The Pittsburgh Steelers had their season come to an unfortunate end in Week 18. Their 7-2 run since the bye week was not enough to propel them into the playoffs and claim the AFC's 7th seed for a second year in a row. After a dreadful start to the season where they found themselves 2-6 going into the bye, they made some significant strides both offensively and defensively, but ultimately fell just short.
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) and wide receiver, George Pickens (#14) celebrate after a connection on a touchdown pass against the Cleveland Browns. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Although the Steelers will not be contending for their 7th Lombardi Trophy this season anymore, it's not all doom on Pittsburgh's north shore heading into this off-season. After being only one year removed from future Hall of Fame quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, it seems as if the Steelers have already found their new franchise quarterback, Kenny Pickett. Pickett showed significant improvements in the second half of the season and Pro Football Focus' second-highest graded quarterback since Week 12 (Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills was the highest).
Pickett wasn't the only young Steeler that showed he is going to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Rookie wide receiver, George Pickens found his groove in the final stages of 2022 and became one of Pickett's top targets by catching 2 touchdowns in the Steelers' final three games.
Second-year running back, Najee Harris was yet another player that came on late in the season. It was rumored that Harris had been dealing with a foot injury in the early stages of 2022 and it seemed to have gotten healed during the bye week. Harris went on a tear in the second half and finished the season with his second 1,000-yard season in his first two years in the NFL.
The Steelers' offense proved to fans that they have all the chips to become one of the most feared offenses in the coming years. Although it is still uncertain which direction the team will go when it comes to their offensive coordinator in 2023, all the pieces of the puzzle seem to be there to be able to pursue a Super Bowl in the coming years.
Unfortunately, there is one big hole that yet remains on the Steelers and it comes on the other side of the ball. The Steelers' defensive line did not live up to the expectations that fans had coming into 2022. With an aging Cam Heyward, and Tyson Alualu not playing up to par compared to years past, the Steelers will have to look to free agency and the draft to fill these holes for 2023. With the Steelers having an exceptional amount of cap space this off-season, I believe they will be able to sign one of the top defensive linemen free agents to hit the market this off-season.
Who Should The Steelers Keep Their Eyes On For Defensive Line Replacements In Free Agency?
Fletcher Cox
Photo Credit: Getty Images
The first player that comes to mind is Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman, Fletcher Cox. Cox, has had an incredible 2022 season and continues to play at a high level considering he is in his age 32 season. He finished the regular season with 7 sacks, 23 solo tackles, 1 forced fumble and started in all 17 games this season.
It was rumored in 2021 that the Steelers showed interest in Cox during the final moments leading up to the trade deadline, but were unable to make a deal. His age is a bit of a factor, but he is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon and I believe if the Steelers can get their hands on him, he would instantly make their defensive line one of the top in the NFL once again.
Sheldon Rankins
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Another player that comes to mind is New York Jets defensive lineman, Sheldon Rankins. Rankins, who was drafted with the 12th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, has since spent his time in New York and has been a solid piece to the Jets' defensive line. He finished the regular season with 3 sacks, 43 combined tackles, and 1 forced fumble. He is no Pro Bowl-caliber lineman by any means and battled some injuries in 2022, but he would be a significant improvement over Alualu and Montravius Adams.
Javon Hargrave
Photo Credit: Philadelphia Eagles
The third and final player that I believe the Steelers should target in free agency is one Steeler fans know very well. Current Eagles and former Steelers defensive lineman, Javon Hargrave. Hargrave left the Steelers after the end of his rookie contract was up in 2020 and has since found a home in Philadelphia. Although Hargrave has had some stellar seasons in the past, 2022 has by far been his best season yet as he finished the season with 11 sacks, 60 combined tackles, and 1 forced fumble.
Of course, Hargrave will be looking for a significantly larger contract this off-season when compared to most around the league, but if the Steelers are looking to make that "splash" signing this off-season, I believe Hargrave is the right direction to go. The Steelers have also shown us that they like targeting free agents that are young and still have plenty of years left in the tank and I believe Hargrave fits that bill for the Steelers.
At the end of the day, I would like to see the Steelers also lock up Larry Ogunjobi and Chris Wormley for depth to the line for years to come. Both of them have made an impact and filled roles that this team desperately needed. Once both of them are extended, then I would like to see the Steelers hit the market and try to find a high-end free agent on the defensive line.
What do you think? Should the Steelers focus their efforts on the defensive line during this off-season's free agency? If so, would you be happy to see any of these three players in the black and gold next season? Who is your choice if you were the general manager? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below or on my Twitter @collinlschmitt.
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