Players: Three prospects on Pittsburgh’s roster entering the 2024 offseasonThe 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. Coach Mike Tomlin saw his team reach the playoffs with a 10-7 record, but the Steelers were plagued by an ineffective offense for most of the game. June. Through the first 12 weeks of the season, their offense underperformed through three quarters, and starting quarterback Kenny Pickett did enough in the fourth quarter to win the most games.Quarterback play took a turn for the worse in the 2023 season.The Steelers are 7-4 after beating the Bengals 16-10 in Week 12. In that game, the Steelers had a consistent performance on offense, with Pickett completing 24 of 33 passes for 278 yards and controlling the clock for 37:17, compared to the Bengals’ 22:43 in the win.But just when it looked like the Steelers were turning the corner, Pickett went down with an injury and had to replace quarterback Mitch Trubisky. As the Steelers prepare for a pair of home games against the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots, it looked like Pittsburgh was going to keep winning. However, the Steelers stumbled badly, losing both games to last-place teams. It seemed clear that the season would end in disappointment, but after three straight losses to the Indianapolis Colts, the Steelers closed out the season by winning their final three games against the Bengals, Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens.Mason Rudolph was named the starting quarterback to replace the ineffective Trubisky, and the team responded very well to his leadership. Pickett will likely take over the starting job when the 2025 season begins, but Rudolph will have a chance to show what he can do and could become the starter if he surpasses Pickett.Alternatively, the Steelers could use free agency or the NFL draft to find their next starting quarterback. The Steelers are reportedly interested in signing Kirk Cousins if the injured quarterback doesn’t waive the Vikings.Trubisky is sure to go.The Steelers and Tomlin figured the veteran quarterback, who had a rough start in the NFL, would be a solid backup to Pickett. However, Trubisky wasn’t the answer for the Steelers, and he may never get another NFL backup position at this point in his career. He is not simply an effective passer or leader. Trubisky completed 67 of 107 passes for 632 yards with four touchdowns and five sacks last season. His passing grade was 71.9.Trubisky, 29, has great athleticism, but has never shown the consistency necessary to win in the NFL. Tomlin fully realizes that keeping Trubisky on the roster is not a good idea and he is not worth the $8 million he received last season.Trubisky has two years left on his contract, and the Steelers would have to take on $4.6 million to get rid of him. Wideout Allen Robinson has little value.At one point in his career, Allen Robinson was a reliable wide receiver who could change the tone of any game with his ability to get open and get his hands at safety.Robinson has been a small part of Pittsburgh’s offense this season as he caught 34 passes for 280 yards and no TD receptions. Robinson made $5 million last season and the team made more than $3 million. He is under contract to make $10 million in 2024, but is only due $1.9 million before the season starts. Cornerback Patrick Peterson may not be the best pick at this point in his career.Peterson was a solid player for the Steelers last season, recording 42 tackles, 11 passes defensed and two interceptions.The Steelers would have $9.775 million if they keep Peterson on the roster, but if they deal him, the cap hit will be $2.925 million. Peterson played 13 years in the NFL, including 10 with the Arizona Cardinals, two with the Vikings and one with the Steelers. Peterson will be 34 when the 2024 season begins and doesn’t have the speed or agility to take the top spot. Receiver in a man-to-man situation. Although he has a wealth of know-how and a solid presence in the dressing room, he does not seem like a player who can lead the team. Seattle
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