The Steelers were able to fill up holes across their roster and get better on paper as they look ahead in 2022.
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the offseason with many unknowns across their roster. They needed starters at different positions and needed to find quality depth as well. Both of those tasks were accomplished to varying degrees through free agency and the draft.
It was an unusually active offseason for the black and gold, but different circumstances birth different situations. They had cap space to work with and the needs for positions to be filled, which couldn’t be fixed at the draft alone. The team added many names across their roster that include starters that will be major contributors for this team in 2022.
With many different transactions come with some players that overshadow others. Major positions tend to get closer looks than others despite better players signing quality deals or where they are drafted. There are some players that have been flying under the radar since joining the team recently.
Steelers signing of James Daniels is underrated
James Daniels joins the Steelers after signing a nice value contract with the franchise. He has become one of the better guards in the NFL and provides some position flexibility in the middle of the offensive line. He has mostly found his home at guard in the league but could always play center when needed.
This was a huge upgrade for the offensive trenches for this team. They get a reliable starter that has a veteran presence despite still being young. He will be the club’s best offensive lineman on day one and should bring positive efforts to the retooling of the front group.
Levi Wallace is an underrated signing by the club
Levi Wallace was brought onto the team through free agency. He signed a short contract that was at a cheaper rate when you look at what most starting cornerbacks are getting on the open market. He joins the black and gold after becoming the second boundary corner on a good Buffalo Bills defense after coming out of Alabama as an undrafted free agent.
He made a name for himself on that club and eventually found himself in the free agency waters. He is not the flashiest corner in the NFL, but he has become reliable. He is a solid second option on the outside for a defense that is talented enough to have two solid corners.
Many did worry at the time of this contract as the other starting spot was still left vacant at the time of his signing. That concern was quickly squashed after Ahkello Witherspoon re-signed with the Steelers on a nearly matching contract as Wallace received. Those two players together could make for a solid duo if Witherspoon can play up to his top corner status that he showed towards the end of 2021.
This is an underrated deal because many do not see this player as a top corner. He could become an important starter like Steven Nelson was if another corner can be the top guy. The hope of having another Joe Haden and Nelson corner couple is hopeful and could be a real possibility.
George Pickens could be the most underrated draft pick if he pans out
George Pickens was the second-round pick by the Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has dealt with injuries and different situations during his career at Georgia that hindered his draft stock. He was still able to get selected on day two by a club that has a great track record with taking players at his position.
This player has all the skills in the world to become a top receiver in an NFL offense and that is what the team hopes for as well. He will have to earn some snaps with Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson on the outside for this club. Pickens will find ways onto the field with his skill set.
He could become a steal if he can stay healthy, and his character concerns check out. He does seem to have some issues that could have scared off some teams in the draft process. Nothing in a legal essence, but potentially a locker room distraction if the club is not careful with him.
The talent is there for this player, and he could have been the top receiver off the board if he stayed healthier in college. The Steelers felt comfortable taking him in the second round and it is a great value pick. He should be able to make a big impact on this offense immediately.
Terrell Edmunds is a cheap starting option that returns to the Steelers
Terrell Edmunds has been the scapegoat for the Steelers defense for many years now. He started his career behind the eight ball as many draft evaluators thought he was significantly over-drafted. He was taken in the first round and has developed into a solid starter in the NFL.
It took some time, but slowly, Edmunds would gain confidence and start rounding out his game as a safety. There seemed to be somewhat of a Minkah Fitzpatrick effect as both players seemed to help each other’s games out some. They are a good duo that has been one of the best in the league for the last couple of seasons.
This strong safety would head into free agency without much speculation that he might return to the Steelers. It seemed like the two parties would part ways after the club declined his fifth-year option just one year prior. It was a slow and shallow market for this player, and he continued to play the waiting game.
Finally, Edmunds would concede and decide where he wanted to go. His payday did not occur, and he opted to stay with the franchise that drafted him. It is a one-year contract that is very team-friendly for a starting safety in this league.
Myles Jack is the most underrated signing in free agency for the Steelers
Myles Jack is a player that could not only help this team but also his own individual career. He has not been the same player as he was when the Jacksonville Jaguars defense of old was something to marvel at. Now, he has been coming off a couple of down years and will look to rebound with the Steelers.
Devin Bush is back and will hopefully rebound himself after having a disappointing season in 2021. Both Bush and Jack have things to prove and will be the two starting middle linebackers for this defense, barring injury. They can push each other to get better and that is good news for this team.
The middle of the defense was not a strong point for the Steelers last season. The addition of Brian Flores to the linebacker group will also hopefully help make Jack and Bush better players as well. This is a big year for both, but Jack knows what he needs to do to get back to form.
He has been there and remains a big name in the NFL, despite signing with the team on a very affordable contract. He could potentially return to form and that means the Steelers will reap major benefits. If both he and Bush are able to get to their respective potentials, then they will be the best duo in the NFL.
The Steelers were able to get creative with their team building this offseason. Some of those moves have flown under the radar, which is listed above in his article.