The Steelers have put together yet another mediocre season, and in the words of the late, great Owen Hart, "Enough is Enough and it's time for a change!" I have had it with this consistently middling team, and I think it is time for a new face to take over the team. As a longtime fan and impassioned blogger, I feel like I am just the man for the job. Goodbye Rooneys, but I’m in charge now.
On a more serious note, I wanted to give a detailed outline of what I would do if I were in charge of this team. Obviously fictional, I will take you through my feelings on this team and the changes I would be implementing, from coaches to players, to overall philosophy. This is how I personally see the team and the changes I would want to make, and I would love to know what you think and what you would do.
My overview of the Steelers
If you have followed my recent writings, you know that I am overall disappointed with the Steelers. This once-great franchise has fallen on some hard times, and more specifically, the standard for success has dropped. What used to be a perennial Super Bowl competitor is now content just scraping out winning seasons with little to no playoff success.
I want to change that, even if it means a year or two of bottom-dwelling in order to get there. That means that a culture change is needed, which will involve coaching and the players. Given the bloated roster of mediocrity, I’m also ready to tear this team apart and rebuild.
Rebuilds no longer have to be multiseason ordeals. It isn’t impossible to have one good year of compiling talent and then be competitive the following year. Even if it takes one extra season, I want this roster to stop being held together by scotch tape. I want something that is built to compete in a talented AFC for years to come.
On offense, this team is lacking unity and elite talent at an important position. The Steelers have built things the wrong way, and I want to correct that. The defense is a more puzzling one. There is elite talent at all three levels, but for some reason, the unit seems to be a letdown. That said, this is the stronger unit of the two.
I’ll keep the overview brief, as I’ll be digging into the specifics in the upcoming pages. Again, these are the issues I see as pertinent, and the changes I would make. Feel free to let me know what you would do if you were in charge.
Steelers coaches and general manager plan
With my mindset on a rebuild, there are a lot of front office changes I will be looking to initiate. One that I won’t be making though is moving on from Omar Khan. Promoted from within, Khan has done a good job with what he has had so far, and I am confident in keeping him around for the future.
He has crafted quite a few savvy trades, is more aggressive than Kevin Colbert was without being overly so, and I like how he wants to use resources to build this roster. The emphasis was on trench play this past offseason, and he seems committed to building a team out from there. Add in his first draft being a strong one and there is no reason to part ways.
Coaching is a different story. Look, Mike Tomlin is rightfully looked upon as one of the better coaches in the league. Not having a losing season is impressive, even if the overall results haven’t been great. Players also want to play for him, which is a good trait to have in your leader.
The issue is, the game has seemingly passed him by. As he has earned more and more control over the team, things are built more like how teams looked in the mid-2000s. It’s a safe approach, but one that won’t yield much fruit.
I’m also openly nervous that the focus for this team is doing enough to maintain the span of non-losing seasons. That isn’t to say Super Bowls aren’t the goal, but the team is being built every season to do just enough as opposed to trimming the fat for the future even if it costs the team next season.
I also think that Tomlin has a lot of issues midseason. From poor prep during proverbial “trap games” to failing to make significant adjustments mid-game and mid-season, this team is what it is early and will sink or swing with little to no change.
I feel like Tomlin would be adverse to openly gutting the roster now in the hopes of having a competitor in a few seasons. As well, I want a hungry coach that is looking to make their mark and prove something. For these reasons, I part ways with Tomlin as the head coach.
My primary target is to find an offensive-minded coach, who is better than Ben Johnson from the Lions. Detroit has gone from one of the worst teams in the league to one of the best, and Johnson is allowing Jared Goff to have a career resurgence. He builds a complimentary run game to boost the passing game and has crafted a great offense every week. Dan Campbell is also a strong locker room guy, and I would love to have someone with a similar mindset.
Johnson is also likely to be the most coveted coaching candidate this offseason. My shortlist behind him is Bobby Slowik (Texans), Frank Smith (Dolphins), and Brian Johnson (Eagles), and likely in that order. All three have had success with their young quarterbacks and have top offenses in the NFL. I want that for my team moving forward.
As for assistants, I would rightfully leave a lot of that up to my new coach. While there are a handful of guys I would like to keep, I want my head coach to have the freedom to bring in who they want. No one is safe, as I want this team to be built in their image moving forward.
Trimming the Steelers fat
With the coaching room now set up, I begin shifting my focus to the current roster (I know an owner isn’t involved here but I want to be thorough). I’ll start with my initial trimming of the roster. All of the players below will not be on the roster for the Steelers in 2024. Ideally, Khan can trade a few players for some resources, but if not they will be cut.
