Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2023 season: 10-7, lost in wild card

Overview: The Steelers didn’t have a great team in 2023, or even a particularly good one, but they still found a way to win a lot of close games and make the playoffs. And despite sneaking into the postseason as the seventh and final seed in the AFC, they kept it somewhat close with No. 2 seed Buffalo in the wild-card round.

Pittsburgh never found much of an answer at quarterback as 2022 first-rounder Kenny Pickett was mostly ineffective before going down with an ankle injury in Week 13, and he didn’t regain his job even when he was healthy. Backup Mason Rudolph had some positive moments, but he didn’t exactly look like a franchise QB. This team probably needs to make a big swing at quarterback to repeat its win total from a season ago, but the Steelers are in good hands as long as Mike Tomlin is overseeing their operation. He’s still never had a losing season in 17 years as Steelers head coach.

Key free agents

CB Levi Wallace
QB Mason Rudolph

Who’s in/out? Pittsburgh doesn’t have too much by the way of key talent hitting free agency, but Levi Wallace potentially leaving does put a spotlight on their cornerback room and the talent they need to add there. Mason Rudolph played solid at the end of the regular season and started Pittsburgh’s playoff game, but he’s reportedly interested in joining a new team for 2024.

Key free agent needs

Quarterback
Cornerback
Offensive line

Why the holes? When asked if Pickett will be the starting QB next season, Tomlin said “there will be competition,” which seems like a strong indication the team plans to add to the QB room in either the draft or free agency. The Steelers are reportedly interested in pending free agent Ryan Tannehill. As for cornerback, the team needs a youth movement. Joey Porter Jr. is a star, but that group is incredibly thin as things stand right now. And offensive line is a need on a unit that lacks star power.

Do they have the money? Not yet. The Steelers are projected to be $4.4 million over the cap. Not an insurmountable amount, but there’s work to be done.

Potential notable cuts

DL Cam Heyward
DL Larry Ogunjobi
WR Allen Robinson
CB Patrick Peterson

Why they might be gone: All of these players may get cut as the Steelers try to get under salary cap for the 2024 season. Losing Cam Heyward would be a tough sentimental blow, but releasing him would also save $16 million on the Steelers’ cap. Allen Robinson and Patrick Peterson being released would free up roughly $17 million more to use on free agents and draft picks.

Draft picks

1st round: No. 20
2nd round: No. 51 overall
3rd round: No. 84 overall
4th round
4th round (via Rams)
6th round
7th round

Good draft fit

Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

Why him? Look at the Steelers’ cornerback room, especially in the event that Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace don’t return. They need a body and a young contract there — easiest way to do that is the draft. McKinstry is a cornerback with huge upside and would pair nicely with Joey Porter Jr., who emerged as a star during his rookie season. They’ll need cornerback talent while facing Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson in the division.