These past couple of months have been nothing short of interesting when you look at the bounty of moves the Steelers made. They have a completely different roster from when the 2023 season concluded, and many in town are wondering how all these changes will alter the team's success in this upcoming campaign. Some might help while others could disappoint.
They weren't able to address certain needs, but they were able to add significant upgrades to positions of need via free agency, trades, and the draft. Training camp is still about two months away, so Pittsburgh might have more moves to complete before this offseason is officially finished. The quality moves they made this offseason might make them playoff contenders yet again.
Patrick Queen provides a legitimate starter at linebacker for the Steelers
Other than adding a quarterback in free agency, Patrick Queen was the splash signing that came out of nowhere for the Steelers. Many thought the black and gold might sign a middle linebacker, but not many expected them to bring in the top guy in free agency.
Queen has proven to be a top guy on a quality defense in the past. He will provide stability to the middle of the defense and be an upgrade over the guys Pittsburgh had.
Pittsburgh was able to add an upgrade with Russell Wilson at QB
Another shocking move was the signing of Russell Wilson. Add in the fact that the Steelers signed him to a one-year deal, and it only made the move seem better and better. Wilson isn't the same player he once was, but he is someone who can provide leadership and quality play at quarterback.
Wilson should be able to make this offense into a stable contributor during the 2024 season. A low-risk and high-reward deal that should work out from this offseason.
The rebuild of the offensive line should be complete after this offseason
It seems like the rebuild of the offensive line for the Steelers might be complete. It took a lot of trials and tribulations, but Pittsburgh might be at their final product. It might take time for the final lineup to be sent onto the field, especially if Troy Fautanu gets the Broderick Jones treatment from last year. This should be one of the better units that the Steelers have had in the trenches for some time.
Arthur Smith should be able to help turn the Steelers offense around
One move that had gone by the wayside since players were added to the roster this past offseason is the addition at offensive coordinator. The hiring of Arthur Smith had some mixed reactions, but it has been positive as a whole.
The Steelers added a proven guy at the role and someone who has prior Head coaching experience. Smith should be able to bring an improved offense that shouldn't make games unbearable to watch.
Signing a stable safety partner next to Minkah Fitzpatrick was huge
Another overlooked addition this past offseason was the Steelers signing DeShon Elliott to a cheap deal in free agency. Pittsburgh had a bunch of injuries at safety last season, and it directly affected the play of Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Adding Elliott should provide a quality safety partner next to him who is reliable and should allow the star safety back to his normal role. Fitzpatrick should benefit most from this addition.