A Needed Older Brother Presence For the Steelers
Photo Credit: Brad Rempel via USA TODAY Sports
Mike Tomlin hasn’t been shy about his interest in signing brothers. T.J. and Derrek Watt, Terell and Trey Edmonds, and Connor and Cam Heyward are few prominent examples of siblings who’ve played together for the Pittsburgh Steelers over the past few seasons. This is by design. In fact, Tomlin has gone as far as to post on Instagram detailing, in typical Tomlin fashion, his rationale for staging family reunions in the Steeler’s locker room. (Before I get started:No, J.J. Watt will not be playing at Heinz Field— excuse me, Acrisure Stadium – this season.)
The Steelers’ interest in sibling teammates is just short of an official team policy that’s driven by an interest in the brothers’ relationships and also their shared genetics and football environments. The number of siblings in the NFL is limited, but that hasn’t stopped Tomlin and Omar Khan. In lieu of literal siblings, they’ve signed Patrick Peterson and Allen Robinson to provide a big-brother presence for the young talent they acquired this offseason.
Peterson, the former first-round corner, has found what is likely to be his final contract in the Steel City. While P2 has a lot left in the tank, as evidenced by his 2022 season, the Steelers wre interesting in more than just his on-field capabilities. His off-the-field attributes as a leader, teacher, and surrogate older brother will prove valuable as the Steelers attempt to bring new life to the cornerback position, an area where they have historically struggled. They picked up two long, physical press corners in Joey Porter Jr. from Penn State and Cory Trice from Purdue. Patrick Peterson is going to play an integral role in both of these young men’s development, ideally helping them reach their high potential quickly.
Robinson, another off-season signing by the Steelers, will play a similar role. The former first-round draft pick found himself in a less-than-ideal situation in LA. A quarterback injury, a significant Super Bowl hangover, and a highly targeted (and covered) Cooper Kupp did not bode well for Robinson’s development, to say nothing of his injury history.
The Rams dealt away Allen Robinson for a seventh-round pick swap and will pay 80% of his salary with the Steelers. It’s part of Los Angeles’ current strategy to offload expensive players on a rebuilding roster, presumably with 2024 in mind.
The possibility of an 800-1,100 yard season isn’t entirely out of the question for Robinson, assuming he can stay healthy. Of course, this is best case scenario, and his success hinges on Kenny Pickett’s progression.
Even without massive production, Robinson is an immediate asset to a very young wide receiver room. Juju Smith-Schuster boasted the most veteran presence in the locker room just two years ago before moving on to Kansas City. With Diontae Johnson, Calvin Austin III, and George Pickens as presumed featured receivers, Robinson has an obvious mentor role. He has been referred to as an “anti-diva” by former coaches in Chicago and will hopefully bring along his younger teammates as they mature in their roles on the field. Picking up a 30-year-old pass catcher may not have been the sexiest signing, and that’s okay. Andy Weidl and Omar Kahn’s plan to combine high-potential rookie talent with veteran help from outside suggests intriguing possibilities in 2023 and beyond.
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