PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Here is a look at the new players coming to the Steelers and those who left to sign elsewhere.
Welcome to Pittsburgh
S-DeShon Elliott (2-years, $6 million)
Only injuries have kept DeShon Elliott from starting every game since his rookie year. Elliott has dealt with ailments-quad, ankle, calf, ribs, concussion and a severe pectoral and biceps injury. When healthy, he’s started 50 games in five seasons in the NFL-13 with Detroit in 2022 and 15 last year with Miami. In 2023 with the Dolphins, the 26-year-old had an interception, seven passes defended and 82 tackles (53 solo).
QB-Russell Wilson (1-year, $1.2 million)
Will become the new starting quarterback after a season of 26 touchdowns, eight interceptions and being the seventh highest rated quarterback in the NFL in 2023 with Denver. The 35-year-old had the second-highest adjusted completion percentage last season, only Patrick Mahomes was better. Even if it doesn’t work, the cost is low on a one-year contract.
ILB-Patrick Queen (3-years, $41 million)
Was a Pro Bowler last year for the first time in four seasons with Baltimore. The Ravens first-round pick will settle in next to Elandon Roberts as Queen’s biggest attribute is pass coverage and Roberts’ is run stop. The 24-year-old has started all 67 of the games he’s played in the NFL with 454 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, four interceptions and 15 passes defensed. Steelers were the second highest paid defense in the league last year and adding to it.
C-Donte Jackson (1-year, $15.7 million)
Acquired in the trade for Diontae Johnson, Jackson started 76 games and played in 80 in six seasons with the Panthers. Last year playing all 16 with five passes defended and no interception. He rated the exact same as rookie corner Joey Porter, Junior by Pro Football Focus. If not a starter, would be an expensive depth piece.
P-Cameron Johnston (3-years, $9 million)
The 32-year-old Australian averaged 47.7 yards per kick last season with a 43.7 net with no blocked kicks and 45.5% of the kicks inside the 20-yard-line (5th in NFL) with Houston. Compare those numbers to Pressley Harvin from last season-43.7 average, 39.1 net and 38.5% of kicks inside the 20-yard-line. It was an area in need of improvement and he also can hold and did so for Ka’imi Fairbairn who missed two kicks all of 2023.
Who signed elsewhere
QB-Mason Rudolph (TEN, 1-year, $3.62 million)
After six years with the Steelers, and signing back last season, Mason Rudolph leaves to join the Tennessee Titans. Rudolph went 3-0 as the Steelers starter at the end of the 2023 season. Overall an 8-4-1 record as a starter with 19 touchdowns to 11 interceptions and completing 63.5% of his passes.
T-Chukwuma Okorafor (NE, 1-year, $4 million with incentives to $8.25 million)
Still just 26-years-old, Okorafor will enter his seventh year in the NFL with New England. Okorafor started 59 games for the Steelers, but after his injury, he lost his starting job to first-round pick Broderick Jones.
QB-Mitch Trubisky (BUF, 2-years, $5.25 million)
Going back to the Bills to be Josh Allen’s back-up for much less than he made as Kenny Pickett’s. The 29-year-old started seven of the 12 games he played with the Steelers with a 64.1% completion, eight touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 77.6 quarterback rating.
WR-Diontae Johnson (CAR, 1-year, $15.8 million)
He had three seasons of over 85 catches and had a career high in yards per reception this year, Johnson started 67 of 77 games with the Steelers. He would finish with 391 receptions, 4.363 yards, 25 touchdowns and a 61.2 catch percentage, coming off a career-low 58.6%.