Chukwuma Okorafor has been the primary right tackle for this team over the past few seasons, and while he hasn’t been a liability, he also has never been better than average. He is on a hefty contract and was replaced by Broderick Jones. It is time to move on.
Right behind him will be fellow lineman Mason Cole. While Cole had a fine first season with the team, his play has fallen off this season and he can’t be rostered at his current price. I’m not a fan of not having a starter at the position heading into the offseason, but ideally, the team can plug Nate Herbig or even Spencer Anderson into the starting role ahead of free agency and the draft.
Mitch Trubisky is right behind them. This signing has been a disaster overall. He was brought in to be a bridge player and failed there. He was then inked to a healthy contract to be the backup and proved he wasn’t competent there either. The Steelers quarterback room is a mess, but he isn’t part of the solution.
Larry Ogunjobi gets us started on the defense, and he has been an equally disappointing addition to this team. His strong play from a few seasons ago never translated to the Steelers roster. Despite being a significant starter, his salary could be spent better elsewhere.
Joining him is fellow defensive player Patrick Peterson. While I think you can make the argument to keep Peterson around another season, with this team not being built to compete in 2024, it doesn’t serve a purpose. I would rather see his spot go to someone younger.
The same goes for Allen Robinson. While I like having a veteran receiver in the room, his contract is far too much given his play, and I would rather the spot go to someone younger. Unless he was willing to play for the minimum, I can’t justify keeping him.
I’m also gutting the safety room, as both Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal don’t move the needle for me. I would be willing to bring either player back on a reduced salary, but I am looking elsewhere for a new strong safety in 2024.
While this is a lot of veteran names to cut, I want to find either younger or more talented replacements. I’m fine sacrificing another year of average play in hopes of developing some better solutions to the holes on this roster. This would also net the team nearly 45 million in cap space, a healthy sum to conduct a short-term rebuild.
Opening the Steelers trade block
While already a gutting of this roster, my moves aren’t done with either. The following names would be made available via trade, and the right package would be needed to send them away. I would be willing to deal them over character concerns or due to the fact I don’t see them in my long-term plans. That said, it has to be the right offer, as I won’t be selling them for scraps.
The only caveat here is Cameron Heyward. I would be open with him and tell him that, more than likely, this team won’t be a competitor for the remainder of his time active. If he wants to seek a trade, I would allow it. If he wants to play out the remainder of his career here, I’ll allow it. He has earned the right to choose that.
The receiver room hasn’t. Diontae Johnson and George Pickens have flashed some very concerning antics this season, and if the right deal came in I would certainly be willing to deal either. Both are talented though, so it would have to be a hefty sum of picks.
I would also listen to offers for Kenny Pickett. Again, the price would have to be right, but I don’t envision him being the starter long-term. If someone wanted to give up an early draft pick for him, I would go for it.
Finally, Najee Harris would be made available. I’m not picking up his fifth-year option nor am interested in an extension at what I’m assuming his asking price is. I’m comfortable making Jaylen Warren the main guy as well, so Harris is expendable.
Again, I’m not forcing these players out, but if the right deal comes through, I would jump. For the remainder of this exercise though, I will assume no great offer rolled in and each of these players stick around for 2024.
Steelers extensions and re-signings
While we opened quite a bit of cap space, there aren’t a lot of names this team should actively be trying to bring back. I would offer veteran minimum deals (or values close to that) to Markus Golden, Kwon Alexander, Miles Boykin, and Elijah Riley. They are all quality backups that can contribute if need be.
I would offer Miles Killebrew a similar contract that he is currently on. He is a dynamic special teams player and is worth the money. I would also try and ink Mason Rudolph to a solid backup deal. He has proven his worth, and frankly, I am open to him competing with Pickett assuming no better quarterback option presents itself.
There are some players who will be entering into the final years of their deals that I will try and extend. Chief among them is James Daniels, as he has become the best lineman on this team and is a huge boost in the interior. I want him locked down into his 30s.
Pat Freirmuth is a more than capable tight end, and while his 2023 season was hampered by injuries, I know the type of talent that he is. Good tight ends don’t grow on trees either, so I want him around as a safety valve. It won’t be cheap, but a new deal should be going his way.
Lastly, I would try and work out a deal with Jaylen Warren. The Steelers have control over him through the restricted free agent deal that he will be eligible for next season, so he could come at a discount. While I don’t anticipate Harris being around past his fourth year, Warren could be a fine replacement for a fraction of the cost.
Steelers attack plan for the remainder of the offseason
With my carryover roster now set, there are still a lot of needs that I want to address. Some needs will have to be ignored though, as there are simply too many holes and not enough resources to fill them in one offseason. I have three tiers of needs for this team. Tier one needs starting help now, tier two can get by but will need help at some point soon, and tier three needs depth.
