Sometimes it's challenging to look past the upcoming season and predict which players will no longer be part of the plan. Other times, it's relatively easy. Based on the decisions the Pittsburgh Steelers have made during the 2023 offseason, finding enough reasons for certain players to return in 2024 is challenging.
Obviously, the focus is on the here and now. Pittsburgh is an improved team on paper and Mike Tomlin is searching for a playoff win in 2023. However, because of the way things are shaping up, these three players are definitely entering their final season with the Steelers.
3. CB Levi Wallace
Levi Wallace probably breathed a sigh of relief when the team decided to cut Ahkello Witherspoon, but it was really three moves at the position that will make the veteran cornerback expendable in 2024.
After losing Cameron Sutton to the Lions in free agency, the Steelers quickly answered back with the Patrick Peterson signing. Adding an aging cornerback wasn't enough to threaten Wallace's future job security, but drafting a pair of cornerbacks was.
Pittsburgh spent the 32nd overall pick in the NFL Draft on CB Joey Porter Jr. and found tremendous value in the seventh round on Cory Trice Jr. Meanwhile Wallace has an expiring contract following the 2023 season. Unless something goes horribly wrong and both Porter and Trice show no development, there's no reason the Steelers would bring back an unspectacular veteran with an expired contract who rarely plays special teams.