Including a bunch of huge names with star energy seemingly moved the needle fairly a bit for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. Gamers like Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith, Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay at the moment are all within the Black and Gold, and that has them eyeing rivalry this season.
For a lot of, the Steelers’ strikes make sense. They’ve added skilled gamers, which ought to assist an ageing core compete late of their window.
However one NFL columnist believes the strikes the Steelers made this offseason had been “determined” and don’t precisely put them into rivalry. In a chunk for The Athletic Thursday, Mike Jones made the case that the Steelers could have a dropping file, ending below the 8.5 over/below wins complete.
“The Steelers are all in, apparently, after their strikes to get Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay. Solely Metcalf is anyplace close to his prime, although, and the ‘all-in’ appears extra like a ultimate determined transfer than one stemming from confidence in a single’s holdings,” Jones writes. “The Steelers can lastly begin rebuilding subsequent 12 months — is that why they’re reluctant to offer move rusher T.J. Watt a brand new deal? — if Mike Tomlin can’t work his magic once more.
“Rodgers must get off to a superb begin, because the schedule is friendlier at first — the Steelers open with the Jets, Seahawks and Patriots — earlier than stuff will get actual, with the Payments, Ravens, Dolphins (Minkah Fitzpatrick revenge recreation) and Lions in Weeks 13 by 16. I ought to know higher than to doubt Tomlin however …”
It’s not suggested to guess towards Mike Tomlin at this level in his profession. But, that’s what Jones is doing. The Steelers had been a superb staff for a lot of the season in 2024 earlier than the underside fell out. GM Omar Khan and assistant GM Andy Weidl went about filling these holes, resulting in a moderately busy offseason.
Now, because the season attracts close to, the items are in place for Pittsburgh. Upgrades have been made, and the roster seems stronger prime to backside. The one actual concern is age as Pittsburgh obtained older this offseason.
That matches their window although because the Steelers seemingly ran out of persistence making an attempt to develop younger gamers and transfer them alongside shortly. In order that they pivoted and landed the skilled, confirmed items.
Will that repay on the sphere this season? Solely time will inform.
The beginning of the 12 months seems promising for the Steelers to stack some wins and work out some kinks earlier than the again half turns into difficult. It received’t be almost as tough as final 12 months’s schedule although. With a good schedule and upgrades to the roster, the Steelers needs to be proper there in playoff rivalry, moderately than below eight wins, like Jones believes.
