PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – With Free Agency well underway, here's a look at the 2023 signings and grades to how they ultimately performed.
The list is only of players signed before training camp, so Kwon Alexander or others signed to fill injury needs are not included.
G-Isaac Seumalo
Grade A-
A slow start to the season, but Isaac Seumalo battled back to be the Steelers most consistent offensive lineman. The 30-year-old signed a three-year deal coming over from Philadelphia and eventually became the guard they brought in to replace Kevin Dotson. He didn’t allow a sack and played over 1,000 snaps despite dealing with a shoulder injury for much of the second half of the season.
TE-Zach Gentry
Grade F
Initially when signed back, it appeared Gentry had earned more playing time even with the drafting of Connor Heyward.
Then the Steelers drafted Darnell Washington in the third round and Gentry was released in training camp.
DB-Patrick Peterson
Grade C
If the grade were just as him as a corner, it would probably be a D. Signed to play a flex role, injuries forced him to play corner and then safety at the end of the year despite having never played the position. His mentorship of Joey Porter, Junior is admirable and should help him going forward. Peterson was released after only one season, that led to the average grade which may be generous.
S-Keanu Neal
Grade D
Signed to a two-year, $ 4.25 million contract, the 28-year-old started eight games with 50 tackles (33 solo), an interception and a pair of passes defended. Neal is a run stopper who may have had a bigger role if not for the season-ending rib injury in November that eventually led to him being released in March.
DT-Breiden Fehoko
Grade D
Brought in to add to the depth along the defensive line, Fehoko’s spot was taken by second-round pick Keeanu Benton and Montravius Adams and Armon Watts beating out Fehoko in camp. The 28-year-old spent the season on-and-off the Steelers practice squad
LB-Elandon Roberts
Grade A
The seven-year veteran came from the Dolphins and previous the Patriots, the 29 year-old battled through a serious groin and pectoral injury to continue to play when the Steelers were grabbing guys off practice squads and out of retirement. He would only miss one game and finished with his second consecutive 100 tackle season, 101. He also tied career highs with 68 solo tackles and 10 tackles for loss. Roberts also showed he can be an everyday linebacker.
LB-Cole Holcomb
Grade B
Would have been an A if not for the devasting knee injury that limited Holcomb to just eight games. The 27-year-old was really coming on, in his last three games before he was injured against Tennessee he had 27 tackles (17 solo), two tackles for loss, a QB hit, pass defended and fumble recovery. Earlier in the season, he had a pair of forced fumbles.
DT-Larry Ogunjobi
Grade D
A three-year, $28.75 million contract for Ogunjobi after dealing with injuries most of the 2022 season. Ogunjobi played in all 17 games but had the fewest tackles he’s had since his rookie season when he wasn’t a starter. The 29-year-old had two passes defended and a forced fumble, but only 3 tackles for loss, a career low.
S-Damontae Kazee
Grade B-
Limited to four starts in his first season with the Steelers, the team signed the 30-year-old to a two-year contract. He would start nine games and play in 14 with 61 tackles (46-solo, second most in his career), a pair of interceptions, three passes defended, two fumble recoveries. Steady, but not the guy who wreaked havoc earlier in his career.
OL-Nate Herbig
Grade B
The five-year NFL vet only started a pair of games after signing a two-year, $8 million contract, but provided a confidence in his ability to fill in anywhere in the interior. Still just 25-years-old, Herbig is a locker room favorite and not just with his brother.
DB-Chandon Sullivan
Grade C
Sullivan would only finish with 22 tackles on the season, but also only played 37% of the defensive snaps. He would embrace special teams and became steady not only on teams but also in the secondary. Not a star, but didn’t hurt the team either and only cost the Steelers $1.2 million.
QB-Mason Rudolph
Grade A
Signing a quarterback for veteran minimum and then have him win the last three games of the regular season to get you into the playoffs gets you an A. Not only did Rudolph go 3-0, but he has a great teammate and showed others how to handle adversity.
WR-Miles Boykin
Grade B+
You can’t judge Boykin from the stats, he’s not in the receiver rotation, but he’s an excellent special teams player. The veteran is also someone who is a major positive influence in the locker room. The $1.08 million is worth it on many fronts.