With the Super Bowl wrapped up, we have officially hit the NFL offseason. While the Steelers are currently crafting their own plans for how to add talent to this roster (a plan I’m sure plenty of fans will grumble over), I wanted to take on the role of general manager and attack this offseason how I would if I were in control of this team.
From freeing up cap space to resigning our own talent to adding new faces in free agency, and finally the draft, this will be a complete outlook for what the Steelers do over the next few months. While I will use my knowledge of what the team typically does to target certain players, at the end of the day, this is how I would attack the offseason.
Setting up the ground rules for the Steelers
The tools I will be using are as followed: for cap management, I will be using Over the Cap, as they have one of the best management tools out there. All moves pertaining to adding or subtracting cap space will come via them. Contracts will be a little more fluid, as I’ll use a combination of Spotrac’s market value as well as previous contracts for players of similar caliber/role.
For the draft, I will be using the draft simulator from PFF, although I’ll be using my own board of players. For any draft trades, it will have to be ones offered in the simulation. I won’t be trading any players, as I don’t have a great way to simulate that, and I don’t expect the Steelers to make any aggressive trades.
This will be a long post. It’s meant to be, as I want to be as in-depth with this as I can. With all of that said, here is my mock offseason for the Steelers.
Steelers cuts and restructures
Based on Over the Cap, the Steelers have a very slim amount of cap space, coming in at less than 200 thousand total. My tentative goal is to avoid restructures, as I don’t want to keep kicking the can down the road. My cuts are the players below.
William Jackson: Cap Savings of 12.1 million
The easiest cut on this list, William Jackson is likely the first man out the door this offseason. Traded to the Steelers before the deadline, Jackson never saw the field. Not, he has a massive cap hit of over 12 million, all of which can be saved if he were released. I do see a world where he could return on a reduced salary, but I personally am cutting him outright.
Mitchell Trubisky: Cap Savings of 8 million
A name that, according to the Steelers, doesn’t seem likely to be cut, I’m personally cutting bait with Mitchell Trubisky. You can sign a different veteran for less, and he will likely want to be here more than Trubisky does. The team needs a better veteran presence behind Kenny Pickett.
Chukwuma Okorafor: Cap Savings of 6.9 million
In my opinion, saving nearly seven million dollars over the production that Chukwuma Okorafor offers makes sense. You can invest in a better tackle in free agency for less of the total cost that Okorafor will have in 2023. I want this line to have some genuine improvements in 2023, so cutting Okorafor makes sense for the overall betterment of this group.
Ahkello Witherspoon: Cap Savings of 4 million
Another easy one here. While the Steelers have cornerback needs, Ahkello Witherspoon showcased his inconsistencies last season and it cost this defense. While he isn’t on a huge deal, he is an outside-only cornerback and didn’t play well for most of this season. He should be an easy cap savings cut.
Myles Jack: Cap Savings of 8 million
One of the hardest cuts to predict, Myles Jack was supposed to be a stabilizing force for this linebacker room. Instead, he became an overpriced liability. While I expected him to be back for the longest time due to the lack of players at linebacker, his benching late in the season was the final straw. It makes the room incredibly thin, but I can’t justify bringing Jack back.
Gunner Olszewski: Cap Savings of 2 million
While not a major cap hit in 2023, Gunner Olszewski was one of the biggest disappointments of the 2022 season. He was brought in as the returner but lost his role due to inconsistencies. He offers you next to nothing as a receiver. This is easy savings as he doesn’t offer this team anything.
With all of these moves, the Steelers cleared 41 million in cap space and now sit at 41.2 million total in cap space. I plan to only spend 30 million of this, as it saves some cap space for the season and the rookie class. So, my budget is now set at 30 million dollars to spend to improve this team.
Steelers in-house moves
The Steelers have a slew of pending free agents, and I have the team targeting quite a few to return. I’ve broken down the contract as well as the first-year cap hit to follow. Important to note, any contract that is a veteran minimum deal won’t count against my cap budget as the use of cap space on a deal like that is negligible.
Cameron Sutton: 3 years, 29 million, 9 million signing bonus, 4 million cap hit
While Spotrac has Cameron Suttons' value at a mere 7.6 million, I find that hard to believe. Sutton had his best season as a pro and is capable of playing outside or in the slot. The top slot cornerbacks make closer to 8-9 million a year, and the Steelers offer a fair deal to avoid Sutton testing free agency. He has more than earned this extension.
