Steelers Rumors: Latest Buzz, Players to Watch at Mandatory Minicamp
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the NFL's most consistent franchises under head coach Mike Tomlin, but Pittsburgh hasn't recorded a playoff win since the 2016 season. The Steelers are hoping that things will be a little different in 2024.
In many ways, things already are different. Pittsburgh is usually fairly quiet in the offseason, but it has made plenty of noise over the last few months. The Steelers made splashes in free agency, adding the likes of Russell Wilson, Patrick Queen, Justin Fields and Donte Jackson via signings or trades.
It's been quite the shakeup for a franchise that typically uses a draft-and-develop approach. However, the idea is that a different approach will yield better postseason results.
The work has already begun at organized team activities. It will continue at mandatory minicamp, which, for the Steelers, will start on June 11. Here, we'll dive into some of the latest buzz, storylines and players to track this month.
There Is No QB Controversy, at Least Not Yet
1 of 3
Wilson and Fields are undoubtedly Pittsburgh's biggest additions. Poor quarterback play was a problem in 2023, and one of the two new signal-callers should help remedy the situation.
While Wilson wasn't great in his two-year stint with the Denver Broncos, he's had a Hall of Fame-worthy career and will, at worst, be an upgrade over Kenny Pickett. Fields never developed into a franchise quarterback for the Chicago Bears, but he has flashed the athletic upside that made him a 2021 first-round pick.
However, it doesn't appear that Pittsburgh will hold an open quarterback competition between its two new quarterbacks. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Steelers are making it clear that Wilson is the starter going into training camp.
"They're putting everything that they have behind Russell Wilson," Pelissero told The Rich Eisen Show. "They want Russ to know, they want the locker room to know that this is the guy."
This doesn't mean that the situation won't change, however. Should Wilson struggle in the offseason—or if Fields impresses too much to ignore—the Steelers could allow a competition to unfold. A QB controversy could also emerge during the season if Wilson doesn't return to his Seattle Seahawks form.
For now, though, it appears that Wilson is indeed "the guy."
Tight Ends Are Likely to Play a Huge Role in 2024 Offense
2 of 3
Fans will likely be tracking the progress of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith during minicamp. While Smith's Atlanta Falcons offense wasn't always the most dynamic, it exhibited far more creativity than Pittsburgh's offense under predecessor Matt Canada.
It's looking like Pittsburgh's new offense will feature a lot of production from the tight-end position. That could mean a jump from second-year tight end Darnell Washington, who was rarely used as a pass-catcher in 2023.
Smith found ways to get production from both Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith last season. He may take a similar approach with Washington and ascending star Pat Freiermuth.
"To me, it's very exciting," Washington told reporters, via the team's official website. "Definitely in a tight-end-friendly offense.
If Smith can create regular mismatches with his tight ends, Pittsburgh's offense could be extremely dangerous in 2024. The Steelers have one star receiver in George Pickens, and they added the likes of Van Jefferson and rookie Roman Wilson this offseason. Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris make for a formidable backfield duo.
Add in improved quarterback play, and the offense is poised to be leaps and bounds better than its 2023 incarnation.
Rookies Will Be Worth Tracking Throughout the Remainder of the Offseason
3 of 3
The Steelers offense will be banking heavily on rookies this season. Wilson could push for the starting slot-receiver role, while first-round pick Troy Fautanu is poised to start at right tackle.
2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones was starting at right tackle by mid-season last year but is expected to move back to his natural position on the left side. Jones recently had praise for Fautanu and the rookie's new role.
"I feel like Troy can be whatever he wants to be at the end of the day. Because he has the ability, he has the size, he has the talent. So, it's just all about what he's comfortable with," Jones said, per Jacob Punturi of FanNation.
Rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier is also expected to push for a starting job as a rookie. Pittsburgh parted with starting center Mason Cole early in the offseason and did not add a veteran to replace him.
Frazier was drafted to replace Cole long-term and will likely compete with Nate Herbig, though Frazier should get every opportunity to win the job.
"Obviously, he's coming along quickly because of how talented he is," guard Isaac Seumalo told reporters.
Rookie linebacker Payton Wilson could also play an important role in 2024, but Pittsburgh's offense will rely more heavily on its rookie class than its defense does.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
