What’s next for the Steelers after the first week of free agency?
While the Steelers lost some significant names in free agency, they’ve added some as well, so what’s the next step? Other than the quarterback position, the biggest question is at left guard. Pittsburgh lost Isaac Seumalo, put perhaps the team felt prepared for that. Is that because of Spencer Anderson, or because of their other options?
So far, the Steelers have signed or agreed to terms with RB Rico Dowdle, CB Jamel Dean, S Jaquan Brisker, S Darnell Savage, and DL Sebastian Joseph-Day in free agency. On top of that, they traded for WR Michael Pittman Jr. But they lost RB Kenneth Gainwell, CB James Pierre, TE Connor Heyward, WR Calvin Austin III, and Seumalo. They also replaced P Corliss Waitman with their former punter, Cameron Johnston.
Unless the Steelers sign a starting guard, I don’t think there is another major move in free agency. Not that they don’t have the cap space for it, but it doesn’t seem pressing. They already added a starting wide receiver, and I suspect they want to tackle that position in the draft. So perhaps we’re at the point that they turn their attention to depth.
And wide receiver is a good starting point for the Steelers in the second wave in free agency. They allowed Calvin Austin to walk, but they still need depth. Right now, they have DK Metcalf, Pittman, and Roman Wilson, plus special teamer Ben Skowronek. I’m not sure we can consider Wilson a roster lock, and perhaps not even Skowronek is, either. It’s not unreasonable to wager that three receivers not currently on the team make the roster.
Beyond that, the Steelers need another tight end after losing Heyward in free agency and releasing Jonnu Smith. They’re surely not betting on J.J. Galbreath to be the answer, but will they sign a veteran or draft one?
Offensive line depth is always a need, and the Steelers have reportedly already shown interest in free agency. There was a report that they were signing Brock Hoffman, but that claim was later deleted. Was that because it was premature, or was it outright fiction? Either way, a signing like that, or similar, would be a prudent move?
The Steelers exited the playoffs in the first round yet again, a pattern going back to 2017.With seven consecutive postseason losses, and no wins in nearly a decade, they are facing another long, long offseason. No doubt we will see many changes, but none will top Mike Tomlin resigning.
The NFL has crowned its latest champion, but for us and the Steelers, we have been in offseason mode. That’s what happens when the team you coverloses by the middle of January all the time, but you’ve been around, so you know that already. Enjoy the ride, even the turbulence, because it’s the only way we know how to travel anymore.
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