PITTSBURGH — For years, free company felt like a mere blip on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ calendar. Whereas a lot of the league dove headfirst into the open market, Pittsburgh solely dipped in its toes, utilizing free company sparingly to complement a draft-and-develop strategy.
Nevertheless, a brand new entrance workplace introduced a slight shift in philosophy.
Throughout Omar Khan’s first free company within the pilot’s chair final 12 months, the final supervisor inked a number of important starting-caliber gamers and handed out a good-looking extension to Larry Ogunjobi. The $30 million improve within the wage cap and the quite a few roster cuts to economize ought to present Pittsburgh with sufficient wiggle room to search out a number of extra influence gamers this 12 months.
Khan didn’t even wait totally free company to open earlier than making an enormous splash, including nine-time Professional Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson on a one-year deal late Sunday night time. Wilson has put Kenny Pickett’s future as a starter doubtful whereas sealing Mason Rudolph’s departure in free company.
Under are the most recent particulars on what the Steelers have finished, the place the wage cap stands and what the strikes imply within the massive image. This put up shall be up to date as new roster strikes are made. Grades shall be handed out with each transaction.
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Gamers below contract: 69 of 90
Estimated salary-cap area coming into free company: $27.2 million, in response to Over the Cap
Present estimated cap area: $17.5 million (pending specifics on the Johnson-Jackson commerce, Killebrew’s, Elliott’s and Adams’ contracts)
Unrestricted free brokers: CB Levi Wallace, ILB Kwon Alexander, OLB Markus Golden, DB Chandon Sullivan, DB James Pierre, WR Miles Boykin, LB Blake Martinez, LB Mykal Walker, S Godwin Igwebuike, S Elijah Riley, LB Chapelle Russell, LS Christian Kuntz, DL Renell Wren
Date: March 14
Influence: Medium
DeFabo’s ideas: Normal supervisor Omar Khan and assistant GM Andy Weidl have repeatedly careworn the significance of constructing high quality depth within the trenches. On Thursday, they saved one in all their very own with that goal in thoughts, agreeing to phrases on a two-year cope with defensive sort out Montravius Adams, per a number of reviews.
Adams’ profession was trending within the fallacious course in 2021 when he was relegated to the Saints’ observe squad. The Steelers claimed him on Nov. 30 and promptly thrust him into the beginning lineup. He’s began 21 of the attainable 35 video games through which he’s been wholesome. (Because of this, you may not discover a larger Mike Tomlin supporter within the locker room than Adams, who has mentioned he’s endlessly indebted to the workforce.)
Final season, when Adams went down with harm, it opened a door for Keeanu Benton. The rookie took full benefit of the chance. Tomlin made it identified in his end-of-season information convention he expects massive issues from Benton in Yr 2. Adams very properly may begin the season behind Benton at nostril sort out on the depth chart.
However given Benton is constant to diversify his ability set throughout the defensive entrance, and Khan mentioned they wish to be cautious about how rapidly they convey Cameron Heyward again from offseason surgical procedure, Adams ought to have alternatives to be a part of the rotation in sure packages and conditions.
Grade: C — Adams is a strong depth piece however, in a great world, will serve extra as a backup.
Steelers add potential beginning S
Date: March 14
Influence: Medium
DeFabo’s ideas: The Steelers addressed their secondary on Thursday, agreeing to phrases with former Dolphins security DeShon Elliott on a two-year, $6 million deal, in response to a number of reviews.
Elliott, who turns 27 in April, began 15 video games for Miami final season, posting a career-high seven go breakups together with an interception and 82 tackles. He began 13 video games for the Lions in 2022 and 22 video games for the Ravens from 2020 to 2021.
The place Elliott suits within the protection stays to be seen. The Steelers have an apparent want at sturdy security after releasing Keanu Neal with a failed bodily designation. At 6-foot-1 and 210 kilos, Elliott can be able to filling that void within the field.
However that’s not his solely place. Final season, Elliott took nearly all of his snaps from a deep, free security place. Over his five-year profession, he’s additionally been deployed as a robust security, nickel linebacker and slot cornerback.
Final 12 months’s free security, Damontae Kazee (who continues to be below contract for 2024), underwhelmed and infrequently took poor angles, and nickel nook Chandon Sullivan stays unsigned, so the Steelers may use Elliott in any of those roles. On the similar time, as a lot as they like to maneuver defensive backs round their protection, likelihood is Elliott will most likely find yourself in quite a few positions anyway.
Grade: C — As an alternative of spending massive on an influence security, the Steelers took a more cost effective strategy. That was their path final 12 months, and it didn’t repay. Possibly this one will.
