PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Going with the current roster, meaning you can’t assume free agents will re-sign here. Again, the roster currently under contract for 2023, what are the Steelers biggest areas of need?
The good news is free agency will answer a couple of questions a month before the draft happens. As the roster is set right now, here are the positions who need the most attention, in order.
1. Cornerback-Levi Wallace for one season, still questions about Ahkello Witherspoon with his hamstring. Can’t envision keeping William Jackson and his $9.25 million salary (they can restructure, more likely release and maybe attempt to re-sign). James Pierre is a restricted free agent.
2. Middle Linebacker-Only Myles Jack coming off a groin injury and while he compiled tackles, didn’t make big plays. Mark Robinson sat most of the season until finally getting some reps at the end of the season.
3. Wide Receivers-You have a one and a two, whether you put Diontae Johnson or George Pickens first, Gunner Olszewski will make $2 million and then it’s an unproven Calvin Austin and practice squaders Cody White and J’Marcus Bradley
4. OLB Depth-only Alex Highsmith (going into the final year of his contract) and TJ Watt (his new deal takes up nearly 13% of the Steelers cap) under contract. No one else on the current roster with Malik Reed and Jamir Jones free agents.
5. Safety-Minkah Fitzpatrick is locked in, but Terrell Edmunds is a free agent. So is Damontae Kazee. You have Arthur Maulet, Tre Norwood and Miles Killebrew returning, feel comfortable enough one of those three could start every down in place of Edmunds
6. Defensive Line-Cam Heyward, Montravius Adams, DeMarvin Leal, Isaiahh Loudermilk make up the group, room here to add another vet or a stud rookie
7. Offensive Line-the five starters played nearly every snap and under control for next season. Your depth is very young with Jesse Davis a free agent and Kendrick Green will make $1.39 million and didn’t dress for one game.
8. Quarterbacks-Kenny is the starter, obviously, behind him is a question. Mason Rudolph will explore his next opportunity and while Mitch Trubisky is under contract, could you use his $8 million salary in 2023 elsewhere?
9. Tight Ends-Even with Zach Gentry a free agent you have your number one Pat Freiermuth and seeing more-and-more from Connor Heyward. There is room/need for another.
10. Running Backs-Najee Harris will start and Jaylen Warren is two. Project Master Teague is currently the only other tailback under contract.