My tier-one targets are quarterback, center, defensive line, cornerback, slot cornerback, and strong safety. Yes, I am out on Pickett as a starting quarterback. He hasn’t shown a lot of positives so far in his career. Add in the fact that Mason Rudolph came in late in the season and played better than he did and it is hard to want him as the face of this team moving forward.
Unfortunately, given the fact that the Steelers had yet another average season, they won’t be in line to draft a quarterback. While this upcoming class is deep, most of the top prospects will be gone before the teens of the draft pick up. A monumental trade-up could happen, but given the needs of this team, that could hinder them.
A free agent also isn’t great, as they will eat up a ton of cap space and have a track record of not moving the needle as much as you may think. Great quarterback talent doesn’t become available in free agency, so instead you are overpaying for a mediocre option. Unless something surprising happens, I’m rolling into the season with Pickett and Rudolph at the helm.
Center is now a huge hole with the release of Cole. Herbig shouldn’t be counted on to start and Spencer Anderson seems more geared for tackle work than center snaps. A top free agent or early draft investment makes sense here. The same goes for the defensive line, as the team needs another starting body there to replace Ogunjobi.
Cornerback is a question mark. Joey Porter looks the part, but there is no one else proven in the room. Ideally, Darius Rush and Cory Trice can step into one of the other starting roles, but banking on them is a risk. This team also hasn’t had a great slot defender since Mike Hilton. Finally, a more traditional, every-down safety is now needed after gutting the room.
The tier two needs are receiver, tackle, linebacker, and punter. If Pickens or Johnson were to be dealt receiver obviously goes up. Assuming that isn’t the case though, finding some depth there and a new slot option should still be a goal during the offseason.
Some would argue that tackle is a higher need, but with Dan Moore still under contract, he could feasibly start for another season. Tackle is a pricy free-agent option, so if I do nab a bookend for the line, it will be in the draft. Linebacker was fine before injuries, but the position still lacks a star and Elandon Roberts is getting older. Pressley Harvin has been too hot and cold as a punter, but I also don’t want to invest significant resources into the position.
Tier three is, essentially, everything else. I’d like to find a better running back to give this team three options. If Golden walks then another edge rusher would be a welcome sight. Another backup safety would also help even out this roster.
Steelers free agency attack plan
While the Steelers should have some cap space in 2024, I want to make sure that we are spending smartly in order to maximize our funds to craft the best possible roster. I want one huge name, even if it comes with a bigger price tag, as well as two more fill-in starters on smaller deals. Beyond that, cheap contracts/veteran minimums are the name of the game.
For my crown jewel, I look to the defensive line for an immediate impact player. Christian Wilkins would slot in nicely, as he has developed into a capable defensive lineman and would be a force alongside Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton. He won’t come cheap, but he would beef up this defensive line.
This also allows you to keep a lineman on the draft board if the right player falls to you. Heyward isn’t getting any younger, so finding a potential replacement has to be on our minds. Wilkins provides some leeway though, as he can hold down an end spot once Heyward hangs up his cleats. Bringing him in would be costly, but well worth it.
I look to the secondary for both of my mid-tier options. Starting at cornerback, I really want to lock down a capable slot defender for this defense, as it opens the door for some flexibility in sub-packages.
Tavierre Thomas has become one of the best slot defenders in the league. The former undrafted free agent has risen up the ranks and has become quite a force. Adding him gives you stability there, something that hasn’t been in that position since Mike Hilton was around. This also leaves only one outside cornerback spot up for grabs, and ideally either Rush or Trice can win that spot.
Strong safety is my next target. The safety market has been deflated in recent seasons, and that will likely be the case again this season as a slew of capable names are set to enter free agency. This means that the team can get a viable starter for relatively cheap.
Two names stick out as potential options for a fair price. Kyle Dugger is a box player with some hybrid linebacker appeal who has played extremely well for the Patriots. Jordan Whitehead has been an ironman for the Jets and is more versatile. Either would look good in a Steelers uniform and would provide this team with some more stability at the position.
Looking at the offense now, I want to lock up a veteran slot receiver for a cheaper price than what Allen Robinson is making. Tyler Boyd would be my first choice, but he may be too expensive, especially with the rest of the moves I’ve outlined above. Nelson Agholor is a cheaper option who could fill that role as well.
A happy medium would be Cedrick Wilson. I was all over him when he came out as a potential late-round pick, and while his success in Dallas never translated to the Dolphins, I would be happy to give him a shot. His contract would likely be somewhere in between Agholor’s and Boyd’s.