Mason Rudolph leaves Steelers for Titans
Date: March 13
Influence: Low
Kaboly’s ideas: Khan mentioned the Steelers needed Rudolph again, however when the workforce did a 180 and signed Russell Wilson, that every one modified. Rudolph signed a one-year cope with the Titans price as a lot as $3.62 million with incentives, per workforce and league sources, to backup second-year professional Will Levis. Rudolph has by no means made greater than $3 million in a season throughout six years within the NFL, all with Pittsburgh.
The Steelers held out hope that Rudolph would return because the No. 3, however he had zero curiosity after not getting a possibility to win the beginning job, following 2023’s late-season surge. Rudolph began the final three regular-season video games, successful all of them and getting the Steelers into the playoffs earlier than shedding to the Payments.
He began 13 of 21 video games in his time with the Steelers, ending with an 8-4-1 file. The Steelers have solely two quarterbacks on their roster: Wilson (as soon as he formally indicators) and Kenny Pickett.
Particular groups ace Miles Killebrew staying in Pittsburgh
Date: March 13
Influence: Low
DeFabo’s ideas: The Steelers got here to an settlement with Professional Bowl particular teamer Miles Killebrew on a two-year deal price as much as $6.5 million, a league supply confirmed.
When Killebrew was a frivolously recruited highschool security, he began his spotlight video with clips of him working down the sphere on particular groups and blowing up performs. That willingness to embrace the underrated third section of the sport earned him his lone scholarship supply at Southern Utah. At the same time as he’s developed, he’s by no means forgotten his roots, turning into one of many league’s most impactful particular groups gamers.
Since he signed with the Steelers in 2021, Killebrew has blocked three punts, essentially the most within the league over that span. Through the 2023 season, he blocked one punt by means of the top zone for a security, serving to flip the tide in a 17-10 win over the Ravens. Later within the season, he partially blocked one other punt, which received’t present up on the stat sheet as a result of it traveled previous the road of scrimmage.
These performs helped Killebrew earn his first Professional Bowl nod and the good-looking new contract that can make him one of many league’s higher-paid particular teamers.
Grade: B — Killebrew is a team-first participant with nice soccer character. He’s a priceless contributor on the sphere and a high-quality particular person to have within the locker room. The value tag is excessive, however Killebrew is price it.
Steelers don’t tender RFAs, agree with LS Kuntz
Date: March 13
Influence: Low
Kaboly’s ideas: Veteran lengthy snapper Christian Kuntz was one in all 4 restricted free brokers not tendered by the Steelers on Wednesday, however he’ll return on a long-term extension.
The Steelers have agreed to phrases on a three-year cope with Kuntz, in response to a workforce supply. His wage is unknown, however it’s probably no more than the league minimal of $1.125 for a veteran heading into his fourth accrued season. Restricted free brokers left unsigned are defensive lineman Renell Wren, linebacker Chapelle Russell and working again/kick returner Godwin Igwebuike. The Steelers can negotiate an unrestricted free-agent contract with any of them.
Grade: B — It’s only a lengthy snapper, however Kuntz has been fairly reliable over his three-year profession.
Date: March 13
Influence: Low
Kaboly’s ideas: Watts’ departure isn’t an enormous loss, however it’s not insignificant both. He was a rotational participant alongside the defensive position a 12 months in the past. He didn’t present a lot in the best way of stats (15 tackles and a half-sack) whereas taking part in 28 % of the snaps, however his availability was noticeable, particularly at a skinny place.
The Steelers don’t have a lot in the best way of depth at defensive sort out, and their two starters — Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi — are each 30-plus. Watts performed three years with the Vikings and one with the Bears earlier than signing with the Steelers. They should discover depth on the place, as DeMarvin Leal and Isaiahh Loudermilk are their solely choices proper now.
Steelers ship off Johnson for CB, choose swap
Date: March 12
Influence: Very excessive
Diontae Johnson’s tenure in Pittsburgh is over, because the Steelers are buying and selling the vast receiver to the Carolina Panthers in trade for cornerback Donte Jackson and a swap of sixth- and seventh-round draft picks, league sources confirmed Tuesday. The Steelers will obtain choose No. 178 and ship again No. 240. The deal can’t turn out to be official till the brand new league 12 months opens Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Commerce phrases, per supply:
Panthers get:
WR Diontae Johnson
Seventh-round choose: No. 240Steelers get:
CB Donte Jackson
Sixth-round choose: No. 178@TheAthleticNFL— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 12, 2024
Johnson’s identify had been talked about in commerce rumors after an up-and-down season in 2023. He completed second on the workforce in receiving yards (717) and tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns (5) regardless of lacking 4 video games due to harm, however he additionally received right into a locker-room spat with teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick and drew criticism for his lack of effort on a play in opposition to the Bengals (Johnson later apologized).
The 27-year-old was a Professional Bowler in 2021, when he posted profession highs of 107 receptions, 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns. He had one 12 months remaining on his contract. With the commerce, the Steelers will save $10 million in opposition to the cap whereas absorbing $5.8 million in lifeless cash.
