By Dalaney Kitchings 4/4/22
The Pittsburgh Steelers went into the offseason with some glaring needs including quarterback, wide receiver, Offensive line, middle linebacker, cornerback, and strong safety. The most glaring need of course was the departure of Ben Roethlisberger and the uncertainty around the quarterback position in the near future for the Steelers. The Steelers are well known for staying quiet during the free agency period and building through the draft. This offseason however they took a different approach and came out the gate swinging signing multiple players at positions of need. Their moves have drastically changed the outlook on the draft and has led many to believe that they will go into the draft looking for the best player available at pick 20 amid speculation they would trade up in the first round.
Before the official free agency period kicked off the steelers re-signed some of their key players. Offensive Tackle Chukwuma Okorafor to a 3-year contract after matching offers from several teams. The steelers also resigned cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon who led the team in interceptions last season to a 2-year deal. They also retained CB Arthur Maulet, LB Marcus Allen, S Miles Killibrew, DT Montavious Adams,
The Steelers addressed several key positions including quarterback by signing veteran Mitch Trubisky from the Buffalo Bills, Offensive line with the signings of both Vikings center Mason Cole and Bears guard James Daniels and made a splash signing when they landed former Jaguars middle linebacker Myles Jack and former Bills cornerback Levi Wallace to sure up its secondary. They most recently added depth to the edge rusher position with the addition of former Eagle LB Genard Avery. The most exciting players from the free agency class are James Daniels who looks like he could be a future all-pro and is only 24 years old and Myles Jack who has already made a name for himself in the NFL and is only 26 years old.
The Steelers have lost 3 receivers this free agency period including JuJu Smith-Schuster to the Chiefs, James Washington to the Cowboys, and return man Ray Ray McCloud to the 49ers.
Free agency for the Steelers does not seem quite over as they have expressed interest in filling their glaring need at SS. They have extended an offer to former Steelers SS Terrell Edmunds who decided to test his market value and have shown great interest in free agent SS Tyrann Mathieu who recently stated he had spoken with head coach Mike Tomlin. Mathieu is a hot commodity and the idea of pairing him with star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is the dream every Steelers fan is having.
Going into the draft the Steelers still have to fill needs at WR, SS, CB and the potential of landing their next franchise quarterback. With the AFC loading up on talent especially at the QB position it will be interesting to see if the Steelers are truly committed to Mitch Trubisky or if he will simply serve as a bridge quarterback.