Damontae Kazee: 2 years, 5 million, 2 million signing bonus, 2 million cap hit
While there is a real chance both return, I have the Steelers opting to keep Damontae Kazee and go without Terrell Edmunds in 2023. Kazee more than proved himself as a versatile weapon for this defense. He can go into the season as a starter or become the third safety depending on what I do during free agency and the draft.
Zach Gentry: 3 years, 9 million, 2.4 million signing bonus, 1.9 million cap hit
Outside of Sutton, I think Zach Gentry is the most important player that the Steelers should resign. He gives this offense a lot of versatility. He has developed into a solid blocker and a safe receiving valve when need be. He gets a healthy deal to stick around for this developing offense.
James Pierre: RFA tender, 2.6 million cap hit
James Pierre is a valuable member of this defense, and he proved it last year. From continuing to serve in his special teams' role to stepping in on defense, Pierre has been a huge success story. The restricted free agent contract is a little high, but it is worth it for the value he provides on this team.
Veteran minimum contracts: Karl Joseph, Trenton Scott, Miles Boykin, Steven Sims, J.C. Hassenauer, and Benny Snell
Finally, I would extend a veteran minimum contract to all of these players. None of them are core players, but each serves important roles, and if they are willing to come back on the cheap, it would be worth it.
This leaves the Steelers with 19.5 million dollars to spend as they enter free agency.
How the Steelers attack NFL Free Agency
While I could be tackling a wide variety of free agents, I want to focus on landing two key starters and adding some cheap veterans. Specifically, I want to land a viable starting tackle, as it will set this lineup for more success in the future.
Mike McGlinchey: 4 years, 60 million, 20 million signing bonus, 6 million cap hit
The Steelers use their effective cap savings from the Okorafor to bring in Mike McGlinchey. The 49ers' right tackle has developed into a solid and consistent force along the right side of the offensive line. He can man that side down as the left side continues to grow or gets replaced by draft picks. This seems like a slam-dunk move considering the cap savings vs. the talent difference.
David Long: 2 years, 12 million, 5 million signing bonus, 3.5 million cap hit
While I think there is a real chance that Steelers bring back Robert Spillane, I opt to add a more coverage-based linebacker. I’m trying to set up this group as a rebuilt one, and I believe David Long can be a competent starter. He is slightly undersized, but he plays sideline to sideline and can hold his own in coverage. He should be the primary starter and sub-package linebacker for this team as they look for a competent second player to run next to him.
Taven Bryan: 2 years, 12 million, 4 million signing bonus, 3 million cap hit
I have the Steelers targeting a stopgap defensive end. Taven Bryan never developed into the elite traits he flashed in school, but he fits the mold of what this team likes in a defensive end. Long term, the team can hopefully draft and develop someone, but Bryan is insurance in case the draft doesn’t pan out that way.
Greg Little: 2 years, 5 million, 1.5 million signing bonus, 1.75 million cap hit
The Steelers locked up a starting right tackle earlier, now they land a versatile swing tackle. I’m not sure how the draft is going to shake out, so I wanted to ensure that the team has some competition for Dan Moore. Greg Little has been very hot and cold, but he is young and would be a viable reserve if he was added.
Chase Winovich: 2 years, 8 million, 3 million signing bonus, 2.5 million cap hit
The Steelers finally lock up a viable backup edge rusher in Chase Winovich. The former Brown and Patriot edge rusher has never developed into a starter, but he has become a fine reserve that can play a handful of snaps every game. The team needs better depth overall, and Winovich would provide the team with a good third option.
Case Keenum: 2 years, 7 million, 3 million signing bonus, 2.7 million cap hit
A cheaper replacement for Trubisky, Case Keenum is an established veteran who likely has accepted his role as a good backup in the NFL. Given his veteran status, he would be a good mentor for Pickett and can win a few games if need be.
This wraps up the majority of the major moves in free agency. 19 million total in first-year cap hits. The team brings in two starters, as well as a pair of possible starters. The next page will be dedicated to veteran minimum deals to help build out the depth chart.
Steelers veteran minimum contracts
To fill out the remainder of the roster, the Steelers also sign the following players to veteran minimum contracts. These players could fill voids, but at a minimum, they can compete and make the roster better.
Jamison Crowder
An undersized slot receiver only, Jamison Crowder has proven to be a viable and dependable slot weapon. He signed a cheap deal with the Bills, but injuries limited him for almost the entire season. That said, he can compete with the rest of the slot receiver room and potentially provide Pickett with another viable weapon.
