With a new-look offense on the horizon for the Steelers, there will be plenty of changes. This offense will look night and day different compared to the offense that Pittsburgh put out on the field last season. Kenny Pickett is gone, and tons of free agents have entered the fold. With the remainder of free agency still on the schedule, there will be more changes to come.
Don't rule out the idea of different rookies from the upcoming draft as potential starters for the black and gold this upcoming season. We know there will be competitions across the offense, but there are also some positions that seem locked in place for now.
The Steelers have brought excitement this offseason thus far, and it will affect the starting offense in Week 1. Here's my early starting lineup prediction for Pittsburgh's offense in 2024.
Russell Wilson will be the starting Quarterback for the Steelers
There is no secret that Pittsburgh had a quarterback issue coming out of last season. Kenny Pickett was benched after Mason Rudolph outplayed him as a starter and got the club to the playoffs. Now that the entire quarterback room is gone from last season, fans should at least recognize the aggressive attempt by the Steelers to try and get better fast.
Starting Quarterback: Russel Wilson
Their first major change in free agency was done by signing Russell Wilson. He didn't join the Steelers to be a backup, and reports have stated he will be the starter. With Justin Fields in the picture, expect him to push the projected starter. We know that Wilson will be the starter to at least begin the year, but he better find success early and often.
If he fails to sustain success as the starter, then expect the conjecture about Fields taking the starting job to explode. They have two players with varying experience as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Wilson should be able to provide quality starts at quarterback and prove to be an upgrade over both Pickett and Rudolph. If that fails, then expect Fields to get some opportunities.
Harris will remain the starting Running back with Warren off the bench
The running back position is pretty cut and dry for the Steelers. They have one of the best duos at tailback with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. We know Harris will likely have his fifth-year option picked up, so that will keep him around for an extra year before he likely leaves in free agency. Warren has been terrific as a second option.
One thing Pittsburgh has been lucky with at this spot on their roster is injuries. They haven't had to deal with either Harris or Warren missing for significant time. Hopefully, that does not happen this time around, but it is a reasonable possibility. They have formed into the best running duo in the NFL and that should only get better this year.
Starting Running back: Najee Harris
It can't be stated enough how important the running game is for the Steelers offense. It is what makes the unit go. Arthur Smith is the new offensive coordinator, and he uses the running game to open his passing attack. If they regress in the running department, then they could have some trouble this year. Having a solid duo should help their issues.
It seems like the black and gold could select a running back late in the upcoming draft. They know they are one injury to either Harris or Warren away from having a big issue. Harris will take the bulk of the carries for this offense. Warren will remain a big part of the offense moving forward, but Harris will remain the starter as long as he stays in Pittsburgh.
George Pickens and an outside Free Agent will start at Receiver
The receiving core is also retooling this offseason. It has flown under the radar since the massive moves made at quarterback. Plenty of people have forgotten about Diontae Johnson being traded to the Panthers for Donte Jackson and a pick swap. You cannot discount that loss, especially if the Steelers don't find a quality replacement.
Johnson was not a perfect player, and it seemed like he made mistakes at the worst times in games. He was a talented receiver who ran routes as well as most in the NFL. His expiring contract and lack of a team-first approach was the nail in the coffin with the Steelers. It seems like a free agent could still be signed over the coming days and the draft is another option to add a receiver.
Starting Receivers: George Pickens and a Free Agent addition
George Pickens is back and he will be the number one option for certain this time. With Johnson in the fold, Pittsburgh had two top options, which created some discourse. Expect a free agent signing to be the other receiver opposite of Pickens on the outside. Wilson will give them some deep shots this season, and Pickens will benefit most from that.
Names like Tyler Boyd and Mike Williams make a lot of sense. Both can play outside, but Boyd could also slide into a third option role on the inside. Just because they sign a bigger name in free agency doesn't mean they won't draft a receiver in the top round. The position group is loaded with talent and the Steelers love adding to the position through the draft.
Pat Freiermuth remains the starting Tight end wilt a lot on the line
Tight end is another position that seems pretty cut and dry for the Steelers this upcoming season. Pat Freiermuth is back and entering a contract year, which he and the team hope can be some sort of break-out season for him. Things have been good when Freiermuth is on the field and getting targets thrown his way, the issue is that has not been consistent enough.
Don't discount Darnell Washington in his second year in the professional ranks. He should fit well in Smith's offense. He wants his tight ends to block, and Washington has proven to be that. Connor Heyward could also play a bigger role on offense if he makes the team out of training camp. He has plenty of versatility that Smith could use as an asset.
Starting Tight end: Pat Freiermuth
Washington and Heyward might have their roles on offense, but make no mistake about it, this is Freiermuth's starting job. He is the most talented of the group overall, but he is a difference-maker running routes and making plays downfield. We know that Wilson and Fields are not afraid of chucking the ball deep to get chunk plays.
This is a huge season for Freiermuth as he will try and cash in once this upcoming schedule comes to a close. He has been a good option when healthy and given opportunities. We will see if Smith keeps him in the middle of the field, especially with the offense currently lacking a solid slot receiver. Tight end is another starting spot on offense that is already situated.
The Steelers will return the same offensive line besides a new Center
We have finally gotten to the offensive line. Pittsburgh has shown a lot of interest in adding to their offensive trenches this offseason. The draft seems like the spot where they will try and address the multiple needs on their offensive line. Trying to accomplish issues in the draft and addressing those problems are two different things.
Free Agency doesn't seem to be a reasonable option for the black and gold to upgrade either right tackle or center. They should consider a cheap veteran option to battle a rookie for the starting job at center, so we will see if that ever materializes. Many will not like the listed starting offensive line to start next season, especially at the tackle spots.
Starting Offensive line: Dan Moore Jr. (LT), Isaac Seumalo (LG), Rookie (C), James Daniels (RG), Broderick Jones (RT)
Center is going to be a top pick in the upcoming draft. It seems like day two will be their sweet spot. We will see if they end up taking a tackle early to upgrade their right tackle position. Even if they do, most should assume that they will have a rookie sit a while to adjust to the NFL before starting them and shifting Broderick Jones over to the left side.
Other than the shock at the tackle spots, the two guard positions remain consistent. James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo will be the two starting guards. Center is where things get interesting. The starter at that position is not on the roster.
Names like Graham Barton, Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Zach Frazier make a ton of sense in the draft. If they do want to add someone in free agency at center, both Brian Allen and Nick Gates are possible signings.