Head coach Mike Tomlin extended his non-losing seasons streak to 17 in 2023. But if he wants his team to avoid going eight straight years without a playoff win, the Steelers must make a couple of splash moves this offseason.
With that in mind, here is a trade, a cut and a signing that Pittsburgh should make in the coming months.
TRADE: 2024 second-round pick for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields
The Steelers cannot run it back with QB Kenny Pickett, who’s thrown just 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 25 games, or QB Mason Rudolph, who is expected to look for a fresh start elsewhere anyway.
That’s why trading for a quarterback with much higher upside like Fields is worth the risk. Although the 24-year-old’s 10-28 record as a starter is unimpressive, his numbers are, throwing for 4,804 yards and 33 touchdowns and rushing for 1,800 yards and 12 touchdowns from 2022-23.
The Bears still must decide whether they want to stick with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft or trade him and draft USC QB Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But if Chicago decides to do the latter, Pittsburgh should run to the phone.
CUT: Wide receiver Allen Robinson II
The Steelers already made a few releases to begin the offseason, but they are still projected to be $7.44M over the salary cap. That means more cuts are likely on the way and one should come in the form of Robinson II.
The 30-year-old had just 34 catches for 280 yards and zero touchdowns this season and Pittsburgh would save $10M in cap space if they part ways with him. It seems like a no-brainer with wide receivers Diontae Johnson, George Pickens and Calvin Austin III still on the roster and the need to sign at least one big-name free agent.
SIGNING: Cornerback Jaylon Johnson or cornerback L’Jarius Sneed
The Steelers seem to have hit a home run with CB Joey Porter Jr., the No. 32 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. But they must now find another reliable corner to pair with him on the defense after veterans Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace got continually picked on in 2023.
There’s still time for Johnson and Sneed to sign extensions with or be franchise-tagged by the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs. But they are very intriguing options if they hit the open market. If that happens, however, they will prove costly to acquire.
Johnson is expected to receive a five-year, $78.7M contract with 161 tackles, three forced fumbles, five interceptions and 41 passes defensed to begin his career. For his part, Sneed is projected to receive a four-year, $65.3M deal with 303 tackles, 6.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, 10 interceptions and 40 passes defensed.
