In 2022, the Pittsburgh Steelers defense was a top-10 unit in two main categories. The unit finished the season allowing 20.4 points per game, while also allowing 108.1 rush yards per game. Both of these stats are important to how the Steelers want to win football games. In 2023, the formula should stay the same, but the players may not.
Steelers.com | Melvin Ingram III (8) and TJ Watt (90) during their pregame routine vs the Buffalo Bills on September 12th, 2021 at Highmark Stadium, NY.
The Steelers had 20 players in 2022 who played at least 20 percent of defensive snaps throughout the season. Only half of those players are currently under contract for the 2023 season. The other half are free agents and could all choose to sign with another team in the coming months. Cameron Sutton, Terrell Edmunds, Devin Bush and Larry Ogunjobi are just a few of those players that we could see leave Pittsburgh this off-season.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter JSKO_PHOTO)
What Players Will Remain in Pittsburgh?
The defensive line is set to retain Cam Heyward, Montravius Adams and 2022 third-round pick, DeMarvin Leal. In the inside linebacker room, Myles Jack could be the only player left who has real experience in the NFL. The outside duo of TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith will be back on the edge, but at inside linebacker, there isn't much clarity on who will be back for next season.
The back end also has a lot of questions. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Levi Wallace, Ahkello Witherspoon and Tre Norwood should all be back in Pittsburgh, but who else will play defensive back?
Potential Cap Casualties
The Steelers could look to even get rid of a couple of the players that are under contract for next season. Jack will count for over $11 million on the cap in 2023. William Jackson III, who got injured early in his Steelers career is set to return with a cap hit of over $12 million. Heyward could also potentially be a cap casualty. He counts for over $22 million on the cap in 2023.
The roster is far from certain for the 2023 season. The offense has been overhauled in recent years and now it could be the defense's turn.
Photo Credit: Credit: Jeffrey Becker/USA TODAY Sports
In 2022, the Steelers streak of leading the league in sacks ended. From 2017-2022, the Steelers were the top team at getting to the opposing quarterback. In 2022, they ranked 16th in the league with 40 sacks; the team's lowest number of sacks since the 2016 season. The Steelers could look at this and choose to bring in some fresh faces to get the unit back to where they expect to be every season.
Free Agent Options
One option could be cornerback, James Bradberry. The team could be thin at cornerback next season and bringing in the top corner on the market would really help the group. He is projected to get a three-year deal worth $17 million a year. Another top free agent name could be Tremaine Edmunds. He is projected to get a four-year deal worth $11 million a year. Other options could include former Steelers defensive tackle, Javon Hargrave or current Patriots cornerback, Johnathan Jones.
The Steelers normally shy away from big names in free agency, but with the players that might leave this off-season, they could choose to do things a little different.
So Steeler Nation, what major changes do you think we'll see come next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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