How do Steelers free agency signings affect their 2023 draft?

The Steelers re-signed two pivotal players that had solid performances in the 2022 season and then they quickly signed free agents to replace players they have lost thus far, such as Robert Spillane and Cam Sutton and helped solidify their offensive line.

Steelers free agency signings so far in 2023

The Steelers first task was re-signing Larry Ogunjobi. You can not deny he had a solid performance on the defensive line in 2022, except for the few games he missed due to injury. Keeping Ogunjobi means the defensive line will still be the Steelers greatest defensive strength. It also gives DeMarvin Leal more time to develop, and possibly the Steelers may even look to pick up another defensive lineman in the draft as an insurance policy.

Plus, to lessen the need for a safety as they re-signed Damontae Kazee, who played impressively down the stretch in 2022. They also signed Nate Herbig from the Jets. While he is no long-term fix for the offensive line, he could become a starter and has versatility as an interior lineman. His signing could be crucial as the linemen get banged up as the 2023 season progresses.

Also, the Steelers wasted no time addressing other key positions in an attempt to replace Devin Bush and Robert Spillane, who bolted to the Raiders. They signed former Washington Commanders linebacker Cole Holcomb. They also signed former Minnesota cornerback Patrick Peterson to a two-year deal replacing Cam Sutton. Although Peterson’s signing is a mere bandaid for the secondary as he turns 33 by the start of the season. The Steelers will still have to address the corner position in the draft.  

How will these free agency signings affect the Steelers draft? As we learned at the combine, the Steelers looked at two positions: tackles and cornerbacks. Hinting that the Steelers number one choice could be as predictable as Najee Harris and Kenny Pickett were in 2021 and 2022.

Then again, maybe not. None of the free agent signings are long-term fixes, and per Steelers tradition, none of the signings broke the bank, and most are short-term deals of three years or less. However, it does affect the draft in one significant way.  

How the Steelers 2023 Draft may be affected

These signings may prevent the Steelers from overreaching in 2023 as they did when they drafted Artie Burns. They can take the more pragmatic approach of drafting the best player available. There is no doubt they could still take a tackle or a cornerback, but they don’t have to trade away draft capital to trade up to get the player they want.

The Steelers can wait and see who is left on the board when they are on the clock. It opens the door to possibly taking a linebacker early, addressing the tackle position, and taking a corner with their number two pick if they do not trade it away. Or they could still take a corner if the right player is still there. They have many more options now in how they approach the draft.

The Steelers are now positioned to wait and see who is available and take the player that best helps the team long-term instead of making that knee-jerk reaction and taking a player at the position they feel is most needed. So possibly, the Steelers could surprise everyone with their first pick in 2023. Plus it is Omar Kahn's first draft as general manager thus, unlike Kevin Colbert, we have no idea what he has up his sleeve, and that could be the biggest x-factor headed into the Steelers 2023 draft.