Jesse James
I’ve called this reunion a few times, but I think Jesse James coming back to the Steelers makes a lot of sense. He can serve as a blocker or a receiver and would round out the roster. Conner Heyward will maintain his role as the hybrid third tight end and serve as the fullback. James would be the safety valve and injury replacement if needed.
Andrew Billings
Another popular name linked to the Steelers, Andrew Billings was, at one point, seen as an up-and-coming nose tackle. Injuries have derailed his career, but he rebounded a bit with the Raiders this season. He can come in and try to earn a roster spot as the primary nose tackle.
Justin Evans
Rounding out the depth chart moves is another safety added to the roster. Justin Evans was a player that the Steelers had shown interest in way back when. He has never developed into a starter, but the Steelers could see if they can get anything out of him now.
Steelers 2023 NFL Draft preparations
With free agency wrapped up, the Steelers still have a lot of needs heading into the draft. For starters, the left side of the offensive line is mostly unchanged. While Little can compete for the left tackle role, Moore and Kevin Dotson would both be the favorites to start.
The defensive line is also in need of some help still. Bryan is a serviceable defensive end, but improvements can be made there still. The nose tackle is still a huge question mark and will need to be upgraded.
Linebacker is arguably the biggest need right now. Long is a fine starter and Mark Robinson has potential, but there needs to be someone else that can make an impact. While the top of the draft isn’t full of linebackers, landing on day two is a must.
With so many needs, and with myself in charge, I opt to trade back and acquire some more picks. They stay pat in the first round but opt to trade back once the second round opens. New Orleans heads to the top of the second round. In exchange, we receive picks 40 and 71.
This gives the team eight total picks and five of those picks are in the first three rounds. With the ammo set and the targets ready, here is how I would attack the draft given my moves from free agency.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: OL Peter Skoronski
With pick 17, the Steelers finally invest in a top offensive lineman who favors the left side. While fans are clamoring for a complete rebuild, there isn’t enough capital for that. Instead, right tackle got improved in free agency and the team finds some help for the left side of the line in Peter Skoronski.
Skoronski is arguably the best technician as a lineman in the entire class. He moves his feet well and is a predictive player off the line of scrimmage. He isn’t weak in either his run blocking or pass blocking.
The issue with Skoronski is his arms. They are notably short for a tackle, and while he overcame that in school, the pro game is a different story. He could stick at tackle, but I ultimately think he would be best served as a guard. That is right where I would play him, as I would slot him in as the left guard in this line.
The interior of the line is now one of the strongest on the roster. Skoronski will need some time to transition to playing guard, but he has the makings of an elite player there. The Steelers should be thrilled if they can land a player of Skoronski’s caliber ends up on their roster after the first round.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2 (via NO): CB Emmanuel Forbes
While cornerback isn’t the biggest need for the Steelers with Sutton coming back, finding a more capable outside cornerback would be a huge need for this defense. They have lacked a dynamic player there, and they take a swing at a potential top cornerback in Emmanuel Forbes.
Forbes has everything you want in a boundary cornerback. His size is great, he is a good athlete, and he is aggressive with his turnover production. His coverage skills as a whole are his best strength, as Forbes can consistently match up against top receivers and disrupt their routes. The Steelers lack a cornerback like that.
The main area Forbes needs to improve is his run defense and his grabby nature. If he ends up out of position, Forbes has a tendency to get grabby which will cause penalties. Forbes also doesn’t wrap up well as a tackler. That all said, those are issues that can be coached up. Forbes would be a valuable addition to this secondary.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: LB Drew Sanders
The Steelers don’t need another undersized coverage linebacker given their recent track record there and the fact that they have Long under contract. They need a bigger defender that can shoot gaps and disrupt the run. That is exactly what Drew Sanders offers for a defense, as he can play that aggressive role effectively.
Sanders made the move from edge defender to off-ball linebacker this past season, and the transition paid off. Sanders was dynamic last season for Arkansas, as he used his pass-rushing ability to disrupt offenses and his athleticism to play sideline to sideline.
Sanders needs to improve as a coverage player, but given his transition, he didn’t look bad there. He can compete with Robinson for playing time early, but Sanders has the makings of a three-down linebacker long-term. Eventually, he should be the primary off-ball linebacker for this team once he gets accustomed to the professional game.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (via NO): NT Keeanu Benton
This is where the trade-back becomes big. The Steelers added to their offensive line, filled out some defensive pieces, and now they land a big body to command space along the interior of a defense. As mentioned, nose tackle is one of the weakest spots on the roster but adding Keeanu Benton should aid that.
