Three offseason moves the Steelers must make

After yet another extremely active free agency and a solid draft class under general manager Omar Khan, the Steelers will look quite different in 2024. The team appears to have few gaps left to cover, which gives it the opportunity to surprise a number of opponents.

In light of that, the following three offseason decisions the Steelers should consider making might help elevate the team to the status of a dark horse candidate for the Super Bowl.

Trade Courtland Sutton, a wide receiver for the Denver Broncos
Now that the 2024 NFL Draft is over, the Steelers’ alternatives for a better No. 2 wide receiver than Van Jefferson are becoming scarce. A number of free-agent playmakers have found new homes.

The wisest course of action for Pittsburgh is a trade, and holding out for a new contract appears to be the most practical course of action.

After speaking with Sutton, Broncos general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton claimed the wide out is “in a good position.” But since then, the team has added Troy Franklin of Oregon (a fourth-round pick) and Devaughn Vele of Utah (a seventh-round pick) to further bolster its wide receiver depth.

In the event that the Broncos decide against cutting Sutton, the Steelers will need to make every effort to get him back together with quarterback Russell Wilson. After combining for ten touchdowns in 2023, there’s no doubting their bond.

Sign cornerback for a free agent slot.
Additionally, Pittsburgh still needs a slot corner. Beanie Bishop, an undrafted rookie that the team signed, is somebody Khan thinks has a “great potential” to reach the 53-man roster at nickel.

However, it would be wise for the Steelers to check the free market if they don’t want to rush Bishop onto the field or if they just want extra depth at the position.

There are still a few names available to begin Day 1. It should be possible to reunite with Cameron Sutton, Chandon Sullivan, or Patrick Peterson and add a more seasoned veteran like as Adoree’ Jackson.

Extension for Pat Freiermuth, tight end The 2021 second-round selection (choice No. 55 overall), Freiermuth is approaching the end of his rookie contract.

After a disappointing 2023 season, Pittsburgh might decide to let him finish out his contract, but they might also want to lock him up before he has the opportunity to enter the free agent market the following year.

Both arguments have a point. In his first two seasons in the NFL, the 25-year-old Freiermuth recorded 123 receptions for 1,229 yards and nine touchdowns. But in 2023, he only managed 32 receptions for 308 yards and two touchdowns.

Although he featured in 12 games last season, Freiermuth’s decreased output was partly due to a chronic hamstring ailment.

Although there is considerable risk involved with locking him up this summer, the Steelers stand to gain significantly from his price tag should he return to his 2021–22 form this season.

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