Jackson, 28, began for many of his six seasons in Carolina, together with 16 video games in 2023, when he posted 5 go breakups. A second-round select of LSU in 2018, he was coming into the ultimate 12 months of his contract and reportedly was a candidate to be launched if he was not traded. He’s due $4.7 million in base wage in 2024, plus a $4 million roster bonus and $1.7 million per-game roster bonus.
Kaboly’s ideas: This wasn’t an excellent return for a prime receiver like Johnson, however the Steelers have been backed right into a nook. Johnson requested a commerce coming into the ultimate 12 months of his contract, with no extension in sight and a $3 million roster bonus due Friday. With that deadline looming, the Steelers didn’t get a lot in the best way of a return, transferring up 68 picks close to the top of April’s draft and including a veteran cornerback.
Jackson, who was reportedly a candidate to be launched, comes with a $10.5 million cap hit. It’s unknown whether or not or not the Panthers will eat a few of that. The Steelers wanted a cornerback, with solely three presently on the roster and Joey Porter Jr. being the one one with expertise. However Jackson hasn’t performed properly since being the fifty fifth choose within the 2018 draft. He signed a three-year, $35.1 million deal in 2022 and had three voidable years left on his deal after this season.
The commerce places the Steelers in a tricky spot, as they’ve solely George Pickens returning as a beginning receiver. Calvin Austin III is very regarded however performed sparingly final 12 months. He missed all of his rookie season with an harm.
The Steelers took Johnson within the third spherical in 2019, and he’s had an up-and-down profession. His numbers dipped not too long ago, and he was concerned in locker-room altercations with teammates in every of the previous two seasons. He finishes his Steelers profession with 391 catches for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns. Solely 5 touchdowns got here during the last two seasons.
Grade: C/Incomplete — The return wasn’t good, however it’s not possible to grade the commerce till we see Khan’s coinciding transfer. The Steelers will probably add a starting-caliber receiver in some unspecified time in the future in free company. Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd, Josh Reynolds and Marquise Brown are a number of the prime candidates remaining.
The highest free-agent ILB is coming to Pittsburgh
Date: March 12
Influence: Very excessive
DeFabo’s ideas: After Omar Khan made an early splash by agreeing to phrases with QB Russell Wilson on the eve of free company, the Steelers GM had a quiet Monday. Solely a punter was added in what was an necessary however not so thrilling transfer.
That modified in a giant approach on Tuesday, when the Steelers agreed to phrases with former Ravens inside linebacker Patrick Queen, who was ranked No. 17 amongst The Athletic’s Prime 150 free brokers and No. 1 amongst linebackers.
At 6-foot, 230 kilos, the 24-year-old Queen hit the open market after the Ravens declined his fifth-year possibility a 12 months in the past. He fills an necessary void within the Steelers’ protection.
Since Ryan Shazier went down with a career-ending harm in 2017, the within linebacker place in Pittsburgh has been a revolving door. The Steelers believed that they had constructed a strong rotation final season, solely to see do-everything, three-down ‘backer Cole Holcomb and their next-best protection linebacker, Kwon Alexander, go down in back-to-back weeks with season-ending accidents.
With Holcomb nonetheless recovering from a big knee harm, there isn’t a assure he’ll be prepared by Week 1. Discovering a top quality alternative was paramount for a protection that’s been inconsistent for years in opposition to the run, partly due to the lackluster inside linebacker play. Khan mentioned so himself on the mix, acknowledging that linebacker was “clearly a place we now have to deal with.”
In Queen, the Steelers have discovered their new all-purpose linebacker. As our resident GM Randy Mueller wrote in his report, “He can run, blitz and play the go or run equally properly.” The Steelers, who usually ask their linebackers to cowl tight ends or working backs in man protection, will want all of Queen’s well-rounded ability set, particularly with bruising again Derrick Henry becoming a member of the Ravens. However with Queen on board, what was as soon as the obtrusive weak spot of the protection may flip right into a energy.
The transfer additionally appears like one other instance of Khan placing his fingerprints on the franchise. When prior to now have the Steelers gone out and added the highest free agent at his place? That is by far the biggest contract they’ve ever given to an exterior unrestricted free agent, surpassing the three-year, $26.5 million deal that guard James Daniels signed two years in the past.
Because the roster is presently constructed, Queen and Elandon Roberts determine to be the 2 starters. The Steelers can nonetheless add to that place group later in free company or the draft, relying on how they really feel about Mark Robinson and Holcomb’s well being standing.
Grade: A — The Steelers addressed one in all their most urgent wants with essentially the most impactful participant on the open market. A giant swing from Khan is more likely to pay dividends.
