According to ESPN, The Steelers did the least to improve heading into the 2021 season.
Writer Mike Clay says the Steelers losses well outweigh the players they added.
While they did add linebacker Melvin Ingram and cornerback Arthur Mault on defense along with running back Najee Harris, tight end Pat Freiermuth as offensive weapons with Trai Truner and Joe Haeg joining the line.
But they lost edger rusher Bud Dupree, cornerbacks Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton in free agency with linebacker Vince Williams retiring on defense.
Offensively, the Steelers lost James Conner with linemen Alejandro Villanueva and Matt Feiler going to other teams in free agency. David DeCastro was cut and Maurkice Pouncey retired.
With all those moves, especially on the offensive line, it’s going to be difficult for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in what could be his final season.
“(Roethlisberger will) have his hands full carrying a team that dealt with several significant offseason losses. The lowlight was definitely the near complete overhaul along the offensive line,” wrote Clay.
Clay adds the new-look line, that will likely have Zach Banner, Kevin Dotson, Turner and Kendrick Green/J.C. Hassenauer is “arguably the league’s shakiest line.”
On defense, Clay doesn’t like Ingram replacing Dupree, and that they haven’t found a replacement for Williams or Nelson and Hilton.
“All in all, it was a rough offseason for a Steelers team that might have trouble keeping pace with the Ravens and improved Browns in the AFC North.”
Clay puts the Browns as the 6th most improved with the Bengals and Ravens coming in 15th and 16th respectively.