2023 Pittsburgh Steelers. Banged up team loses to Buffalo. Looking ahead to 2024 now (5 Viewers)

[Bracie Smathers]

This is interesting.  I’m not sure it is by design but more the case of being so young on offense and the veterans (and few stars on the team) are all on defense

They have historically had a smash-mouth offensive and an intimidating defensive philosophy but got away from that with Ben getting pass-happy over the years.  They stated they wanted to get back to that and it 'appears' the transitionary plan from Big Ben is to build 'that-type' of team around a 'steady-sort' of QB.

It is tough to build an intimidating defense but, in the FA NFL, it is really tough to keep it together because of attrition of the numbers game but it 'appears' as though they are going all-in so you have to applaud them for it.  Just like the Ravens went all-in with Lamar Jackson's skill set and built an entire offense around him.  Just like last year when the Rams made their move with Stafford.  I love it when a team fully commits.  Takes guts.

I'm applauding the Browns FO for going all-in with Watson even though no-one likes the baggage, have to applaud that aggressive mentality.   Huge gamble, takes guts so we'll see since we know Watson will be suspended.

 

[steelers1080]

Tomlin has stated at least to sources that he believes the Steelers can win with a good running game and great defense, their signings mirror that. 3 O-line, 1 mobile QB, key ILB, and depth CB.

Also, deal for Juju is allegedly $3 mil base with $7.75 in incentives, Juju's mom saying the Steelers weren't really interested. Pretty sad to see him go and not sure why the Steelers weren't interested when he seems to be a great example off the field and a leader on the field. I wish him well in KC except if we play them. 

With Rayray signing with the 49ers we are really in need of WR help. Gunner is purely special teams IMO. He might get cut in camp if a rookie beats him out for the return game. We might have to draft 2 WRs... might be 2010 all over again, hopefully we can get WRs that are at least 75% as good (AB & Sanders). 

 

[5-ish Finkle]

...might be 2010 all over again, hopefully we can get WRs that are at least 75% as good (AB & Sanders). 

They might need to, but have been so great at finding WRs for so long its almost not worth worrying over.   

I'm sure at some point that well is going to dry out, but they almost always seem to manage to get guys there when they need them.  Hopefully Colbert leaves his notes on that in his desk.

 

[crushedspirit]

I'm sorry to say, but the AFC won't be won with that philosophy alone. They will need very good QB play to go along with the D and run game for any chance at success going forward.

Mahomes, Watson, Burrow, Allen, Watson all await, and Herbert is on the cusp of climbing the ladder. If you look at all 16 starting QBs in the AFC, where would you slot Trubisky? He's easily the worst in the division just for starters. 

Suffice to say, I like some of the solid pickups for sure, especially Trey, Daniels, and they snagged Gunner, who is a good returner. Yet, if I'm to wear the non-homer glasses, I can see how others in the AFC have drastically improved their teams, and quite honestly, the road to playoff success got tougher for the Steelers.

 

[steelers1080]

I agree that their defense and run game as-is is not enough to create a recipe for Super Bowl success, but we have seen that type of team make the Super Bowl before (Ravens 1st Super Bowl, Bears last Super Bowl run) and the Titans are using that as their current blueprint and were the #1 seed last year. The hope would be for some incredible influx of offensive line and defensive talent through the draft and UDFA. 

It hasn't happened recently and is not a recommended path, but there's not a franchise QB reasonably available for the Steelers this year so this is their only option for short term success. Ideally we're only stuck in this QB quagmire for a short period and the team is able to secure a franchise QB through the draft within the next few seasons while TJ Watt and Minkah are still in their primes. If we're able to craft a powerhouse defense and great O-line with a stud RB and TE to pair with the young Franchise QB, that's the key to sustained success. The difference in contract size for QB will be our biggest advantage over where the Chiefs/Bills/Browns/Bengals/Chargers will be in ~3 years and the advantage the Bengals and Chargers currently have over the Chiefs/Bills/Browns. 

So yeah, great defense and a strong running game aren't the best possible plan long term, but the only realistic one short term.

 

[steelers1080]

Steelers have shown lots of interest in Justyn Ross and George Pickens. Both could be good value if they're fully healthy from their injury concerns. 

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Steelers have shown lots of interest in Justyn Ross and George Pickens. Both could be good value if they're fully healthy from their injury concerns. 

I have had Pickens as their 2nd rounder. Hopefully he stays available there. 

