2022 marked the dawn of a new era in Pittsburgh, with Kenny Pickett taking over as the team’s starting quarterback. It wasn’t always plain sailing, but there were certainly some encouraging signs that bode well for the future. Despite the new faces and injuries at a number of key spots, the team rallied to finish 9-8. That marked the 16th consecutive non-losing season for the Steelers under Mike Tomlin.
Roster changes
The Steelers didn’t splash a tonne of cash in free agency, but they did a nice job of addressing several weak points on their roster. They helped shore up an often leaky interior offensive line, handing out a three-year $24 million deal to former Eagles guard Isaac Seumalo. They also brought in Patrick Peterson on a two-year $12 million deal. Whilst Peterson did turn 33 this offseason he brings some much-needed experience to this cornerback room.
There were some notable departures too. Cam Sutton left for a big money deal with the Lions, with safety Terrell Edmunds signing with the Eagles. The two were a key part of the Steelers’ defense in 2022, combining for more than 1,900 snaps. They also saw three other 2022 starters depart, cutting linebacker Myles Jack and slot corner Arthur Maulet and letting former first round pick Devin Bush walk.
Coaching situation
Mike Tomlin is preparing to enter his 17th season as the Steelers’ head coach, making him the second longest tenured coach in the NFL, behind only Bill Belichick. With that in mind it should not come as a surprise that the Steelers’ coaching staff has barely altered over the course of the offseason.
Matt Canada will return as offensive coordinator, despite plenty of calls for the front office to make a change. They will also see Teryl Austin return for his second season as defensive coordinator after the team finished 12th in DVOA in 2022. The only changes of note are at the assistant level, hiring Glenn Thomas as offense assistant coach and bringing in Aaron Curry and Denzel Martin to coach inside linebackers and outside linebackers respectively.
2023 NFL Draft
| Pick | Player |
| 1.14 | Broderick Jones – OT, Georgia |
| 2.32 | Joey Porter Jr – CB, Penn State |
| 2.49 | Keeanu Benton – IDL, Wisconsin |
| 3.93 | Darnell Washington – TE, Georgia |
| 4.132 | Nick Herbig – EDGE, Wisconsin |
| 7.241 | Cory Trice – CB, Purdue |
| 7.251 | Spencer Anderson – IOL, Maryland |
The Steelers look to have had one of the best draft classes of 2023. Things started off well, trading up to lock down their left tackle of the future in Broderick Jones. Their second round looked flawless, with two immediate starters in Joey Porter Jr and Keeanu Benton. Even the later rounds had a lot to like. Nick Herbig can add value as a situational pass rusher and Cory Trice might even have starting potential, despite being a seventh round pick.
Offense
If you are looking for an offense that could take a big leap in 2023, look no further than the Steelers. Things were a little shaky at the start of last season, but Kenny Pickett quickly found his feet when given the reigns as a starter. From Week 10 they ranked 10th in offensive DVOA as Pickett formed some impressive connections with his bevy of receiving talent. Over the second half of the season, the rookie ranked second in big-time throw rate, behind only Josh Allen.
The Steelers have also done a very nice job of surrounding their quarterback with weapons. Diontae Johnson continues to be one of the most underrated receivers in football. According to ESPN, no receiver was open more often last season than Johnson. On the other side they have George Pickens, who is a contested catch weapon, and Pat Freiermuth as a reliable safety blanket underneath. They should also have a fully healthy Najee Harris leading the backfield.
Even their once porous offensive line looks pretty solid. The one remaining concern surrounds the play calling. Matt Canada’s offense came in for plenty of criticism last season and deservedly so. His one-dimensional and predictable scheme capped the team’s ceiling, with Pickett and co often succeeding in spite of Canada, not because of him. If they want to be more than a 9-8 team in 2023 they need their offensive coordinator to step up and make some adjustments to his scheme.
Defense
The three certainties in life are death, taxes, and the Steelers having a good defense. Things were made harder in 2022 by virtue of having a new defensive coordinator and being without star pass rusher TJ Watt for much of the first half of the season. Despite all of that they finished the season 12th in DVOA. If you look only at how they fared after Watt’s return, they ranked fifth.
Watt isn’t the only star on that defense though. They can still call upon Cam Heyward, who is set to enter his 13th season with the team. Despite turning 34 he is still a force to be reckoned with, leading the team with 58 pressures in 2022. Chris Jones and Dexter Lawrence were the only interior linemen in the NFL with more. They also have Minkah Fitzpatrick, who is coming off a stellar season that saw him lead the league with six picks and allow a passer rating of just 72.3.
The question for 2023 will be how quickly this unit can gel in light of the substantial turnover it has seen this offseason. As things stand, it looks like both outside cornerback spots will be taken by new additions. They will also have a new starter at slot corner after Anthony Maulet’s departure. Both of their inside linebackers are also new to the team, and with Terrell Edmunds’ departure they will also need a new starting safety opposite Minkah. If anyone can overcome that it is the evergreen Steelers, but it is a challenge nonetheless.
Prediction
The Steelers found their footing with Kenny Pickett down the stretch last season and there is deserved optimism surrounding the franchise ahead of 2023. Whilst issues at offensive coordinator and personnel turnover on defense could prevent them from competing with the best the AFC has to offer, they should still be a very solid team who are in the hunt for a wildcard spot.
