Steelers Secure The #1 Spot On 2023 NFL Offseason Grades; Predicted To Compete For AFC North Title This Upcoming Season

The 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers finished the season with an overall record of 9-8, nearly sneaking their way into the playoffs. Winning seven of their final nine games last season has led many around the league to believe that the team has the potential to surprise a lot of people in 2023. Combine the strong finish with an impressive haul of players in both free agency as well as the NFL Draft, and there is a growing sense of optimism that the Steelers are set to regain their title of AFC North Champions this upcoming season. 

A recent article published on sportingnews.com written by Vinnie Iyer lists the Steelers as having the best overall offseason of any team in the entire league. He gives them a grade of an "A" for the additions of players such as Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, and Cole Holcomb, among others. Iyer's full analysis of the Steelers' offseason can be found below. 

"The Steelers upgraded all of their key weaknesses, led by upgrading the overall left-side blocking in front of Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris. Holcomb will help them clean up much better on the second level, while [Patrick] Peterson and [Joey] Porter can be a dynamic veteran-rookie starting duo at corner. Mike Tomlin should be pleased with the work GM Omar Khan did. The winning-season streak should continue with a good shot at a playoff return," described Iyer.

Are The Steelers Legitimate Contenders To Win The AFC North In 2023?

While the Steelers have undeniably had an impressive offseason, it is a stretch to say that they are the favorites to win the AFC North in 2023. In all likelihood, that honor would belong to the Cincinnati Bengals, who have not only won the division over the past two seasons, but have made it to the AFC Championship game in both 2021 and 2022. Furthermore, one would be foolish to overlook both the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns as contenders as well. With that being said, the 2023 season will perhaps serve as the Steelers' best chance to win the division in quite some time.

As Iyer described in the article, the Steelers filled every one of their areas of need this offseason, perhaps most notably on the left-side of the offensive line with Jones and Seumalo. Needless to say, an improved offensive line is music to the ears of both Pickett and Harris, who will be tasked with leading the team's passing and rushing game, respectively, this upcoming season. 

Additionally, Khan has done wonders in adding talent on the defensive side of the ball. Peterson and Porter will receive much of the attention, but the addition of players such as Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Keeanu Benton, and Keanu Neal also merit recognition as well. Most importantly, the Steelers will have back a healthy T.J. Watt in 2023, who was sidelined for much of this past season and never was quite healthy enough to regain his normal dominant form. 

Where Do Other AFC North Teams Fall On The List? 

The Bengals and Browns also ranked very highly on Iyer's list, cracking the top 10 at three and seven, respectively. The Ravens, on the other hand barely made the top half, coming in at 16. While offseason grades do not necessarily guarantee success, it is interesting to note that all four teams made the necessary moves to help compete for the division crown in 2023. 

For the Steelers, there is no denying that the most crucial deciding factor in the team's ability to win more games next season falls on the shoulders of Pickett, who is in the midst of his first offseason as the unquestioned starting quarterback. If the 2022 first-round pick can make the "sophomore leap," the Steelers may be well-positioned to win their first division title since 2020. Get ready, Steeler Nation. The regular season will be here before you know it! 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation?

How excited are Yinz to see the Steelers top the list of offseason grades? Do you expect the team to win the AFC North in 2023? Let us know in the comments!

#SteelerNation