 

[crushedspirit]

I agree that their defense and run game as-is is not enough to create a recipe for Super Bowl success, but we have seen that type of team make the Super Bowl before (Ravens 1st Super Bowl, Bears last Super Bowl run) and the Titans are using that as their current blueprint and were the #1 seed last year. The hope would be for some incredible influx of offensive line and defensive talent through the draft and UDFA. 

It hasn't happened recently and is not a recommended path, but there's not a franchise QB reasonably available for the Steelers this year so this is their only option for short term success. Ideally we're only stuck in this QB quagmire for a short period and the team is able to secure a franchise QB through the draft within the next few seasons while TJ Watt and Minkah are still in their primes. If we're able to craft a powerhouse defense and great O-line with a stud RB and TE to pair with the young Franchise QB, that's the key to sustained success. The difference in contract size for QB will be our biggest advantage over where the Chiefs/Bills/Browns/Bengals/Chargers will be in ~3 years and the advantage the Bengals and Chargers currently have over the Chiefs/Bills/Browns. 

So yeah, great defense and a strong running game aren't the best possible plan long term, but the only realistic one short term.

Good post

Problem with the foundation is many of these guys signed are only 2 year contracts, which means if they pop off, the price goes up substantially when it comes time to keep them for a longer duration. When that occurs, the salary cap flexibility goes out the window.

The window for Heyward is closing despite the season he just had, then we have the Tuitt who is an unknown. I'm not so sure the DL is set up for the future with the pieces in place, and their secondary is average, aside from Minkah. Bush and Jack will come into the season as huge question marks, so again, it's another unknown. Can they put it together? One can hope so, yes. 

I like the direction the O is going with the line additions, but I'm not sold on Matt as OC, and I already know who Trubisky is as a QB. They lost all depth at WR, plus who is Claypool, and which DJ shows up? I know they and the Titans have a similar build mindset, but that approach has gone nowhere for the last two seasons in the AFC come playoff time, where most of the elite QBs roam. 

I don't expect much from this season, and hope the QB future will arrive by 2023. 

 

[Da Guru]

Tomlin has stated at least to sources that he believes the Steelers can win with a good running game and great defense, their signings mirror that. 3 O-line, 1 mobile QB, key ILB, and depth CB.

Also, deal for Juju is allegedly $3 mil base with $7.75 in incentives, Juju's mom saying the Steelers weren't really interested. Pretty sad to see him go and not sure why the Steelers weren't interested when he seems to be a great example off the field and a leader on the field. I wish him well in KC except if we play them. 

With Rayray signing with the 49ers we are really in need of WR help. Gunner is purely special teams IMO. He might get cut in camp if a rookie beats him out for the return game. We might have to draft 2 WRs... might be 2010 all over again, hopefully we can get WRs that are at least 75% as good (AB & Sanders). 

When the team that has had him for a few years and lets him go on a lowball deal that is telling that Tomlin did not want Shuster.

 

[travdogg]

When the team that has had him for a few years and lets him go on a lowball deal that is telling that Tomlin did not want Shuster.

Agree with this. JuJu is 4 years removed from being a difference maker, and was clearly the 3rd best WR on a team that wants to be run heavy. Easy guy to let walk. 

This is also a great WR draft, there are probably 8-10 guys in this draft close to as good or better than JuJu. 

 

[Steeler]

So yeah, great defense and a strong running game aren't the best possible plan long term, but the only realistic one short term.

I think this is the best way to build the team until they can get the next franchise QB.  If they have everything else in place they can draft a QB on a rookie contract (R. Wilson) or trade for a veteran (T. Brady, M. Stafford).  I'm not saying it's easy to draft the next R. Wilson or sign an older vet QB to put you over the top, but the blueprint has been proven recently with these other team's success.

 

[menobrown]

When the team that has had him for a few years and lets him go on a lowball deal that is telling that Tomlin did not want Shuster.

This is a bit of an over simplification and I'm not mistaken JuJu is  only WR other then AB to get a second contract with the Steelers since Tomlin arrived. 

 

[5-ish Finkle]

This is a bit of an over simplification and I'm not mistaken JuJu is  only WR other then AB to get a second contract with the Steelers since Tomlin arrived. 

Pretty much have to agree with that.  All how the situation played out really tells us is that the Steelers did not value JJSS at the same cost that the Chiefs did.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Why in bloody blue hell is my Twitter full of speculation that the Falcons are going to trade up to take Malik Willis at 1.01?   Did he "throw the ball over them there mountains.  Coach shoulda put me in and we'dda beat State.  I'dda went pro" during his pro day?

