PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers have made a number of moves even as the anticipation remains for another quarterback. To this point, what have they added and what positions are better, which are worse and which are still unclear.
UPGRADES
Wide receiver
· Added-an elite receiver under contract for five more years in 27-year-old DK Metcalf
· Kept-Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek
· Lost-Van Jefferson and likely the ability to re-sign George Pickens
· OUTCOME-have the potential of a dangerous downfield passing attack with Metcalf and Pickens with Calvin Austin and second-year receiver Roman Wilson in the middle and depth pieces including special teams contributor Skowronek
Defensive backs
· Added 34-year-old former All-Pro and Eagles starting Darius Slay, depth corner Brandin Echols from the Jets, Browns starting safety Juan Thornhill as a third safety
· Kept-corner James Pierre for a sixth season, 81 games (8 starts), three interceptions, 11 passes defensed, 117 tackles
· Lost-corner Donte Jackson, started 15 games with five interceptions, but his game really fell off after a pinched nerve in his back
· OUTCOME-Slay can still play and relishes the opportunity to help Joey Porter, Junior and Cory Trice, Junior, plus the addition of Echols as a third corner and special teamer and Pierre as insurance. Thornhill can play significant snaps even if there isn’t an injury.
DOWNGRADES
Middle linebacker
· Added-Malik Harrison as a free agent from Baltimore, can also play special teams
· Lost-Elandon Roberts who started 29 games with 147 tackles and a forced fumble
· OUTCOME-while getting a linebacker who will contribute on special teams, Roberts was a leader of that group with the way he played the game and fought through injuries
Running back
· Added-Kenneth Gainwell, the Eagles back-up, to compete with Jaylen Warren
· Kept-signed Warren to a one-year, restricted free agent contract
· Lost-Najee Harris, who started every game over four years with 1,000 yards every season and 28 touchdowns
· OUTCOME-it’s a position where they still could be a player in the NFL Draft, but they lost, if not an explosive, steady lead tailback
Quarterback
• Added-Mason Rudolph returns on a two-year contract after starting five games in his only season with Tennessee, Skylar Thompson started 10 games in three seasons with Miami
• Lost-Justin Fields who started six games signed with the Jets for two years, $40 million
• Unsigned-Russell Wilson, started a dozen games with the Steelers, Kyle Allen-third-string QB in first season with Steelers
• OUTCOME-incomplete, but at this point you lost a pair of experienced NFL quarterbacks, and solid backup, for a hope of something better from Rudolph and a flyer on Thompson. Obviously, a signing or draft pick can change this.
UNCLEAR
Offensive line
• Kept-back-up center Ryan McCollum, back-up tackles Dylan Cook and Doug Nester
• Lost-starting tackle Dan Moore, starting guard James Daniels, back-up interior lineman Nate Herbig
• OUTCOME-the losses of Moore and Daniels were expected, Mason McCormick got unexpected on the job training in 2024 and Broderick Jones will move to left tackle with Troy Fautanu, out all of 2024, at right tackle. Moore struggled much of last year, but the Titans believed he was worth $82 million. Steelers are banking on their first-round tackles.
Defensive line
• Added-Daniel Ekuale, 31-year-old after starting 16 games with the Patriots last year
• Kept-fifth-year defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk on a one-year contract
• Lost-released Larry Ogunjobi saving $7 million in salary cap space
• OUTCOME-Ogunjobi was inconsistent and oft-injured during the last two seasons leading to inconsistent results, Ekuale started every game for the first time in his career. Will get second-year Logan Lee after missing 2024 due to injury and likely to focus on this position in the draft.