Steelers land a punter
Date: March 11
Influence: Low to reasonable
DeFabo’s ideas: In most NFL cities, signing a punter wouldn’t transfer the needle a lot. However Pittsburgh isn’t like most cities. Former punter Pressley Harvin III’s inconsistencies usually drew the ire of the fanbase. The potential of his booming leg was far overshadowed by his shanks, finally forcing the Steelers to maneuver on.
By agreeing to phrases with Cameron Johnston, per a league supply, the Steelers have discovered the probably alternative for Harvin. In his six-year profession (three with Philadelphia and three with Houston), the Australian-born, Ohio State product averaged 47.3 yards per punt.
Final season, his web punting common of 44.0 yards ranked fourth-best within the league. Johnston pinned 30 punts contained in the 20-yard line with simply three touchbacks. He additionally added a career-long 74-yard punt to his resume.
Grade: B- — Including a punter isn’t an thrilling transfer, however it’s a crucial one, particularly contemplating how usually coach Mike Tomlin preaches concerning the “area place part” in information conferences.
Date: March 10
Influence: Very excessive
DeFabo’s ideas: Coach Mike Tomlin promised competitors for Kenny Pickett at his end-of-season information convention. Despite the fact that Wilson’s price ticket is the veteran minimal, a nine-time Professional Bowler and Tremendous Bowl champion probably isn’t right here to be the No. 2 to Pickett or push him in a quarterback competitors the best way re-signing Mason Rudolph might need.
Whereas it wouldn’t be Tomlin’s method to anoint a starter, Wilson must be the odds-on favourite to win the job.
The query is, at 35, what does he have left? Our resident GM Randy Mueller wrote in his analysis, “He’s not for everybody at this stage, as his ability set should suit your scheme. He’s finest when his targets are predetermined and play-action is an everyday a part of the offense. He was very threat averse and likewise had inconsistent accuracy in 2023. He’ll maintain the ball and take too many sacks.”
Wilson may not be at his Professional Bowl finest, however the Steelers received’t ask him to be. Pittsburgh’s protection, which completed sixth-best in scoring final season, primarily lugged an anemic offense into the postseason.
With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith anticipated to put in a run-heavy scheme that takes the strain off the quarterback (and one which’s awfully just like the scheme Mueller described), Wilson shall be put able to do what he does finest: Reduce turnovers, hit a number of deep balls to maximise George Pickens’ big-play potential and win white-knuckle, wonky video games the best way he’s constructed his profession.
Grade: B- — Wilson is an enchancment over Pickett. However at this stage of his profession, how a lot can he push the Steelers’ ceiling?
Date: March 8
Influence: Medium
DeFabo’s ideas: The Steelers continued to arrange totally free company Friday by releasing two veterans, defensive again Patrick Peterson and receiver Allen Robinson.
Each gamers added worth to the group throughout their lone 12 months in Pittsburgh. Peterson supplied mentorship to Joey Porter Jr. and the opposite younger gamers whereas filling quite a few roles within the secondary, together with outdoors nook, nickel nook and security. Whereas he informed The Athletic in the course of the season he’d prefer to play two extra seasons to get to fifteen years within the league, he’s additionally set to show 34 and is displaying indicators of growing older.
Pittsburgh saved $6.5 million in opposition to the cap however might want to add a nook in free company or the draft. Final 12 months’s seventh-round choose Cory Trice Jr. has promise however can be coming off a knee harm that robbed him of his rookie 12 months. Contemplating how slowly the coaches broke in Porter, they’ll want a extra established starter forward of Trice on the depth chart.
Robinson was acquired through a commerce final 12 months. Whereas he was a reliable blocker who embraced the position he was forged in, the workforce saved $10 million in opposition to the cap by releasing him, making it an apparent transfer.
In whole, the Steelers have saved $36.3 million by chopping Mitch Trubisky ($2.9 million), offensive sort out Chukwuma Okorafor ($8.8 million), punter Pressley Harvin III ($1.1 million), middle Mason Cole ($4.75 million), security Keanu Neal ($2.25 million), plus Robinson and Peterson.
Grade: A — This was the correct enterprise transfer contemplating age and wage.
Steelers conform to phrases with depth DL Fehoko
Date: March 8
Influence: Low
DeFabo’s ideas: On Friday, the Steelers introduced they agreed to phrases with depth defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko. The 27-year-old nostril sort out joined the group final offseason, because the Steelers made a concerted effort so as to add high quality depth and construct by means of the trenches. Nevertheless, he toiled totally on the observe squad final 12 months.
It is going to be attention-grabbing to see how considerably the Steelers handle their defensive position this offseason. In a great world, they’ll add sufficient key items that Fehoko is once more in a reserve position.
Grade: C+ — Fehoko gives good depth, however it’s laborious to get too excited given his lack of taking part in time final 12 months.
(Picture: Jasen Vinlove / USA In the present day)