People are getting nuts with this stuff.

 

[steelcityman]

He threw one 65 yards so he is 1.01 in the NFL draft now.   

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Why in bloody blue hell is my Twitter full of speculation that the Falcons are going to trade up to take Malik Willis at 1.01?   Did he "throw the ball over them there mountains.  Coach shoulda put me in and we'dda beat State.  I'dda went pro" during his pro day?

People are getting nuts with this stuff.

The Lions could draft him 2, so if they are locked into him they could need to. They do need to draft a QB now

 

[5-ish Finkle]

That may be, but there is just about no way any of this class's quarterbacks are worth trading up to the 1.01 to draft.  Hell, none of them are worth selecting with the 1.02 either.  Any other year all of these guys are probably second-round grades at best.

Falcons (or anyone, really) do that and they have went completely around the bend, IMO. 

 

[steeler6]

The Falcons should do what I hope the Steelers do, see how it goes with the bridge guy this year and draft a QB next year if it doesn't work out. 

 

[steelers1080]

Rumors abound that the Steelers are smitten with Willis. They took him out to dinner Tuesday night which I think they've done for almost all the 1st round picks since Tomlin took over. I was hoping the dinner with Jordan Davis meant he was our pick, but the rumors about Willis seem to match the rumors last year for Najee. Here's hoping someone grabs him before we can...

 

[steelers1080]

Though, rumors are also saying we'll sign Baker if he's cut, so who the f knows. 

 

[Brownsfan]

Though, rumors are also saying we'll sign Baker if he's cut, so who the f knows. 

This sure would make things interesting...

 

[Godsbrother]

Though, rumors are also saying we'll sign Baker if he's cut, so who the f knows. 

It was mere speculation by a Cleveland Browns reporter.    

I cannot see a likely scenario where the Browns would outright release Mayfield nor do I think the Steelers have a substantial enough interest to be able to come to an agreement with Mayfield without signing him to a long term contract or at the very least guaranteeing him the starting job in 2022.

I said this is the Baker Mayfield thread but I guess it wasn't well received.

 

[steelers1080]

It was mere speculation by a Cleveland Browns reporter.    

I cannot see a likely scenario where the Browns would outright release Mayfield nor do I think the Steelers have a substantial enough interest to be able to come to an agreement with Mayfield without signing him to a long term contract or at the very least guaranteeing him the starting job in 2022.

I said this is the Baker Mayfield thread but I guess it wasn't well received.

I can see the possibility of them cutting Baker, just if no other team wants to pay him $18 mil this year. They can't afford to keep him around, the negativity/distraction would be at a ridiculous level. 

I'm not sure the Steelers would be interested since they signed Mitch. I think Baker is much better, but he would cost more and he'd probably rather go somewhere like Seattle where he's almost guaranteed to start. 

 

[Godsbrother]

I can see the possibility of them cutting Baker, just if no other team wants to pay him $18 mil this year. They can't afford to keep him around, the negativity/distraction would be at a ridiculous level. 

I'm not sure the Steelers would be interested since they signed Mitch. I think Baker is much better, but he would cost more and he'd probably rather go somewhere like Seattle where he's almost guaranteed to start. 

Barring injury I don't see them bringing another veteran QB at this point.  I could be wrong but I would be very surprised if they did.    

 

[steelers1080]

Earlier this offseason there were reports that the Steelers might trade Claypool. I thought this was probably nonsense since he's got 2 years left, he's cheap, he's shown flashes of greatness, and we only have 2 WRs signed (other than vet mins). Now that the Chiefs traded Hill, any chance the Steelers would trade them Claypool? Would they even want him for a 2nd+ if they could get a similar WR in the draft?

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Earlier this offseason there were reports that the Steelers might trade Claypool. I thought this was probably nonsense since he's got 2 years left, he's cheap, he's shown flashes of greatness, and we only have 2 WRs signed (other than vet mins). Now that the Chiefs traded Hill, any chance the Steelers would trade them Claypool? Would they even want him for a 2nd+ if they could get a similar WR in the draft?

This draft is awash in quality wideout prospects, IMO.   Doesn't seem likely, at least not from a front office typically as savvy as the Chiefs'.

Plus, as you mentioned, the Steelers don't have the bodies there right now they need. Doesn't seem likely from that angle either.  They need more WRs, not less.

 

[menobrown]

Earlier this offseason there were reports that the Steelers might trade Claypool. I thought this was probably nonsense since he's got 2 years left, he's cheap, he's shown flashes of greatness, and we only have 2 WRs signed (other than vet mins). Now that the Chiefs traded Hill, any chance the Steelers would trade them Claypool? Would they even want him for a 2nd+ if they could get a similar WR in the draft?

