It was once a chaotic 2023 again season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The last end result — a first-round playoff exit to the Buffalo Bills — is in line with the preseason predictions. But the experience to get there — three starting quarterbacks, a new offensive coordinator, the resurgence of the run game, and full-size accidents to Cameron Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick would have precluded many groups from incomes a playoff spot or even finishing with a winning record.Head coach Mike Tomlin refused to let these challenges keep his group down. Despite the tough playoff defeat in the Wild Card Round, the Steelers nevertheless have reason to be optimistic.
Now, the franchise enters the offseason and will appear to draft or sign enhancements at quite a few positions — specifically the offensive and protecting traces as nicely as the secondary. The war for the starting quarterback spot between Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett will be the foremost headline in Pittsburgh till next season, but a stable crop of free agents should be what in the end takes this team to the next level of contention. Here are 5 sneaky right free retailers the Steelers need to target this offseason.
Lloyd Cushenberry III (C), Denver Broncos.
With a Pro Football Focus Player Grade of 57.3, middle Mason Cole used to be the second worst-rated participant on the Pittsburgh offensive line. Lloyd Cushenberry is a young, up-and-coming offensive lineman who extended substantially this yr regardless of turmoil in Denver. The offensive line is a clear vicinity of want for the Steelers, and Cushenberry gives Pittsburgh a dependable player to construct around for years to come.
Azeez Al-Shaair (LB), Tennessee Titans
The Steelers rehauled their interior linebacker corps closing offseason, bringing in Cole Holcomb, Kwan Alexander, Elandon Roberts, and Mykal Walker. This quartet performed admirably, however Roberts was the only participant to show up in at least 10 games. Alexander and Walker are both free agents, and the Steelers want greater depth at the function — ideally a participant who can start.Azeez Al-Shaair had a breakout marketing campaign for the Titans remaining year after 4 years with the San Francisco 49ers. Al-Shaair had 163 tackles — fifth in the NFL — and is mainly fine at attacking gaps in the going for walks game. He adds an factor of sturdiness and aggression that is precisely what this Steelers protection needs.
Mike Onwenu (OT), New England Patriots
No participant on the Pittsburgh offensive line was once a greater liability this past season than Dan Moore Jr. Moore gave up a team-high eight sacks and has allowed 22 sacks throughout three NFL seasons. Rookie Broderick Jones patched one region of the line when he took over at proper tackle, but this still left a mediocre Moore in the starting lineup for one more season.There is no excuse for Moore to be a starter in 2024. Mike Onwenu has played all over the New England offensive line earlier than finding a home at the right address spot. Signing Onwenu lets in the Steelers to shift Jones — a 2023 first-rounder — to his natural left address position while giving the Steelers a sturdy run-blocker on the proper side.
Rock Ya-Sin (CB), Baltimore Ravens
In persevering with with the shielding upgrades, the Steelers will be searching to add any other veteran corner. Levi Wallace, James Pierre, and Chandon Sullivan are all getting into free agency, even though no Pittsburgh CB impressed a whole lot outside of rookie Joey Porter. Rock Ya-Sin is a five-year NFL veteran who can slot in as a solid nickelback for the Steelers as he looks to show himself after a irritating year with the Ravens.
Kendrick Bourne (WR), New England Patriots
The Steelers want a 0.33 wideout. Calvin Austin and Allen Robinson combined for just 460 receiving yards on the 12 months and neither used to be a consistent threat. New England Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne was on tempo for the pleasant season of his career earlier than struggling a torn ACL in Week eight Bourne’s recreation is no longer primarily based on athleticism, so the harm not avoid him too much. The 28-year-old is a desirable route-running with tremendous hands, who can be the mid-level chance to praise George Pickens (downfield) and Diontae Johnson (underneath).Add in Pat Freiermuth’s capability to earn yards after the catch, and this group of Steelers pass-catchers will be a robust contingent for whoever starts at quarterback next season.
