It's hard to imagine anyone being able to draw up a better 2023 offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers. New General Manager, Omar Khan knocked it out of the park on several different occasions. Whether it be re-signing key internal pieces, grabbing big-name external free agents like Patrick Peterson and Isaac Seumalo or ending it with a bang at the 2023 NFL Draft. In a jam-packed AFC, the team has officially put the rest of the conference on notice after an aggressive and successful five-month period.
Steelers General Manager, Omar Khan. | Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports
It all began with addressing key needs in free agency. The organization was able to re-sign Larry Ogunjobi as well as safety, Damontae Kazee. Those weren't the only big moves as a plethora of guys were brought in from the outside and it gave the front office maximum flexibility when it came to the draft.
The Steelers went after each position of need with seven different selections. The unit in front of quarterback, Kenny Pickett may finally have legitimate stability after Khan traded up to select offensive lineman, Broderick Jones with the 14th overall selection in the first round. He then stayed put with #32 and brought in instant fan-favorite, Joey Porter Jr.
The intimidating moves continued when Pittsburgh was able to land interior defensive lineman, Keeanu Benton and trade back in the third round only to still land a top positional prospect in Georgia tight end, Darnell Washington. The franchise could have not made another pick and still landed an 'A' grade, but also had success in the later rounds with Nick Herbig, Cory Trice Jr. and Spencer Anderson.
Former Wisconsin and now-Steelers linebacker, Nick Herbig. | Photo Credit: AP Photo / Andy Manis
The month of May has just begun, but it seems as if this Steelers team is already shaping up to be the best one since the unit that went 12-4 in 2020. All of these additions will help catapult them into the conversation in the AFC. This is the same team that won four straight games to end the 2022 season and has all the tools to make a significant run.
Pickett started to look more and more like a franchise quarterback as the season went on and he will have an entire offseason with the first team. One of the only things someone could talk negatively about is that Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada will be back calling the plays for the third straight season.
There is absolutely no excuse for him, however. The pieces surround Pickett on offense are all that is needed to turn the group into a more dominant force. The offense now features Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin III, Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Pat Freiermuth and Washington.
Steelers wide receiver, Calvin Austin III (#19) makes a catch during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter JSKO_PHOTO)
It can be understated how much of a difference-maker Austin could be. He has blazing 4.32-speed and could be a serious problem for opposing defenses in 2023. Pair his athleticism with the other weapons on offense combined with an improved Pickett and it could be a nightmare for the entire AFC.
The defense returns star defenders TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cameron Heyward and Alex Highsmith. If all are able to remain healthy, there is no reason to doubt it will be one of the best units in the league. Look for Watt to return to Defensive Player of the Year form after an offseason of getting healthy.
Pittsburgh has one of the easiest schedules in the NFL for 2023 as it currently stands and it's certainly possible for the organization to capture 12 or more wins in the new season. The front office has done an incredible job of building around the current roster while also bringing in external pieces through free agency and the draft in order to turn this team into a contender.
Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin roams the grounds at Acrisure Stadium prior to a 2022 preseason matchup in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Steelers Turn Subpar Offense Into A Potential Elite One In Matter Of Months
The offense has drastically improved, especially on the offensive line. The running game will be utilized as it was in December of 2022 and Pickett shouldn't have a ton of pressure on him early in his second year. If he settles in and the new-look offense is more dangerous, everyone knows the defense will do its job. The 2023 Steelers are a team that could make a ton of noise in the AFC and shock a lot of people.
Do you think the Steelers' offseason has solidified themselves as a contender? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
