Pittsburgh Steelers (Last Year: 10-7)
Season Summary:
Another year, another winning record. Mike Tomlin was able to get his team into the playoffs this past season, but the absence of T.J. Watt made it improbable that Pittsburgh would defeat Buffalo in the opening round.
2024 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
QB Russell Wilson, QB Justin Fields, QB Kyle Allen, RB Cordarrelle Patterson, WR Van Jefferson, WR Quez Watkins, DT Dean Lowry, LB Patrick Queen, CB Donte Jackson, S DeShon Elliott, P Cameron Johnston.
Early Draft Picks:
OT Troy Fautanu, C Zach Frazier, WR Roman Wilson, LB Payton Wilson, C Mason McCormick. Steelers Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
QB Kenny Pickett, QB Mason Rudolph, WR Diontae Johnson, C Mason Cole, DT Armon Watts, OLB Markus Golden, LB Kwon Alexander, LB Blake Martinez, CB Levi Wallace, CB Chandon Sullivan, CB James Pierre, S Patrick Peterson, S Keanu Neal.
2024 Pittsburgh Steelers Offense:
Steelers ownership vowed never to pass on a first-round quarterback prospect from Pittsburgh after failing to select Dan Marino four decades ago. They kept their promise in 2022 when they selected Kenny Pickett in the opening frame. That experiment didn’t last very long, as the Steelers correctly identified him as a sunk cost. They traded him to the Eagles in between making two quarterback acquisitions.
The first move was obtaining Russell Wilson on the open market. Wilson was cheap because Denver is paying his salary. However, Wilson has struggled mightily the past two years. His 2022 performance was blamed on Nathaniel Hackett’s incompetence, but he wasn’t much better last year. Wilson is also a bad teammate who is often disliked in the locker room. It’s difficult to imagine him having much success in Pittsburgh. The second was acquiring Justin Fields from the Bears. Fields is an inconsistent and injury-prone quarterback, but he’s younger than Wilson and has more upside as a result.
Whether Wilson or Fields starts, Pittsburgh’s quarterback will be down a receiver from a year ago, as the Steelers traded Diontae Johnson. Pittsburgh still has George Pickens, who could have a monstrous 2024 campaign, but the depth at the position is lacking. Third-round rookie Roman Wilson may emerge as the No. 2 option, as the Steelers have a great history of finding talented receivers on the second day of the draft. Wilson, however, is an unknown quantity right now. Pittsburgh also has tight end Pat Freiermuth, who has reportedly developed tremendous chemistry with Wilson in OTAs.
Wilson was just one of three offensive players the Steelers obtained in the first two days of the draft. The others were both offensive linemen. Troy Fautanu, chosen with the No. 20 pick, is a stellar tackle prospect, but has some injury concerns. Zach Frazier, selected in the second round, figures to be an upgrade at center. Along with 2023 first-rounder Broderick Jones, who had an inconsistent rookie campaign at right tackle, Pittsburgh has three young blockers to build around in the coming years.
Rounding out the rest of the offensive line are a pair of veteran guards: Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels. Seumalo, formerly of the Eagles, performed well in his first season in Pittsburgh last year. Daniels, conversely, is coming off a down season, but has the talent to rebound.
The improved blocking will obviously help Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. The talented duo performed well down the stretch last year, and there’s reason to expect a better output from Harris this season. Harris has changed his training regimen and has slimmed down, so he could have his best year yet after not quite meeting expectations as a former first-round pick.
2024 Pittsburgh Steelers Defense:
If there is any doubt that elite edge rushers have a huge impact on their team’s performance, anyone can point to the 2022 Steelers as an example. With T.J. Watt on the field, Pittsburgh was 8-2 and ranked in the top six of pass defense EPA. Without Watt, the Steelers were 1-6 and were 30th in pass defense EPA. Watt was sorely missed once again last year when the Steelers didn’t have his services in the opening-round playoff game against the Bills. Pittsburgh was blown out as a result.
Watt, who recorded 19 sacks last year, was just one of two Steelers who logged more than four sacks. The other was Alex Highsmith (7 sacks). Insurance for another Watt injury is needed, so perhaps 2023 fourth-round pick Nick Herbig will be able to develop into a viable option.
It would help if the Steelers had more pass-rushing production from their defensive line. There’s Cameron Heyward, who is still a solid player despite his age (35), but Pittsburgh has never replaced Stephon Tuitt. The other defensive end is Larry Ogunjobi, who is coming off a down year. Heyward and Ogunjobi sandwich nose tackle Keeanu Benton, who is coming off a solid rookie campaign.
