoil in Denver. The offensive line is a clear area of need for the Steelers, and Cushenberry gives Pittsburgh a dependable player to build around for years to come
Azeez Al-Shaair (LB), Tennessee Titans
The Steelers added Cole Holcomb, Kwan Alexander, Elandon Roberts, and Mykal Walker to their inside linebacker corps during the previous offseason. Although this quartet did a great job, Roberts was the only one who played in ten or more games. Walker and Alexander are both unrestricted free agents, and the Steelers need a starter or additional depth at the position.
After spending four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Azeez Al-Shaair had a breakout season with the Titans last year. Al-Shaair ranks fifth in the NFL with 163 tackles, and he excels at attacking gaps during the running game. He brings a level of toughness and aggression that the Steelers defense desperately needs.
Mike Onwenu (OT), New England Patriots
Dan Moore Jr. was the most problematic offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the previous campaign. Moore has surrendered 22 sacks over the course of three NFL seasons, including a team-high eight sacks. When rookie Broderick Jones took over at right tackle, he fixed a hole in the line, but Moore remained a mediocre player in the starting lineup for an additional season.
Moore has no justification for starting in 2024. Before settling in at right tackle, Mike Onwenu was a member of the New England offensive line in many different capacities. The signing of Onwenu gives the Steelers a potent run-blocker on the right side and permits them to move Jones, a 2023 first-round pick, to his natural left tackle position.
Rock Ya-Sin (CB), Baltimore Ravens
The Steelers will be looking to add another seasoned corner to further bolster their defense. Aside from rookie Joey Porter, none of the Pittsburgh quarterbacks who are entering free agency are particularly impressive: Levi Wallace, James Pierre, and Chandon Sullivan. Five-year NFL veteran Rock Ya-Sin can help the Steelers as a reliable nickelback while he tries to bounce back from a disappointing season with the Ravens.
Kendrick Bourne (WR), New England Patriots
Third wideout is needed by the Steelers. Only 460 receiving yards were shared by Calvin Austin and Allen Robinson during the season, and neither player was a reliable threat. Before sustaining an ACL tear in Week 8, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne of the New England Patriots was headed for his best season to date. Since Bourne’s style of play does not rely heavily on athleticism, the injury shouldn’t be a major hindrance. The 28-year-old can complement George Pickens (downfield) and Diontae Johnson (underside) as a mid-level threat because he is a good route runner with excellent hands.
When you consider that Pat Freiermuth can gain yards after the catch, the Steelers pass-catcher group will be a formidable option for the quarterback that starts the season.
