With training camp set to start in just under two months, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a few housekeeping items to square away before it starts. After a successful offseason by general manager Kevin Colbert in his last go around, there aren't many question marks left on the Steelers roster. However, there are a couple players currently rostered that he needs to address before training camp commences, as well as depth that should be added. Below I will discuss the three moves the Steelers need to make before training camp starts in July.
1) Re-sign Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick
After trading their 2020 first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins, the Steelers acquired former first-rounder Fitzpatrick. In his three seasons in the black and gold, Fitzpatrick has established himself as one of the best safeties in the league. He has been named All-Pro twice and made two Pro Bowls as well. He has lead a defense that has finished in the top 5 every year and a staple on the backend that the Steelers have lacked since Troy Polamalu retired.
Now, with a contract set to expire at the end of the 2022 season, Colbert needs to make re-signing Fitzpatrick a top priority. The Steelers have over $12 million dollars in cap space according to overthecap.com and they can free up an additional chunk of change by restructuring some current veteran contracts. They are already set to pay Fitzpatrick $10 million this year on his fifth-year option, so it would be in the team's best interest to sign him to an extension before free agency next year.
Fitzpatrick has clearly established himself as a leader on the defense and premier player at a very important position. Fitzpatrick will reset the safety market when he gets signed, but it appears the Steelers are not in a rush to get a contract done currently. However, it would be imperative for Colbert and company to get Fitzpatrick's contract done before training camp in order for him to fully participate and be ready for the start of the 2022 season.
2) Re-sign wide receiver Diontae Johnson
The Steelers have struggled to fill a wide receiver one role since the departure of Antonio Brown following the 2018 season. However, Johnson has finally arrived to WR1 status and deserves to paid like one. After earning his first Pro Bowl nod in 2021, Johnson has become another player in the great line of receivers before him to don the black and gold. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Steelers have a decision to make on his future.
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After drafting two wide outs in the 2022 NFL Draft, some may feel that the Steelers are preparing to play without Johnson after this season. This would be an enormous blow to a team that desperately needs playmakers to help their young quarterback Kenny Pickett. As we've seen during this offseason, receivers are getting paid more and more each year. The price for Johnson will likely be in the $20 million dollar per year range, but he has become so valuable to this team, it would be foolish not re-sign him.
3) Sign a veteran running back
The Steelers hit a homerun last draft by nabbing Najee Harris in the first round. He is the bell cow the Steelers desire, but as we saw towards the end of last season he is not invincible. The Steelers will rely heavily on the run game with a young quarterback this year and a revamped offensive line. The Steelers have very little depth behind Harris and should look outside the organization for additional help.
There are still some options the Steelers could explore on the market including David Johnson, Devonta Freeman or Devontae Booker. Each player clearly has their warts, but depth is something the Steelers must address to ensure they are covered if Harris has to miss time this season. A veteran that understands the Steelers offense and how to provide production when called upon is a must for Colbert to address prior to training camp.
What moves do you want to see the Steelers make before training camp? Sound off in the comments below!
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