I was actually thinking of a different angle but both your thought and mine run into same problem as WR is not an area of surplus right now, dealing one away would just be robbing peter hoping you can pay paul.

My thought was with the money spiking for WR's, IF this put Diontae in the $18+M range and that was something the Steelers did not want to pay would it just make more sense to see if you could deal him instead of using him a year and watching him leave.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Steelers with more coaches at the Cinci pro day than any other team.

 

[moondawg]

This is a bit of an over simplification and I'm not mistaken JuJu is  only WR other then AB to get a second contract with the Steelers since Tomlin arrived. 

True but it was just a one year deal when Juju couldn't find a multi-year contract close to the $$ he wanted last year.   Since a he didn't find any team to give him a multi-year deal this year too it's likely he is viewed by the NFL as a good WR2 at best.

 

[Godsbrother]

Steelers with more coaches at the Cinci pro day than any other team.

The Steelers are giving long and careful looks at this year's QB class.  I don't think it necessarily means they'll take a QB in the first round or any at all but they are certainly doing their due diligence.    

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

My post free agency mock:

20.  Devonte Wyatt -DT, Georgia

52.  Justyn Ross - WR, Clemson

84.  Kellen Diesch - T, ASU

138.  D'Marco Jackson - ILB, Appalachian State

208.  Kenderick Duncan - S, Louisville

225.  Josh Thompson - CB, Texas

241.  Isaih Pacheco - RB, Rutgers

 

[JoeSteeler]

My post free agency mock:

20.  Devonte Wyatt -DT, Georgia

52.  Justyn Ross - WR, Clemson

84.  Kellen Diesch - T, ASU

138.  D'Marco Jackson - ILB, Appalachian State

208.  Kenderick Duncan - S, Louisville

225.  Josh Thompson - CB, Texas

241.  Isaih Pacheco - RB, Rutgers

Is this what you want or what you think they will do?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Is this what you want or what you think they will do?

I think the first two picks are possible based on where they have been at pro days, if their qb doesn’t fall to them. 
 

The others are more by positions and traits that I like/think they need. 

 

[steelers1080]

I think the first two picks are possible based on where they have been at pro days, if their qb doesn’t fall to them. 
 

The others are more by positions and traits that I like/think they need. 

All the mocks I've seen have Ross in the 3rd, is there a reason you took him in the 2nd? Is he moving up? I think Pickens in the 2nd might be more likely. 

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

All the mocks I've seen have Ross in the 3rd, is there a reason you took him in the 2nd? Is he moving up? I think Pickens in the 2nd might be more likely. 

Pickens was not there in the second this time.  Apparently the Steelers actually are who managed the drills for Ross at the pro day.

 

[geneyus]

Rumors picking up that both Steelers and Raiders have deals in place for the Mathieu and he's deciding which team to choose.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Witherspoon finally officially signs his 2-year deal.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Rumors picking up that both Steelers and Raiders have deals in place for the Mathieu and he's deciding which team to choose.

The Badger would look pretty freaking good in a Steeler uniform.

Assume if it's down to those two teams, he's going to pick Vegas over Pittsburgh.  No state income tax, no bull#### winters, aren't currently rolling out Mitch Trubisky/Mason Rudolph as their starting QB, etc, etc.

Tomlin could potentially swing the pendulum, I guess.  McDaniels is a pud.

 

[belljr]

The badger ended up on my Madden team lol....

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Trubisky will not be the last move Pittsburgh makes at QB.

Still believe that QB is a possibility in the first round.

Brooke Pryor@bepryor

Kevin Colbert also said that adding a QB in free agency doesn’t preclude them from drafting another.

“We’ve been at top quarterback pro days for the first time in a long time because we may be in a position where we have (a need). Does that mean we’re taking one? Possibly.”

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Brooke Pryor@bepryor

Kevin Colbert also said that adding a QB in free agency doesn’t preclude them from drafting another.

“We’ve been at top quarterback pro days for the first time in a long time because we may be in a position where we have (a need). Does that mean we’re taking one? Possibly.”

Tomlin basically said they are drafting a QB in the first or second.

 

[steelers1080]

Rumors picking up that both Steelers and Raiders have deals in place for the Mathieu and he's deciding which team to choose.

Cobert's reply about Strong Safety seemed to imply they're targeting players coming off their rookie contract over seasoned vets. Makes it seem like they won't be going after Honey Badger. 

