The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very active offseason, and it involved more than just defensive players. With the draft coming up, there are much fewer holes to address than there were when free agency became open in the offseason. It's much easier to pick out which offensive players the Steelers will draft, but just how meaningful will these players be to the 2023 Steelers? Can their veteran presence help boost a young offense, like the James Daniels and Mason Cole signings did in the 2022 offseason? There's only one way to find out, but we can still give early grades.
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers free agency signing, Nate Herbig speaks to the media about joining the team
Who did the Steelers sign?
Andy Weidl showed his impact on the team when he brought in a former Philadelphia Eagles guard for depth in Nate Herbig. Herbig was solid for both the Eagles and the New York Jets. Herbig was coming into compete for the starting left guard spot with Kevin Dotson. At least, that's what all of Steeler Nation believed, until another Eagle was signed later on in the offseason in a surprising turn of events... (yes, the other signing affected this grade, as the price tag is a little too much for a guy that will be a backup).
Grade: C+
The rumors of a Herbig/Dotson battle were quickly squashed when Isaac Seumalo was signed. The former NFC champion helped anchor an elite offensive line that allowed Philadelphia's run-heavy, option-based offense to thrive. With James Daniels and his elite pass protection manning the other guard position, the Steelers might suddenly have the best interior offensive line in football. The Steelers might have plenty of issues on offense, but the interior offensive line will not be one of them.
Grade: A
Photo Credit: Mitchell Leff/ Getty Images
Steelers' new guard Isaac Seumalo is proof of assistant GM Andy Weidl's influence on free agency.
In another surprise move, the Steelers completed a trade with the Los Angeles Rams to acquire Allen Robinson. The deal itself was a steal, and Omar Khan restructured his contract to create more cap space. Robinson should provide a much-needed veteran presence for a receiving core that lacks that sort of presence. He should provide solid depth on the outside, while also allowing George Pickens and Calvin Austin to rotate as slot receivers whenever Pickens isn't playing outside.
Grade: B-
There's more to signings than offense and defense. With Pressley Harvin's struggles, the Steelers claimed Braden Mann off waivers from the Jets. At the very least, Mann should put some pressure on Harvin to perform better, like in Harvin's rookie season, when he was competing with Jordan Berry. If Harvin wins again, Mann can be cut with no dead cap at all. Whether he helps by punting or making Harvin better, any help is much appreciated.
Grade: B-
SNY.tv
Braden Mann was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers
With the Steelers letting Derek Watt go and likely not signing another fullback, the Steelers have to find their new special teams ace, and they might have found their guy: Tanner Muse. Aaron Curry likely had plenty of influence on this signing, as they were both with the Seattle Seahawks the previous two seasons. Muse could easily receive the special teams captaincy right off the bat, as well as serve as linebacker depth. No matter who's doing punts, kickoffs, and returns, don't be surprised to see Muse running all over the field.
Grade: B-
Offense/Special Teams Grade: B+
Overall Free Agency Grade: B
What do you think of everyone that the Steelers have signed? Let us know in the comments below.
#SteelerNation.
