Debating the Steelers’ Most Pressing Need
Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very busy and productive offseason. Omar Khan displayed his general manager chops to the world by rebuilding a playoff roster that had several holes to fill. It might be silly to say such a thing, but if you paid attention to Pittsburgh last season, you understand they clearly backed into the playoffs. To say the offense was based on smoke and mirrors would be an extreme understatement.
Most would say the offensive line and quarterback positions had to be addressed for the team to succeed in 2024. The entire Steelers fanbase believed a change in offensive coordinators was desperately needed. Check the boxes on all three of those. The Steelers made calculated steps to upgrade.
Pittsburgh’s defense was mostly successful last season, despite being a triage unit for most of the season. The team battled serious injuries to key players on defense from the opening game, yet ended the season as a top-6 scoring defense and in the top 10 in terms of forcing turnovers.
With all the changes, the Black and Gold are still missing two key pieces that are essential for the team to be complete. A solid wide receiver opposite budding star Geroge Pickens, and a slot corner that is essential in today’s NFL. Where do the Steelers go to find these key pieces? Let’s take a look.
Pittsburgh traded away Diontae Johnson in the offseason to the Carolina Panthers. Johnson became a locker room nightmare with his lack of accountability and effort in several games leading up to the trade. While he was an accomplished route runner with above-average ability, Johnson simply wasn’t worth the trouble any longer. While they were able to address the #2 cornerback position in that trade by acquiring Donte Jackson, they weren’t able to get a receiver to replace Johnson.
Rumors have been running rampant about who the Steelers are trying to get as a replacement. Everyone from Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Courtland Sutton, we have heard them all, and it’s exhausting.
Having said that, the position needs to be addressed, and fast. No respectable offense in any league doesn’t have a reliable second receiver. The Steelers can’t afford to miss here.
Slot corner is another matter altogether. They seemingly solved this problem with the signing of Cam Sutton, until last week, when the NFL dropped the proverbial hammer on Sutton with his suspension following misdemeanor battery charges from March. While the eight-game ban was not unexpected, it still leaves a hole in a position of need.
So there are questions that need to be answered as we approach training camp. Where do the Steelers fill these holes, and which is more important? If they are going to make a playoff run, these questions have to be answered quickly.
Arguably, the most pressing need is at slot corner. It’s true offenses can’t survive in the NFL without a legitimate second receiver based on how the game is played nowadays. But the Steelers have a few options currently on the roster that have proven they can fill that role. Even if Roman Wilson or Calvin Austin aren’t quite ready yet, a solid running game, mixed with a reliable tight end and receivers out of the backfield can overcome these issues. With some imagination, the Steelers can find production through the air without putting it all on George Pickens.
Manufacturing a slot corner becomes much more difficult. We have seen offenses around the league line up in 11 personnel and punish teams that can’t find field a third cornerback. We saw it with our own eyes last season, as Pittsburgh could never consistently find that guy, and it bit them hard on third down.
Playing in zone coverage is not the fix. Offensive schemes are too good these days, and opponents will just flood a zone with more bodies than the defense can cover successfully. As such, finding that slot corner is essential for the Steelers’ success. Is that guy currently on the roster, or do they need to make a trade for a guy that’s currently on the market? That’s a massive question that needs to be solved soon, as training camp is right around the corner.
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