The Steelers figure to be stronger in the middle of the field, thanks to the signing of Patrick Queen. The speedy linebacker was stellar for the Ravens, so Pittsburgh did well to poach a talented player from its arch rival. Queen will form a quality tandem with Elandon Roberts, who had a solid, but unspectacular first season in Pittsburgh. The Steelers drafted the skilled, but injury-prone Payton Wilson to push for a job.
Two players were also added to the secondary. The first occurred when the Steelers acquired Donte Jackson from the Panthers in the Diontae Johnson trade. Pittsburgh had major problems across from rookie Joey Porter Jr. last year, so Jackson will be a colossal cornerback upgrade even though he’s not a great player. Despite this addition, the Steelers figure to have issues at slot cornerback, where Darius Rush struggled in 2023.
The second new addition to the defensive backfield is DeShon Elliott. The well-rounded safety performed well in Miami last year, so he figures to be a solid complement to the dynamic Minkah Fitzpatrick.
2024 Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule and Intangibles:
The Steelers had some major kicking woes in 2015 – until they found Chris Boswell. He’s been an excellent kicker for them ever since. He was 29-of-31 last year, including 6-of-7 from beyond 50.
Cameron Johnston was an excellent punter last year. He finished fifth in net average, and he did a great job of pinning the opposition inside the 20.
The Steelers have some easy games in the first half of the year, but check out their opponents beginning on Nov. 17: Ravens, Browns, Bengals, Browns, Eagles, Ravens, Chiefs, Bengals. Ouch.
2024 Pittsburgh Steelers Rookies:
Go here for the Steelers Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.
2024 Pittsburgh Steelers Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
Quarterbacks |
 |
Offensive Line |
|
Secondary |
|
Running Backs |
|
Defensive Line |
|
Special Teams |
|
Receivers |
|
Linebackers |
|
Coaching |
|
2024 Pittsburgh Steelers Analysis: Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season as an NFL head coach. That will be tested this year because of how poor Russell Wilson has been the past two years. However, the Steelers have made improvements to their offensive line and defense, so they will continue to be competitive, even against all their tough opponents down the stretch.
Projection: 9-8 (4th in AFC North)
2023 Projection: 12-5. 2023 Actual Result: 10-7.
2022 Projection: 8-9. 2022 Actual Result: 9-8.
2021 Projection: 6-11. 2021 Actual Result: 9-7-1.
2020 Projection: 10-6. 2020 Actual Result: 12-4.
2019 Projection: 11-5. 2019 Actual Result: 8-8.
2018 Projection: 8-8. 2018 Actual Result: 9-6-1.
2017 Projection: 11-5. 2017 Actual Result: 13-3.
2016 Projection: 10-6. 2016 Actual Result: 11-5.
Goals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Steelers have two new quarterbacks, so to make sure one of them succeeds, they’ll need to beef up the offensive line. Two new blockers will be needed. The Steelers will also have to find at least one new receiver for their new signal-callers in the wake of the Diontae Johnson trade.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Forget two new blockers, the Steelers found three in their first five picks! This includes their initial two selections, with Pittsburgh drafting Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier. The consensus is that Fautanu slipped to No. 20, but there were some injury concerns with him. Still, Fautanu is a skilled blocker who can be used anywhere up front, including center. Of course, he won’t be stationed at center because of the Frazier pick. Frazier was a solid value in the second round, and he’ll fill a huge position of need.
Frazier wasn’t the only great value Pittsburgh secured. Roman Wilson also qualifies as a steal in the third round. Wilson could easily become Pittsburgh’s next second-day receiver hit. Meanwhile, Payton Wilson offers a possible huge upgrade next to Patrick Queen, though that would require him to stay healthy. Payton Wilson is very talented, but slipped in the draft because of some glaring medical issues.
I think the Steelers did a great job overall. Their draft class comes with some risk because of the Fautanu and Wilson medical problems, but if they can remain on the field, the Steelers will have come away with four new starters who figure to be productive early in their careers.
Season Summary:
Another year, another winning record. Mike Tomlin was able to get his team into the playoffs this past season, but the absence of T.J. Watt made it improbable that Pittsburgh would defeat Buffalo in the opening round.
Offseason Moves: Steelers acquire QB Justin Fields from Bears for 2025 conditional third-day draft pick
Eagles acquire QB Kenny Pickett from Steelers for swaps of picks Nos. 98 and 120; 2025 7th-round pick
Steelers acquire WR Diontae Johnson from Panthers for Donte Jackson
Team Needs:
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Pittsburgh Steelers Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
2025 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
Projection: 9-8 (4th in AFC North)