Benton has already caught the Steelers' eyes, and it isn’t hard to see why. Benton has been extremely successful as a space-eater at Wisconsin and will likely continue to be that at the next level. He has incredible strength and uses that power to collapse lanes in run defense. He is one of the soundest run defenders in the draft.
The issue with Benton is his lack of ability as a pass rusher. He doesn’t have much in terms of a plan outside of power, and it made him ineffective there in college. Even if he never develops into an elite pass rusher, Benton should be a great addition to the middle of this defense and help aid in stopping opposing run games moving forward.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: DE Gervon Dexter
The Steelers wouldn’t have an immediate need at defensive end in this scenario, but it is hard not to connect the team to Gervon Dexter. The Florida product feels like an obvious name to draw connections to. From his size to his length, to his youthful age, Dexter would be a natural developmental candidate for this line.
Dexter is a traits-heavy player that won that way in college. He lacks the finesse and plan to beat linemen, but his athleticism and power got the job done in school. Add in the length and he has all the traits to be great, but he will need some time to hone his skills. Pittsburgh would be able to offer him that.
Of all the names in this draft so far, Dexter would be the most likely name to take a redshirt year. He can sit behind the depth and hone his skills during his first season. His size and potential are too hard to pass up, and long term he could become a viable starter. He needs some work as a pass rusher, but he is a natural fit for this defense.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: WR Trey Palmer
The Steelers' receiver room is a little full, but they still look to add another threat for Pickett to have in his second season. Trey Palmer is raw as a route runner and will have some specific limitations as a pro, but he seems like a great player to round out this receiving room.
Palmer won with speed at the collegiate level, as he was a threat to house the ball anytime he got his hands on it. He has some running back traits to his game as well, as he can be extremely elusive with the ball in his hands. Add in his return ability and you have a fun player to watch in any offense.
He does have some flaws, as Palmer mainly played in the slot and lacks a great route tree. As a rookie, he can be another option inside though, and take over the returner role. Add in his ability to take handoffs and you have a complete player that should work in this offense.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: OT Wanya Morris
A late-round pick I am quickly falling in love with, I think a prospect like Wanya Morris is an obvious candidate for the team late in the draft. He has every trait you want in a prospect, from long arms, great size, and plus athleticism. That made him one of the best high school prospects when he entered college level.
He never put everything together though, and after transferring to Oklahoma, his inconsistencies continued to plague him. He needs a lot of work, but as a late-round flyer, Morris has the potential to be a capable starter if he can put everything together. He can very easily flame out, but that kind of risk is worth it in the seventh round.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: DB Daniel Scott
Rounding out the draft is a high-floor, low-ceiling type of prospect. Despite a great size, Daniel Scott is missing the athletic element to be a dynamic starter. He lacks the coverage ability to be a traditional free safety and has missed some tackles which makes him a less-than-ideal strong safety.
That said, he plays hard. Add in his experience and he should become a fine-depth player and special teams player. He could see time as a nickel defender if he hits his peak, but his versatility as a reserve is worth the pick.
Rounding up the Steelers offseason
Finally, we have come to the end of this mock offseason. While far from perfect, I do think the team would be in a better spot now than they were last year.
Looking at two of the bigger needs (the trenches), both sides are significantly improved. McGlinchey makes the right side of the line great, while the team also upgraded on the left side. Even if Skoronski stays at tackle, Moore can kick inside. If Skoronski plays guard, Moore and Little will battle it out for the left tackle role.
The defensive line retains Cameron Heyward and adds two potential nose tackles (although Benton should be the favorite to start). Bryan is a fine starter for now while the team develops Dexter into the next prime defensive end. Meanwhile, DeMarvin Leal can kick inside on pass-rushing downs to get after the quarterbacks.
The receiver room is deeper, albeit not top-heavy. Crowder, when healthy, is a great safety outlet for a quarterback. Calvin Austin will still have the opportunity to win a spot, and Palmer adds a versatile weapon that can also return kicks.
The defensive backroom is decent as well. Cornerback sees the top trio return and adds a potential top player in Forbes to develop as an outside option. Strong safety is weaker overall, but Kazee can serve as the starter there for now.
Off-ball linebacker hinges on the development of Sanders. Ideally, he and Robinson become the primary starters there long term, but until then, Long can hold his own and handle coverage duties.
What do you all think? I know this was very intensive, but what went well and what would you do differently? Let me know as we inch closer to the offseason finally opening.