Finally, I’m adding a running back on the cheap. I’m looking for some speed, as this backfield is lacking that element, and Matt Breida or Clyde Edwards-Helaire would make sense to me. Both will be cheap and good compliments for serving as the third back for this team.
Steelers attack plan for the draft
Let me be upfront and say that I am heavily scouting this quarterback class. Given the fallout of the Rudolph Pickett situation (and Pickett’s general lack of success), I want to find a franchise guy. I’m willing to wait until 2025 to do so if need be, but if the opportunity presents itself this year I’m pouncing.
My dream quarterback is Drake Maye, but he is likely locked into the first or second pick. If he were to slide to around pick eight or so, I would jump up for him and be willing to trade future picks to acquire him. He is everything you want in a modern quarterback, from his size, athleticism, and crazy arm talent. He may need a few years to refine his play, but he has the makings of a top quarterback.
Behind him is Jayden Daniels, who has similarly good size and athleticism but most of his traits are a tick or two below Maye. I would be willing to do a smaller move up for him if he were to fall into the teens of the draft. I could also be convinced to draft Michael Penix, but I don’t think I would make a major move up for him.
There is no other quarterback I’m interested in, but if one of those three scenarios occurred, I’m making my move. Assuming that doesn’t happen, my focus shifts to the offensive line. Center is the biggest need, but there isn’t a blue-chip prospect that will likely crack the first round. We’ve seen this trend in recent years, as the top centers get pushed down boards.
Instead, I’m looking at another offensive tackle. The top of this class is deep, and while I am a slight Moore fan, this team needs another good tackle to propel this line and to pair with 2023 first-round tackle Jones. While Joe Alt will more than likely be gone, the remainder of the class could be up for grabs.
Olumuyiwa Fashanu is the prototype for a modern tackle and would pair well with the brute strength of Jones on the right side. If the team wants Jones back to the left, adding a JC Latham or Amarius Mims would make sense. Any of those three would be instant upgrades and set this line up for success. I could also see at least one of them making it to the Steelers pick.
If tackle doesn’t work out, defensive line would be my next target, but there isn’t a good scheme fit for the Steelers. Instead, cornerback would have to be next. While I’m fine seeing what the young options can do, Kool-Aid McKinstry or Nate Wiggins would likely be better options. I’m not a huge fan of this route, but given the need I would at least consider it.
Finally, and perhaps a sleeper pick, would be a receiver. An athletic marvel like Xavier Legette could be used all over the offense (and allow the other receivers to move around more) while Emeka Egbuka could fill in as a stellar slot receiver. That all said, I’m going to move forward with tackle as my first pick.
The second round will be dedicated to landing my center, and I would take any of Sedrick Van Pran, Jackson Powers-Johnson, or Zach Frazier in that order. Van Pran has the most potential, but any of the three can step in and start from day one.
Third round I would have Maason Smith circled as my best-case scenario. He has the rare size that the Steelers covet for their ends, and while his hype has died down, he has all of the tools to be good. He can sit and learn right now and eventually step in for Heyward. Then a receiver or cornerback is logical here.
Day three can and should be open to the best players on your board. Picking purely for need here is nonsensical. Ideally, though, you can land a linebacker to work into the rotation as well as the aforementioned cornerback/receiver, some safety depth, reserve defensive linemen, a running back, and so on.
Steelers outlook for 2024 and the future
If the offseason were to fall anything even remotely close to this, I would do a victory lap. That said, the work would be far from done.
What would be accomplished is improved trench play on both sides of the ball. The offensive line has two more coveted rookies to take over while the defensive line gets a boost from the Wilkins signing and the drafting of a potential starter for the future in Smith.
The defense gets a facelift with some new defensive players in the secondary. Instead of skimping, the team now has a capable strong safety and an established slot cornerback. The only question mark is the other outside cornerback, but I’m willing to let the combination of Trice/Rush/a rookie fight for that role.
The offense remains mostly unchanged despite the line additions. Ideally, the run game can get going earlier as this line has a lot of talent on it now. The receivers added a new face or two via free agency and the draft, but I am more concerned about the established players getting their heads screwed on straight.
Despite the perceived improvements, quarterback will still hamper this team. I am ok with that, as I can let 2024 be Pickett’s sink-or-swim season. There are no excuses now, and if he falters we can role with Rudolph for the rest of the season and shift our focus to landing a top quarterback in 2025. Frankly, it won’t matter what improvements are made; if Pickett can’t become the guy, this team isn’t going to go anywhere.
And that is how I would rebuild the Steelers this offseason. The roster would likely need some time to gel, and I wouldn’t expect instant success right away, but all of the pieces are there. Quarterback and cornerback would remain question marks, but there is only so much you can do in one offseason.