4 Steelers who can’t be counted on to contribute in 2022

Steelers can’t count on Maulet

The Steelers had a huge hole to fill this season with Mike Hilton departing from his nickel corner job in the past offseason. His ability to stop the run and hold his own in coverage was key in the flexibility and run-stopping ability of this defense. No one was added through the draft with his skill set, so the team instead turned to veteran journeyman defensive back Arthur Maulet to take on that role.

His play has been as advertised: his run-stopping ability is his best trait, but he is still a significant downgrade from what Hilton offered as a slot defender. Worse yet, the run defense has been putrid this year. That isn’t solely due to Maulet, but it has shown that he hasn’t been stellar in the role that was designed for him. He has seen his role on the defense decrease over the course of the season, and that is an indication that the team isn’t satisfied with what he has offered the team.

With him being a free agent in 2022, there shouldn’t be a huge push to bring him back, and if he does return his deal shouldn’t be for more than the minimum. The Steelers would be better off developing Tre Norwood for the full-time slot role or sign/draft someone that has that Hilton skill set. Maulet has played 35 percent of the defensive snaps so far, and the team will have similar woes if he is playing anywhere close to that much in 2022.