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

Steelers can’t count on Bush

While all of the names on this list to this point should be playing in extremely limited roles/only on special teams in 2022, Devin Bush is a slightly different story. While the former top-ten pick has easily been one of, if not the, worst defensive starter for the team, the investment in him makes it hard to completely cut bait with him in 2022. Instead, the team has to have a capable backup-plan or rotational player to compliment Bush next season.

His fall off this season has been well documented, as most hyped Bush as a potential breakout defender entering the season after an injury cut his sophomore season short. Instead, his decision-making and passion seem to be drained, and the results on the field haven’t been pretty. Now, the team is seemingly rotating him in with Robert Spillane, a pretty big blow considering just how limited Spillane is a defender himself.

While it will be hard for the team to get a starter over Bush in the offseason, a solid veteran that can start in a pinch would be a wise addition. That way, the team can still try and develop Bush to see if 2021 was a fluke. If not, he can be rotated out or benched entirely for by whomever they bring in. While Bush shouldn’t start the season on the bench, the Steelers have to have a capable backup option in case Bush continues to struggle.

The Steelers will certainly see a fair share of roster turnover in 2022, as new faces are added to the roster. While playing significantly in 2021 will help any player’s cause, these four can’t be counted on to be key contributors in 2022. While they may be on the roster, they should be in reduced roles in order for the team to field a better roster next year.