Three offseason moves the Steelers must make
Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin
The Steelers are going to look very different in 2024 after yet another very active free agency and strong draft class under general manager Omar Khan. On paper, the team doesn’t have many holes left to fill, so it has the chance catch a lot of opponents by surprise.
With that in mind, here are three more moves the Steelers should make this offseason that could help turn it into a dark-horse Super Bowl contender.
Trade for Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton
The Steelers’ options for a better No. 2 wide receiver than Van Jefferson are running out as several free-agent play-makers have found new homes since the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft.
A trade is Pittsburgh’s best option and Sutton, who is holding out for a new contract, seems to be their most realistic best-case scenario.
Broncos general manager George Paton said he and head coach Sean Payton have talked with Sutton and that the wideout is “in a good place.” However, the team has since added to its wide receiver room with Oregon’s Troy Franklin (fourth-round pick) and Utah’s Devaughn Vele (seventh-round pick).
If the Broncos change their mind about moving on from Sutton, the Steelers must do their best to reunite him with quarterback Russell Wilson. There’s no denying their connection after they teamed up for 10 touchdowns in 2023.
Sign a free-agent slot cornerback
Pittsburgh is still in need of a slot corner, too. The team signed undrafted rookie Beanie Bishop, whom Khan believes has a “great opportunity” to make the 53-man roster at nickel.
If the Steelers don’t want to rush Bishop onto the field or simply want more depth at the position, though, dipping into the open market would be a smart move.
There are still several names who can come in and start Day 1. A reunion with Cameron Sutton, Chandon Sullivan or Patrick Peterson should be on the table, as well as the signing of a more established veteran like Adoree’ Jackson.
Extend tight end Pat Freiermuth
Freiermuth, a second-round pick (No. 55 overall) in 2021, is heading into the final year of his rookie deal.
Pittsburgh may opt to let him play out his contract following an underwhelming 2023 season, but the team may also want to lock him up before he has the chance to hit the open market next year.
There’s a case for both arguments. The 25-year-old Freiermuth had a great start to his NFL career, posting 123 catches for 1,229 yards and nine touchdowns in his first two seasons. However, he had just 32 receptions for 308 yards and two touchdowns in 2023.
Freiermuth’s nagging hamstring injury played a role in his decreased production last season, but he still appeared in 12 games.
Locking him up this summer does come with some risk, but the Steelers could save a lot of money in the long run as his price tag could significantly rise if he returns to his 2021-22 form this year.
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