PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – In the offseason the Steelers spent $82.11 million to bring in new free agents. Several will start across the field from offensive guard, to linebacker, corner. They also traded for receiver Allen Robinson. Of the newcomers which will have the biggest impact on the 2023 Steelers.
1-Cole Holcomb-LB
Maybe this is a wish more than reality, but the Steelers need not only consistent play from the middle linebacker position, but play-making. In his last full season, 2021 with Washington, Holcomb was Top 10 in the NFL with 142 tackles, he forced a pair of fumbles with a pair of interceptions (one for a touchdown) and seven passes defended. Last year the Steelers had ZERO turnovers from middle linebacker. Holcomb was thought by some as a premium free agent before his season-ending foot injury after just seven games in 2022. He needs to make an impact to complete the puzzle for the Steelers defense in a position group with little experienced depth.
2-Isaac Seumalu-G
A part of an offensive line that led the NFC in scoring and total yards in the regular season and led the NFL in scoring in the playoffs at 34.7 points a game. Not saying he was the Eagles most important piece, but when you see the intensity he approaches voluntary workouts, it catches your eye. Last year the Steelers offensive line played every snap together, very good chance that won’t happen in 2023. While they had good chemistry and improve, Seumalu can help take them to another level as a top 10 guard in the league. He’s know for his intensity run blocking, but Pro Football Focus has Seumalu as one of the top pass blocking guards in the NFL.
3-Patrick Peterson-CB
He made Pro Bowls in his first eight seasons in the league, but last year a numbers resurgence with a near career-high five interceptions and 15 passes defended. It’s a different defense than Minnesota played in 2022, not just in expected quality, but style. Steelers needed a veteran piece to their secondary and as Mike Tomlin said, they got a future Hall of Famer and Peterson said he’s wanted to play in Pittsburgh. His play is where he will be judged, but he has embraced sharing his knowledge with second-round pick Joey Porter, Junior. Peterson said he is pouring into Porter saying he’s helping him ‘find his resume’ because some day the torch will be passed to him.
4-Markus Golden-OLB
Even though the Steelers will spend $34 million on TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith this year and much more in the future, there is the need for a third. For the last couple of seasons, the front office searched for a top reserve outside linebacker. They found a couple of bigger names, one didn’t like his role and the other didn’t produce. Even in his record-setting 2021 season, Watt played 73% of the snaps. The 32-year-old Golden had 11 sacks with Arizona in 2021, although that production dipped significantly last year. If Golden can just provide consistent play, it will be a jump from last season.
5-Allen Robinson-WR
In a similar vein to what he can bring to a relatively young group, the Steelers traded for receiver Allen Robinson. The soon-to-be 30-year-old becomes the oldest in the room that includes 22-year-old George Pickens. Much is expected and needed of Pickens and Robinson said he sees a lot of his younger self in Pickens and they’ve been working on his improvements. Robinson has three, one-thousand-yard seasons in his career, his last in 2020 with the Bears. His last two seasons (Bears & Rams) he’s only played 22 games and has only 749 yards and four touchdowns. A vertical threat up the seam could really help open up the Steelers offense.
6-Keanu Neal-S
For those who supported keeping safety Terrell Edmunds, his importance measured in what he brought as a tandem to Minkah Fitzpatrick as much as his own play. Damontae Kazee likely would at least get the first opportunity to pair with Minkah, but Neal is a nice veteran addition. Listed at 6’, he’s not as long and rangy as Edmunds, but can hit like linebacker. The 27-year-old gives the Steelers coaching staff options to use Neal as a run-supporting safety who can also cover tight ends. Three times he surpassed 100 tackles in a season and had 63 with the Bucs last year despite only eight starts.
7-Elandon Roberts-LB
Another hard-hitter, but Roberts is an actual middle linebacker. He said being a part of a defense is like having 10 wives, there has to be good communication. Last season between the injuries to Myles Jack and the ineffectiveness of Devin Bush there was inconsistent play at best from middle linebacker. Along with Holcomb and with Mark Robinson still very inexperienced at the position, they could use the 6’1”, 238-pound Roberts having a second-straight 100-tackle season.
Others who may factor
· Chandon Sullivan-CB-has the chance to be the slot corner. In 17 games with the Vikings last year had seven passes defended with no interceptions.
· Nate Herbig-G-adding to the depth on the offensive line, Herbig has started 28 games in the NFL and is well-loved by his teammates.
· Breiden Fehoko-DL-adds depth to a position of need. The 6’3”, 300 pounder can play nose or move out to tackle. He is a veteran insurance policy in case of injury or ineffectiveness.