When you look back in franchise history, there are many more failures than success stories when Pittsburgh Steelers leave the team in free agency. Their idea of the grass being greener on the other side usually doesn't work out for free agents. Things could be changing, as these former Steelers played well during Week 1 of the season.
It could turn out that Pittsburgh were fools for letting them go.
This past offseason was full of changes for the Steelers. They brought in a new head coach, Mike McCarthy, and a new coaching staff around him. They also brought new faces into the building. They targeted different players in free agency, including a few splash additions. Pittsburgh also made some tough decisions by allowing some impact players to leave the franchise as free agents.
Those 16 players who were lost in free agency and signed with other clubs have produced a mixed bag leading up to the season. Some of those who left Pittsburgh during the offseason are off to strong starts at their new homes. Week 1 of the campaign was fruitful for them and their new clubs in some instances. It will be interesting to see if that success can be sustained for the calendar ahead.
Week 1 of the season saw these former Pittsburgh Steelers showed the team they're better off
Jonnu Smith
No one had a bigger letdown season than Jonnu Smith last year. He didn't click with Aaron Rodgers, and his role on offense was confusing from the start. The Steelers couldn't figure out how to use him, so making him a cap casualty and thus a free agent was an easy choice. Smith is now on the Packers, and although Green Bay lost in Week 1, Smith finally showed some signs of life after a down year with two receptions for 50 yards.
James Pierre
After a strong season that few expected, James Pierre got a pay bump from the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. He left Pittsburgh once already, only to fail in Washington. But thus far, things are different this time around. Pierre produced an interception during his Vikings debut and should be a big factor in their secondary this season.
He could have one of the best team-friendly contracts in the NFL soon.
Isaac Seumalo
Going with the young pieces along the offensive line made it clear that the Steelers would let Isaac Seumalo leave as a free agent. Don't expect the Cardinals to do great things this year, but they just shocked everyone by winning their Week 1 matchup against the Chargers. The right side of Pittsburgh's offensive line was poor against the Falcons, and it has them missing Seumalo.
Chuck Clark
He wasn't a great player during his lone season with the Steelers, but Chuck Clark provided some veteran savvy. The team might not be missing the safety since Jaquan Brisker and others made fans quickly forget about Clark. With all that being said, the veteran safety had a strong outing for the Detroit Lions and should be one of their top players at the position for the rest of the season.
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