If these players fail to redeem themselves this season, then their future in the NFL could become murky.
There is a ton of potential for the Steelers heading towards training camp in late July. Potential can be seen as a couple of things. One is a lot of options to grow and succeed. It could also mean there are plenty of question marks that could halt its future desires. Pittsburgh could be a good team this year if these players can redeem their careers in 2024.
A lot of the team's success will depend on how these players can rebound from their past failures.
Russell Wilson
Let's get the obvious one out of the way first. If Russell Wilson stinks for the Steelers, then Pittsburgh won't have a good season this year. Their success will be mostly tied to what Wilson can do as the starting quarterback this season. The black and gold seem content with him starting unless something significant changes.
If Wilson cannot redeem himself as an effective starting quarterback in the NFL, then his career might be over. Not over just in Pittsburgh but across the NFL.
Larry Ogunjobi
A name many don't bring up is Larry Ogunjobi, but he is very important to the Steelers.
Not only does he need to rebound from a poor season last year, but he needs to prove he is worth the money Pittsburgh gave him. Add in the fact that Cam Heyward could eventually leave town, and Ogunjobi needs to show that he can be a reliable starter moving forward. If Ogunjobi fails to prove himself, he will be cut after the season by the Steelers.
Dan Moore Jr.
Everyone wants Dan Moore Jr. to be shoved into a backup role with the Steelers this season. It seems like that plan might be in motion this year as Mark Kaboly has reported Moore and Troy Fautanu will be competing for the starting job at right tackle. Fautanu will have to still win that job at training camp.
"Jones is your starting left tackle. Moore and Fautanu will battle for right tackle in camp. The loser of that battle will be the swing tackle."
Moore is in a contract year. If he can show he can be an effective right tackle or a quality swing tackle, then he could get a big pay raise in free agency.
Damontae Kazee
Damontae Kazee was unpredictable last season, which led to the Steelers signing a starting safety in free agency.
Both Keanu Neal and Kazee couldn't stay on the field for one reason or another. Kazee stuck around despite there being some conjecture he could become a cap casualty. He is still on the roster, and he provides quality talent to the safety position. He needs to stay on the field and provide a role on defense. Kazee is a quality depth option at safety behind the starters.
If he can't refrain from being suspended or plays poorly on the field, Kazee could find himself out of an NFL job when final roster cuts are announced.
Justin Fields
Much like Wilson's situation, Justin Fields has to make his reputation turn on its head this season.
It seems like Fields will only get starts this season if Wilson falters or sustains an injury. This could be a tricky outcome for Fields, but his situation isn't as dire as Wilson's. If he remains a backup all season, then he should get another opportunity or two before his career gets into dangerous territory. If Fields could take over as the starter and show real progress, then he could be the future starting quarterback of the Steelers.