2023 Projection: 12-5. 2023 Actual Result: 10-7.
2022 Projection: 8-9. 2022 Actual Result: 9-8.
2021 Projection: 6-11. 2021 Actual Result: 9-7-1.
2020 Projection: 10-6. 2020 Actual Result: 12-4.
2019 Projection: 11-5. 2019 Actual Result: 8-8.
2018 Projection: 8-8. 2018 Actual Result: 9-6-1.
2017 Projection: 11-5. 2017 Actual Result: 13-3.
2016 Projection: 10-6. 2016 Actual Result: 11-5.
NFL Draft Team Grade:
A- GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Steelers have two new quarterbacks, so to make sure one of them succeeds, they’ll need to beef up the offensive line. Two new blockers will be needed. The Steelers will also have to find at least one new receiver for their new signal-callers in the wake of the Diontae Johnson trade.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Forget two new blockers, the Steelers found three in their first five picks! This includes their initial two selections, with Pittsburgh drafting Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier. The consensus is that Fautanu slipped to No. 20, but there were some injury concerns with him. Still, Fautanu is a skilled blocker who can be used anywhere up front, including center. Of course, he won’t be stationed at center because of the Frazier pick. Frazier was a solid value in the second round, and he’ll fill a huge position of need.
Frazier wasn’t the only great value Pittsburgh secured. Roman Wilson also qualifies as a steal in the third round. Wilson could easily become Pittsburgh’s next second-day receiver hit. Meanwhile, Payton Wilson offers a possible huge upgrade next to Patrick Queen, though that would require him to stay healthy. Payton Wilson is very talented, but slipped in the draft because of some glaring medical issues.
I think the Steelers did a great job overall. Their draft class comes with some risk because of the Fautanu and Wilson medical problems, but if they can remain on the field, the Steelers will have come away with four new starters who figure to be productive early in their careers.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
20. Troy Fautanu, OT/G/C, Washington – B- Grade
The Steelers really need a center. Troy Fautanu is viewed mostly as a right tackle or guard, but he can play center as well. He comes with some major risk, however, as he was flagged medically by some teams. Graham Barton probably would have been the safer pick for Pittsburgh, though Fautanu comes with more upside.
51. Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia – A Grade
There aren’t that many talented centers in this class, but the Steelers were able to land one of them in the middle of the second round. Zach Frazier is someone I’ve seen discussed as a possibility late in the opening round, so I definitely like this value. Frazier fits an obvious huge need at center.
84. Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan – A+ Grade
The Steelers always knock it out of the park with their day-two receiver picks, and I think they’re getting another stud with this selection. Roman Wilson could have gone in the second round, so Wilson provides great value while filling a big need.
98. Payton Wilson, LB, N.C. State – B Grade
This might be deemed a steal by the media because Payton Wilson is a terrific player who fell because of injuries. However, I suspected Wilson would go in the third round because of those injuries. Wilson has major health problems and may not be able to stay on the field. If he can, however, he could be a great player for Pittsburgh, filling a big position of need.
119. Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State – C- Grade
I can’t hate on any pick the Steelers use to address their dreadful offensive line. However, this is a reach, as Mason McCormick was considered a sixth- or seventh-round prospect. He has some upside, but is extremely raw.
178. Logan Lee, DT, Iowa – B Grade
The Steelers needed defensive line depth, so it makes sense to add someone like Logan Lee atop Round 6. Lee makes sense in this range, though he projects mostly as a career backup.
195. Ryan Watts, CB/S, Texas – B Grade
The Steelers had problems in their secondary last year, so adding another defensive back makes sense. Ryan Watts, a versatile defensive back who can play corner and safety, was seen as a sixth-round prospect.
Season Summary:
Another year, another winning record. Mike Tomlin was able to get his team into the playoffs this past season, but the absence of T.J. Watt made it improbable that Pittsburgh would defeat Buffalo in the opening round.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Offensive Tackle: The offensive line remains a concern for Pittsburgh. Dan Moore just isn’t cutting it, so he must be upgraded.
- Cornerback: Patrick Peterson performed poorly last year, as he was clearly past his prime. The Steelers need to add an upgrade across from Joey Porter Jr. Signed Donte Jackson
- Linebacker: Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb did a decent job last year, but the Steelers could stand to add a stud to the middle of their defense. Signed Patrick Queen
- Defensive Lineman: Cameron Heyward turns 35 this offseason, so the Steelers need to continue to add youth to their front. Signed Dean Lowry
- Edge Rusher: Pittsburgh’s defense tends to fall off a cliff when T.J. Watt gets injured. The team needs a better insurance policy behind him.
- Center: Another offensive line upgrade. Mason Cole was one of the weakest starting centers in the NFL last year.
- Two Wide Receivers: A better third receiver could be obtained to pair with George Pickens and Diontae Johnson. (Update: Johnson was traded.)
- Quarterback: The Steelers need to look into developing a quarterback just in case Kenny Pickett doesn’t improve. Traded for Justin Fields; signed Russell Wilson
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Pittsburgh Steelers Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
Fantasy Football Rankings - May 23
2025 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
