The Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time making roster moves going into the 2024 offseason. The Steelers let go of back up quarterback Mitch Trubisky, punter Pressley Harvin III, and tackle Chukwuma Okorafor the day after the Super Bowl. The following Steelers could also potentially be facing an end with the black and gold.
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Steelers' Starting Cornerback Patrick Peterson
In the 2023 offseason, the Steelers signed many veterans in attempt to assist and mentor the young roster. One of these veterans would be former First-Team All-Pro cornerback, Patrick Peterson. Peterson signed a two-year deal worth $14 million. The corner would begin the season starting for the Steelers, along side with Levi Wallace. Wallace though would soon be replaced by rising star Joey Porter Jr.
Peterson's play on the field showed signs of him slowing down, literally. The corner was too slow to keep up with the young, fast receivers in the league. According to Pro Football Focus, Peterson was tied for 84th in receptions allowed (31). Peterson was moved to safety late in the season with the Steelers dealing with a large amount of injuries in the secondary.
He seemed to have had a better impact at the safety position, as he wasn't getting blown by receivers left and right. Peterson recently stated that he would like to finish his contract with Pittsburgh, but he isn't sure if they would like him back.
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The depth behind Steelers center Mason Cole remains a concern, as he was able to start all 17 games there in 2022.
Center Mason Cole is on the last year of his three year deal with the Steelers. Cole didn't have a great season for the Steelers as their starting center, and the Steelers may look to move on. The Steelers are used to having a guy like Maurkice Pouncey as their center, and the play from Cole has not reached that expectation.
Cole wasn't terrible, but he surely had his moments. His blocking was average, he only gave up two sacks all year. The snapping was where he struggled the most, as it seemed whoever was at quarterback often had to make something out of nothing with a terrible snap from Cole. The Steelers may look to draft a center this year, but if it doesn't go their way, giving Cole one more year wouldn't be the end of the world.
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Steelers' Allen Robinson (#11) participates in the team's OTA's in Pittsburgh, PA.
This one may not be a surprise to many yinzers. The Steelers traded for wide receiver Allen Robinson II to be their third wide receiver, but the production was not there in 2023. Robinson finished the 2023 season with a whopping 280 yards on 34 catches with zero touchdowns. Cutting the receiver would save Pittsburgh $10 million, which is almost a no-brainer.
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Steelers veteran Cornerback Levi Wallace may continue to see less snaps moving forward, as rookie Joey Porter Jr. continues to earn more playing time.
Steelers' Wallace Made It Difficult For Him To Earn New Contract
As we've said before, Wallace was eventually replaced as the starter by Porter. Wallace's PFF grade was 57.8, as he allowed 39 receptions. It seems that almost every time the Steelers gave up a passing touchdown, Wallace is right behind them. The Steelers may look to move on from the older corners, as the franchise will pass the torch to the emerging star, Porter Jr.
The Steelers also have young and exciting cornerback Corey Trice Jr. who they drafted last year in the seventh round out of Purdue. Trice is 6'3 206 pounds that is a "monster in press". Trice Jr. will look to make his NFL debut next season with the Steelers, as he missed his rookie season due to injury. The Steelers may look to draft another cornerback this year, one that would be a great match with Porter Jr.
What do you think? Which of these guys should the Steelers dump? Who deserves another shot? What position needs to be seriously upgraded? Let us know in the comments.
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