A sneak peak at every projected Steelers starter entering Week 1

The regular season is just around the corner, and after nearly seven months without meaningful NFL action, football is finally back. The Steelers had an offseason unlike any other, marked by significant roster changes through free agency and trades.

Following an eventful preseason, it's time to lock in on who will take the field. As Week 1 against the Falcons approaches, let's take a look at the projected 2024 starters for the Steelers.

QB: Russell Wilson

Omar Khan and his team completely revamped the quarterback room, starting with the bold signing of Russell Wilson after he was released by the Broncos. Shortly thereafter, they traded Kenny Pickett and acquired Justin Fields, stirring up plenty of offseason chatter.

Despite some speculation of a potential QB competition when Wilson missed a couple of weeks due to a calf injury, it was clear that Wilson was always the frontrunner for the starting position. This became evident in the final preseason game against the Lions, where Wilson played just one series, solidifying his status as the Week 1 starter. While Wilson will begin the season under center in Atlanta, the real question is how long of a leash he’ll have if he struggles early on.

RB: Najee Harris & Jaylen Warren

These two are your co-starters, effectively splitting touches and anchoring the Steelers backfield. As a dynamic duo, they form a solid foundation for the Steelers' offense, which will lean heavily on their contributions throughout the season.

WR: George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin  Austin, Roman Wilson

It’s evident that these four will be the top wide receivers heading into the season, barring any trades or late roster additions. While Pickens stands out, the rest of the group leaves much to be desired. The front office should seriously consider adding a starting-caliber receiver—or even two—to strengthen the lineup.

TE: Pat Freiermuth

He’s the undisputed starter at tight end, and with this being a contract year for Freiermuth, it's a pivotal season for him. His performance will be crucial in elevating the passing game to new heights.

LT: Broderick Jones

Despite his preseason struggles, starting him at his natural position is the right move. Last season, in limited snaps at left tackle, he showed promise, and as a former first-round pick, the Steelers need to evaluate his potential fully.

It's time to prioritize his development over catering to Dan Moore, who, while serviceable, doesn't offer the same upside or ceiling. Of course, this plan hinges on Troy Fautanu's health for Week 1, but all signs point to him being ready to go.

LG: Isaac Seumalo

He was a free agent addition last year and one of the most underrated acquisitions of the entire free agency cycle. He's performed exceptionally well so far, and it'll be exciting to see how he continues to thrive in Arthur Smith's scheme this season.

C: Zach Frazier

Among this year's draft class, he has been the standout rookie. With Nate Herbig out for the season, he is now the definitive starting center.

RG: James Daniels

Another strong addition the team made two years ago, he's now in the final year of his contract. Throughout his tenure, he’s proven to be a dependable player and is expected to be a reliable starter once again this season.

RT: Troy Fautanu

After missing the last two weeks due to a knee injury, it's uncertain whether he'll be named the starter for the season opener. If he’s healthy, he should definitely start. He might face some initial challenges, but his skill set aligns perfectly with Arthur Smith's scheme, making him an ideal fit.

DL: Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Cameron Heyward

The starting defensive line for this season is set to feature these three key players. Ogunjobi, who had a tough year last season due to persistent injuries, has shown promising flashes this preseason, raising hopes that he's finally back to full health. Benton, meanwhile, has been a standout during the preseason and looks poised to make a significant impact in his second year, potentially becoming a well-known name across the league.

Then there's Cameron Heyward, a longstanding pillar of this defense who might be playing his final season as a Steeler. If this future Hall of Famer can stay healthy, this defensive line has the potential to become one of the top units in the league.

OLB: TJ Watt & Alex Highsmith

One of the top pass-rushing duos in the league, if not the best. As long as they stay healthy, their potential is sky-high.

ILB: Patrick Queen & Elandon Roberts

Patrick Queen's signing this offseason has been one of the most surprising moves I can remember as a Steelers fan. He brings a much-needed element of speed to the defense and is poised to make a ton of plays behind the front seven. Alongside Roberts, who was solid last year, Queen will be complemented by Robert’s run-stuffing and physical presence in the middle of the defense.

CB: Joey Porter Jr & Donte Jackson

Joey Porter was promoted to starter midway through last season and performed admirably. Heading into his second year, he's anticipated to make significant progress. On the opposite side, Donte Jackson will step into the starting role, having been acquired in the trade that sent Diontae Johnson to the Panthers. Jackson is expected to be a substantial upgrade over Levi Wallace, bringing enhanced performance and reliability to the position.

NB: Beanie Bishop

At the moment, it appears Bishop will be the team's starting slot unless they trade for or acquire a new player. This position is currently one of the team’s biggest concerns, and relying on an undrafted rookie to step in as a reliable contributor right away is a considerable risk. However, for now, Bishop is the only player who has demonstrated enough to earn the role.

SS: DeShon Elliott

Elliott, a key addition in free agency this offseason, will step in as the starting safety alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick. This move will enable Fitzpatrick to focus more on patrolling the back end of the secondary, while Elliott takes on a more active role in the box.

FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick

One of the league's top safeties is set to return to his traditional role after stepping up as a hybrid player due to a string of injuries in the inside linebacker group. With the defense's core returning to form, expect Minkah to have another standout season and showcase his signature playmaking skills once again.

K: Chris Boswell

Chris Boswell is back and ready to prove he's still among the top 10 kickers in the league. If he performs as consistently as he has in the past, his leg might become a key asset for the team, especially if the offense faces early challenges.

P: Cameron Johnston

Cameron Johnston, the latest free agent addition from the Texans, has been outstanding so far. The Steelers have finally secured a punter who can effectively flip the field, a significant achievement after years of searching for a standout at the position.

LS: Christian Kuntz

The hometown kid is back as the long snapper, bringing his dependable skills and consistency to the team once again.