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Steelers deserve credit for an underrated offseason

By Dominic DiTolla

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Let’s go through the Steelers’ offseason moves so far:

  • Future Hall of Fame quarterback re-signed: Check
  • Best defensive player on the team re-signed: Check
  • Depth acquired and retained at outside linebacker through free agency and the draft: Check
  • Interim free agent replacement for an All-Pro running back signed: Check
  • Depth added in an extremely thin secondary through the draft: Check
  • Head Coach (Mike Tomlin) and General Manager (Kevin Colbert) extended: Check

Was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ most recent offseason a flashy and headline-grabbing one? Outside of the Ben Roethlisberger and Cam Heyward extensions, most would say “no.” However, credit must go to a franchise like the Steelers for their efforts during a period in which they faced and addressed major questions and concerns.

Positives aside, I still have questions regarding some of the moves, or lack thereof, made by front office this spring:

  • Why was offensive tackle not a bigger draft/free agency priority?
  • Why did the team not acquire a “joker” tight end in the draft to supplement their offensive attack?
  • Will Todd Haley employ enough four wide receiver sets to effectively use Sammie Coates during his rookie season?

Do not forget, readers, a daunting schedule is also on the horizon for this franchise in 2015. Moreover, questions still remain about the youth movement on the defensive side of the ball with new defensive coordinator Keith Butler leading the way after an incredibly inconsistent and poor 2014 season.

Issues and continued questions notwithstanding, on paper it appears that the Steelers will enter the 2015 season in much better shape than many (including myself) believed they could have back in February. As I alluded to above, Pittsburgh was able to both rebuild and reload over the last four months, and have the talent on their roster to contend in the AFC despite little offseason notoriety and fanfare.

Kudos on the moves, Steelers. Hopefully they will translate into on-field success in 2015 and beyond.

Next: Steelers trade for Brandon Boykin

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