It is impossible to build the same roster as the previous year and the Pittsburgh Steelers are in for a bunch of change to start the upcoming season. The NFL is a business and there is change within every organization year in and year out. All the losses from this off-season will affect the team in some ways, but certain departures will have head coach, Mike Tomlin's team missing key pieces to prior years' successes. Veterans leading the way is something that can never be underestimated in the NFL.
Let's take a look at three Steelers from 2021 who are guaranteed to be missed the most in 2022:
1.) Ben Roethlisberger - Quarterback
While this seems to be an obvious choice, Roethlisberger was not his best the last two seasons after undergoing elbow surgery in 2019. The quarterback destined for the Hall of Fame has been relied on by the Steelers since 2004 and now the post-Roethlisberger era is underway after his retirement. It is more than just his elite play on the field that the team will miss in the 2022 season.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers motions from the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
The leadership and on field presence from Roethlisberger will be impossible to replace on the offensive side of the ball and in the locker room. A value cannot be placed on the two decades of experience that the retired signal caller brought to the table. The Steelers will miss him immensely in 2022.
2.) Joe Haden - Cornerback
Haden blessed the Steel City with his play-making and lockdown coverage ability the last five seasons. While all of Steeler Nation would love the cornerback to return this season, it is far from realistic. His 10 interceptions throughout his tenure in Pittsburgh always seemed to come at opportune times, especially against the New England Patriots and Tom Brady back in 2018.
The secondary added Levi Wallace and while he is consistently being labeled as the most underrated player on the Steelers, replacing 12 seasons of experience won't be an easy task. Haden was a fan and locker room favorite since he came over from the Cleveland Browns and it will be a shame to see him potentially return to Cleveland. There is no doubt that Haden moving on from the black and gold hurts the organization on and off the field.
3.) JuJu Smith-Schuster - Wide Receiver
Smith-Schuster missed the majority of the 2021 season, but that does not mean he will not be missed this year. He only played in five games, but he had the most legitimate experience of any wide receiver on last year's roster. The pass-catching group is left with a ton of talent, but even more question marks as multiple guys are going need to step up in order for the offense to keep up with a ton of firepower in the AFC.
Smith-Schuster is not one of the game's best wide receivers, but he always seemed like he was meant to be a member of the Steelers organization and it might not be far off to assume he could return in the future. The receiving core will need someone to replace his meaningful role sooner rather than later.
Honorable Mention: Stephon Tuitt
Tuitt hasn't played a snap since the 2020 season, but he still belongs in the conversation of players who will be missed. The defense seriously struggled to stop the run a season ago and although the front office has made moves the last six months to combat the deficiency, having Tuitt on the defensive line could only help the unit. The loss of Tuitt was felt in 2021 and will certainly be felt again in 2022.
Who do you think the Steelers will miss the most from 2021 in the 2022 season? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
