Grading the Steelers 9 free agent signings from 2022 moves

Steelers sign Olszewski

Contract: 2-years, 4.2 million

Grade: B-

This is a hard grade to determine, as Gunner Olszewski is not an expensive name. Frankly, how you grade him is based solely on how much you value a returner. While an important aspect to any team, returns are quickly being phased out of the NFL game. That said, Olszewski can handle both kick and punt return duties but little else besides that.

2.1 million a season for a pure returner seems a little rich. While Olszewski was dynamic in that role two seasons ago, he was more average this past season. The real issue is that Olszewski contributes nothing on offense. He has 15 total touches in his three seasons as a pro. He is a returner-only type of player, which in turn limits this grade.

While this isn’t a massive overpay by any means, it certainly can’t be graded like a bargain. The reason he scrapes out a low B is that he can also contribute on coverage units. That makes him valuable as a special teams player. Will he be a dynamic player for this team? No, but he helps fill out the special team’s unit well enough for the price.