AFC North Grades: Where Did The Pittsburgh Steelers Rank For Their Aggressive 2023 Offseason Moves In The Division

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy this offseason. The new general manager, Omar Khan, has made more moves than most fans expected. Khan worked under the previous general manager, Kevin Colbert, for many years so most people believed that Pittsburgh was going to get nothing more than Colbert 2.0. While there are some similarities there appear to be some major upgrades. 

Khan, widely considered a financial whiz or "the cap guy," hired Andy Weidl, a Pittsburgh native who is a former scout and draft guru. Weidl helped the Philadelphia Eagles build their Super Bowl-ready teams. Weidl is apparently the yin to Khan's yang and they are making a formidable duo.

Since the free agency window opened Pittsburgh has made more moves than usual. They have signed offensive linemen including Isaac Seumalo, Nate Herbig, and Le'Raven Clark as well as linebackers Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb and cornerback Patrick Peterson.

While most fans seem to be happy with most of the moves they are making, the Steelers are also receiving some media attention for their strong offseason showing. 

Steelers Earn High Marks For Offseason Signings

According to Football Outsiders, the Steelers have earned themselves a solid grade of B+. They looked at three specific areas and graded them and then averaged those grades to give an overall score. 

They had this to say about the Steelers and ultimately Khan's performance. 

"The Steelers have been able to sub in their free agency departures almost seamlessly. While cornerback Cameron Sutton heads to Detroit, the Steelers slide in Patrick Peterson, coming off a career resurgence with Minnesota. Pittsburgh landed former Commanders linebacker Cole Holcomb off a strong last two seasons (despite his 2022 being cut short by season-ending foot surgery) to replace Devin Bush."

"Former Dolphins linebacker Elandon Roberts slots in for Robert Spillane after his breakout campaign. With the core defensive personnel already in place, maintaining a strong supporting cast was a priority for Pittsburgh this offseason. Doing it for a combined 2023 cap hit of just under $5.5 million is doing it with style points."

"Pittsburgh also improved its offensive line, which has been on the rise since a dead-last finish in adjusted line yards in 2020. Isaac Seumalo was the biggest name among interior offensive linemen in free agency, finishing with a 1.6% blown block rate on the highest snap count of his career. He posted the sixth-best blown block rate among guards with at least 1,000 snaps. Nate Herbig provides some quality depth along the interior line as well. The two join a line that, while ranking 10th in adjusted line yards, ranked only 21st when running up the middle." 

But how does that stack up against the rest of the AFC North? According to Football Outsiders, the Steelers are ahead of all other AFC North teams so far this offseason. 

Standing at a B+ is impressive considering this is more action than the Steelers usually have this soon into the offseason. While it is of course completely subjective, it feels like the team has done well so far. They have shored up the areas of need, primarily the trenches, for a minimal amount of money, and we still have the draft coming up. For once, we aren't going into the draft feeling like we still need everything. 

What do you think of the Steelers moves so far this offseason? Do you agree with the B+ or would you grade us higher or lower? What moves do you think the Steelers will still make - will more signings be coming? Let us hear what you think, click to comment below. 

#SteelerNation