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Agree or Disagree? What does ESPN think of the Steelers Offseason Moves?

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a very uncharacteristic offseason in terms of spending via NFL free agency. On Tuesday, ESPN released an article discussing the offseason wins, concerns, and draft predictions of each AFC North team. Let’s discuss what NFL Nation had to say about the Steelers’ offseason!

Biggest Offseason Move

ESPN states:

“Signing [Mitch] Trubisky. The Steelers addressed the quarterback position as soon as the legal tampering window opened, and they did so in a way that doesn’t prevent them from making more moves at the position. In signing Trubisky, the Steelers have an inexpensive safety net with a higher ceiling than Mason Rudolph while also retaining all of their draft capital — something that could help them further add to the position group if the right fit is available in upcoming draft.”

Agree or Disagree?

Agree! The Steelers had many other holes on the roster to fill this offseason and were able to spend money via free agency elsewhere after signing Trubisky. The Steelers were able to shore up the offensive line with OL Mason Cole and James Daniels, fill holes at the cornerback position with re-signing Ahkello Witherspoon and signing Levi Wallace. The team also filled a high need of inside linebacker with signing Myles Jack. Of course the Steelers were rumored to adding some high profile talent to the quarterback room via trade, but the team was able to fill other needs on the roster with the low risk-high reward signing of Trubisky.

Areas of Concern

ESPN states:

“Safety. While the Steelers will likely engage with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on a market-setting contract later this offseason, they still need to find his running mate for 2022. At the NFL owners’ meetings last month, general manager Kevin Colbert said he felt the team lacked a starting-caliber strong safety after letting Terrell Edmunds test free agency. Edmunds could still return to the Steelers, but they could also look at options like Tyrann Mathieu or Damontae Kazee.”

Agree or Disagree?

Agree! The strong safety position is the only position on the team without an apparent starter. The Steelers have players on the roster that are familiar with the position, but none that will jump off paper to any of us. Would I like Mathieu if the price is right? Of course, but only if the price is right for the soon-to- be 30 year old safety. Defense wins championships and Mathieu would be the icing on the cake for this stellar Steelers’ defense! Don’t get me wrong though, Edmunds would be a solid signing, but the team will not get into a bidding war for the safety’s services. The Steelers could also look to fill the void at safety through the draft in a couple weeks.

1st Round Pick Prediction

ESPN states:

“The Steelers’ recent pro day travels suggest they’re going to use at least one early pick on a quarterback. Both Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin were clear at the owners’ meetings: previous moves in free agency wouldn’t preclude them from drafting a quarterback. Members of the Steelers’ decision-making nucleus have been at every major quarterback prospect’s Pro Day, and they’re starting to bring prospective signal-callers in for top-30 visits.”

Agree or Disagree?

Agree! From the outside looking in, the Steelers have done their homework on the Class of 2022 quarterbacks. The Steelers have reportedly brought in Malik Willis, Desmond Ridder, Matt Corral, Carson Strong, and Kenny Pickett(Doesn’t count towards top-30 visit because it’s a local visit) for top-30 visits. The Steelers don’t usually send out smoke screens and it’s obvious the team is in need of their next franchise QB due to the retirement of future first ballot Hall of Famer, Ben Roethlisberger. Writers at ESPN have it correct, the Steelers will probably spend an early pick on a quarterback.

What the Steelers Need to do to Win the Division in 2022

ESPN states:

“[The Steelers win the division if] they find the next franchise quarterback this offseason and he’s a turn-key starter. The Steelers have the pieces to be a relevant team in a stacked AFC, but they lack star power at quarterback. If they hit on quarterback and he majorly exceeds expectations in Year 1, the Steelers could contend in the division — but that combination is a long shot. It would also necessitate a fully healthy defensive line and improved inside linebacking corps. Never say never, but don’t hold your breath.”

Agree or Disagree?

Strongly disagree. The Steelers key to long-term success would be to find their next franchise quarterback. However, the Steelers are capable of winning the division in 2022 with Trubisky under center if they utilize their talents in the appropriate way and stay healthy on the defensive side of the ball. The truth of the matter is the Steelers might not find their franchise guy in the 2022 NFL Draft and may just have to wait on a loaded 2023 quarterback class to find their answer post-Roethlisberger. The 2021 Steelers were just a tie away from winning the AFC North title a year ago. They have the pieces and have only gotten better this offseason. The Steelers could win the division in 2022 if 2022 Trubisky is better than 2021 Roethlisberger. And as weird as it is to type this, that can in fact be true!

Prediction for 2022

What ESPN states:

“Tomlin’s streak without a losing season continues. Though the rest of the division and conference are plowing ahead with big-name signings, the Steelers are holding steady to their draft-and-develop philosophy. That method might not deliver a Super Bowl this season, but with pieces like T.J. Watt, Fitzpatrick, Myles Jack and Najee Harris, Tomlin will keep his team above .500 for the 16th straight season.”

Agree or Disagree?

Agree. The Steelers are incredibly talented on both sides of the ball and I, like many of you, am intrigued to see what OC Matt Canada will do with the offense and being able to utilize a mobile quarterback, like Trubisky. The Steelers made moves so far this offseason that signal they are ready to run heavy and win games with a championship defense. The 2022 might have to give workhorse running back Harris 400 touches this season, but the Steelers will have a chance with the talent already at hand. Especially with a head coach like Tomlin, who went 8-8 with Rudolph and Duck Hodges at QB in 2019, I expect the 2022 Steelers to shock a lot of NFL fans this season. Could the Steelers shock even further and win a Super Bowl in 2022? To answer simply, yes!

If you would like to read the full article, follow the link below to read what ESPN’s NFL Nation states about the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, and the Cleveland Browns.

Offseason Wins, Concerns and Draft Predictions for the Bengals, Browns, Ravens and Steelers

What do you think of the ESPN way too early analysis of the 2022 Steelers? Do you agree or disagree? Sound off in the comment section below!

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I don't think they need to find their next franchise QB in THIS draft to have success THIS season. If they draft the correct pieces, Trubisky is plenty at QB.
 
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