The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a very uncharacteristic off-season in terms of spending via NFL free agency. On Tuesday, ESPN released an article discussing the off-season wins, concerns, and draft predictions of each AFC North team. Let's discuss what NFL Nation had to say about the Steelers' off-season!
Biggest Off-Season Move for the Steelers
ESPN states:
"Signing [Mitch] Trubisky. The Steelers addressed the quarterback position as soon as the legal tampering window opened, and they did so in a way that doesn't prevent them from making more moves at the position. In signing Trubisky, the Steelers have an inexpensive safety net with a higher ceiling than Mason Rudolph while also retaining all of their draft capital -- something that could help them further add to the position group if the right fit is available in upcoming draft."
Agree or Disagree?
Agree! Pittsburgh had many other holes on the roster to fill this off-season and were able to spend money via free agency elsewhere after signing Trubisky. The Steelers shore up the offensive line with OL Mason Cole and James Daniels, filled holes at the cornerback position with re-signing Ahkello Witherspoon and signing Levi Wallace. The team also filled a high need of inside linebacker with signing Myles Jack. Of course the Steelers were rumored of adding some high profile talent to the quarterback room via trade, but the team was able to fill other needs on the roster with the low risk-high reward signing of Trubisky.
Areas of Concern
ESPN states:
"Safety. While Pittsburgh will likely engage with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on a market-setting contract later this offseason, they still need to find his running mate for 2022. At the NFL owners' meetings last month, general manager Kevin Colbert said he felt the team lacked a starting-caliber strong safety after letting Terrell Edmunds test free agency. Edmunds could still return to the Steelers, but they could also look at options like Tyrann Mathieu or Damontae Kazee."
Agree or Disagree?
Agree! The strong safety position is the only position on the team without an apparent starter. The Steelers have players on the roster that are familiar with the position, but none that will jump off paper to any of us. Would I like the Steelers to sign Tyrann Mathieu? Of course, but only if the price is right for the soon-to-be 30 year old safety. Defense wins championships and Mathieu would be the icing on the cake for this stellar Steelers' defense! Don't get me wrong though, Edmunds would be a solid signing, but the team will not get into a bidding war for the safety's services. The Steelers could also look to fill the void at safety through the draft in a couple weeks.
Steelers safety, Terrell Edmunds against the Denver Broncos during a Week 5 matchup in 2021 at Heinz Field. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
1st Round Pick Prediction
ESPN states:
"The Steelers' recent pro day travels suggest they're going to use at least one early pick on a quarterback. Both Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin were clear at the owners' meetings: previous moves in free agency wouldn't preclude them from drafting a quarterback. Members of the Steelers' decision-making nucleus have been at every major quarterback prospect's Pro Day, and they're starting to bring prospective signal-callers in for top-30 visits."
Agree or Disagree?
Agree! From the outside looking in, Pittsburgh has done their homework on the class of 2022 quarterbacks. The Steelers have or will reportedly bring in Malik Willis, Desmond Ridder, Matt Corral, Carson Strong, and Kenny Pickett who doesn't count towards top-30 visit because he's a local visit, for top-30 visits. The Steelers don't usually send out smoke screens and it's obvious the team is in need of their next franchise QB due to the retirement of future first ballot Hall of Famer, Ben Roethlisberger. Writers at ESPN have it correct, the Steelers will probably spend an early pick on a quarterback.
What the Steelers Need to do to Win the Division in 2022
ESPN states:
"[The Steelers win the division if] they find the next franchise quarterback this offseason and he's a turn-key starter. The Steelers have the pieces to be a relevant team in a stacked AFC, but they lack star power at quarterback. If they hit on quarterback and he majorly exceeds expectations in Year 1, Pittsburgh could contend in the division -- but that combination is a long shot. It would also necessitate a fully healthy defensive line and improved inside linebacking corps. Never say never, but don't hold your breath."
Agree or Disagree?
Strongly disagree. Pittsburgh's key to long-term success would be to find their next franchise quarterback. However, the Steelers are capable of winning the division in 2022 with Trubisky under center if they utilize their talents in the appropriate way and stay healthy on the defensive side of the ball. The truth of the matter is that Pittsburgh might not find their franchise guy in the 2022 NFL Draft and may just have to wait on a loaded 2023 quarterback class to find their answer post-Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh in 2021 was just a tie away from sharing the same record as the division-winning Cincinnati Bengals a year ago. They have the pieces and have only gotten better this off-season. The Steelers could win the division in 2022 if 2022 Trubisky is better than 2021 Roethlisberger. And as weird as it is to type this, that can in fact be true!
Feb 3, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; New England Patriots former player Ty Law before Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction for 2022
What ESPN states:
"Tomlin's streak without a losing season continues. Though the rest of the division and conference are plowing ahead with big-name signings, the Steelers are holding steady to their draft-and-develop philosophy. That method might not deliver a Super Bowl this season, but with pieces like T.J. Watt, Fitzpatrick, Myles Jack and Najee Harris, Tomlin will keep his team above .500 for the 16th straight season."
Agree or Disagree?
Agree. Pittsburgh is incredibly talented on both sides of the ball and I, like many of you, am intrigued to see what OC Matt Canada will do with the offense and being able to utilize a mobile quarterback like Trubisky. The Steelers made moves so far this off-season that signal they are ready to run heavy and win games with a championship defense. The 2022 Steelers might have to give workhorse running back Harris 400 touches this season, but the Steelers will have a chance with the talent already at hand. Especially with a head coach like Tomlin, who went 8-8 with Rudolph and Devlin "Duck" Hodges at QB in 2019, I expect the 2022 Steelers to shock a lot of NFL fans this season. Could Pittsburgh shock even further and win a Super Bowl in 2022? To answer simply, yes!
If you would like to read the full article, follow the link below to read what ESPN's NFL Nation states about the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, and the Cleveland Browns.
What do you think of the ESPN "way too early" analysis of the 2022 Steelers? Do you agree or disagree? Sound off in the comment section below!
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