 

[steelers1080]

Tomlin basically said they are drafting a QB in the first or second.

Where did you see that?

I read the interview on Steelers.com that he did recently and nothing came across like that. He basically just said that he likes going to Pro-Days to see what the incoming class is made of, that they wanted to get eyes on the QBs to evaluate the talent pool, and that their signings in free agency makes them more flexible in the draft. 

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Where did you see that?

I read the interview on Steelers.com that he did recently and nothing came across like that. He basically just said that he likes going to Pro-Days to see what the incoming class is made of, that they wanted to get eyes on the QBs to evaluate the talent pool, and that their signings in free agency makes them more flexible in the draft. 

https://steelersdepot.com/2022/03/mike-tomlin-admits-steelers-are-targeting-another-qb-via-draft-this-year/

 

[Godsbrother]

I caution anyone reading too much into comments made by Tomlin and Colbert and certainly speculation from reporters.  I am sure the Steelers have an idea on who they would like to draft but they have to see how the draft plays out just like everyone else.

I think there is a good chance the Steelers might take a QB in the first or second round assuming the guy the like is there when they are picking.  I could even see them move up a few spots to get ahead of the Saints but I could also see them pass on a QB entirely in the draft and grab an undrafted player just for an arm in camp.

The whole point of signing Trubisky and re-signing Hodges was so they aren't forced into taking a QB but it won't preclude it either.

 

[steelers1080]

https://steelersdepot.com/2022/03/mike-tomlin-admits-steelers-are-targeting-another-qb-via-draft-this-year/

Just watched the video of the interview (was reading a different interview posted yesterday in article-form earlier). From the video it did not seem at all like he was implying an early QB pick. Obviously most teams don't want to show their hand this early, but she was asking about the 4th camp arm and he was basically like, "Yeah, we're planning to get someone in the draft but we'll see how it falls." Just before that he was saying how excited he was to see Trubisky, Rudolph, and Haskins compete for the starting role. 

I think there is a good chance the Steelers might take a QB in the first or second round assuming the guy the like is there when they are picking.  I could even see them move up a few spots to get ahead of the Saints but I could also see them pass on a QB entirely in the draft and grab an undrafted player just for an arm in camp.

The recent mock on NFL.com that had the Steelers trading a future 1st round pick plus additional picks to move up for Desmond Ridder had me super disappointed. 

 

[Godsbrother]

Just watched the video of the interview (was reading a different interview posted yesterday in article-form earlier). From the video it did not seem at all like he was implying an early QB pick. Obviously most teams don't want to show their hand this early, but she was asking about the 4th camp arm and he was basically like, "Yeah, we're planning to get someone in the draft but we'll see how it falls." Just before that he was saying how excited he was to see Trubisky, Rudolph, and Haskins compete for the starting role. 

The recent mock on NFL.com that had the Steelers trading a future 1st round pick plus additional picks to move up for Desmond Ridder had me super disappointed. 

This would be a major disappointment on draft day

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Just watched the video of the interview (was reading a different interview posted yesterday in article-form earlier). From the video it did not seem at all like he was implying an early QB pick. Obviously most teams don't want to show their hand this early, but she was asking about the 4th camp arm and he was basically like, "Yeah, we're planning to get someone in the draft but we'll see how it falls." Just before that he was saying how excited he was to see Trubisky, Rudolph, and Haskins compete for the starting role. 

The recent mock on NFL.com that had the Steelers trading a future 1st round pick plus additional picks to move up for Desmond Ridder had me super disappointed. 

I am as big a Ridder guy as anyone, but I would hate giving up that much.

 

[steelers1080]

I am as big a Ridder guy as anyone, but I would hate giving up that much.

The buzz about him is nonexistent at this point and many teams skipped his pro-day. He looked overwhelmed against Alabama, and I'm not sure he's that great, but he should be there in the 2nd when we pick, let alone at pick 20 without trading up. I wouldn't love the pick at 52 but obviously that's 1000% better than using two 1st round picks plus lol. 

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

The buzz about him is nonexistent at this point and many teams skipped his pro-day. He looked overwhelmed against Alabama, and I'm not sure he's that great, but he should be there in the 2nd when we pick, let alone at pick 20 without trading up. I wouldn't love the pick at 52 but obviously that's 1000% better than using two 1st round picks plus lol. 

I think you are completely wrong on him. He is the best QB in the class. He is an elite athlete with a huge arm. He separates himself from others by his abilities reading defenses though.