Hot Takes, Predictions for Steelers' Most Impactful Free Agent Signings
The Pittsburgh Steelers are rarely a team that "wins the offseason," but after falling short in the postseason once again, they made some significant moves this spring. The Steelers pushed their way into the postseason but were quickly ousted by the Buffalo Bills.
Pittsburgh, which hasn't recorded a playoff win since 2016, must have sensed that it was time for some changes.
Notably, the Steelers ousted 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett and revamped their quarterback room by adding both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Pittsburgh also parted with some notable contributors, like center Mason Cole and receiver Diontae Johnson, before turning to the draft to replace them.
We've already made a few predictions for the Steelers' impressive 2024 draft class. Here, we'll pivot to Pittsburgh's top free-agent additions.
Below, you'll find some hot takes and predictions for Pittsburgh's incoming free agents who are most likely to have an impact in 2024.
Patrick Queen Will Be Solid but Not a Pro Bowler
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The addition of Wilson was the highlight of the Steelers' early offseason. However, Pittsburgh made another splash when it signed linebacker Patrick Queen away from the rival Baltimore Ravens.
Queen had a career year in 2023, finishing with 133 tackles, 3.5 sacks, six passes defended, an interception and a Pro Bowl nod. That landed him a three-year, $41 million contract from the Steelers.
While Queen should be a big asset to a defense that lacked second-level playmakers in 2023, he's highly unlikely to replicate his 2023 success. The 24-year-old thrived in Baltimore last season because he played on a defense with few weaknesses and alongside star linebacker Roquan Smith.
The Steelers don't have a proven linebacker of Smith's caliber. Their secondary, which ranked 20th in net yards per pass attempt allowed last season, remains a project. This could leave Queen exposed in coverage, where he struggled early in his career.
Queen allowed an opposing passer rating above 100.0 in each of his first two seasons.
While Queen should still rack up tackles thanks to his elite closing speed—and he may still be the best off-ball linebacker Pittsburgh has had in some time—a second-consecutive Pro Bowl appearance is unlikely.
Cordarrelle Patterson Will Remind Fans How Dynamic He Can Be
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Pittsburgh already has a strong backfield tandem in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Therefore, the addition of runner/receiver Cordarrelle Patterson may not have turned a lot of heads early this offseason.
Yet, Patterson is poised to make a significant impact for a couple of reasons. For one, he's already established himself as a valuable chess piece in the offense of new coordinator Arthur Smith.
Secondly, Patterson's experience as a ball-carrier and an All-Pro return specialist could pay huge dividends on special teams. The league is implementing a new kickoff format in 2024 that closely resembles the kickoffs used in the XFL last season—which had a return rate of 97 percent, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
"As soon as the rule happened, it was exciting for me," Patterson said, per Fittipaldo. "It will be very different, but we've been planning for it for a while. Hopefully, we get a jumpstart on it."
While Patterson hasn't regularly been used as a returner in recent seasons, he should get plenty of opportunities in 2024 because kickoffs will again be an impact play. The 33-year-old already holds the NFL record with nine career kick-return touchdowns, and the revised kickoff format will give him an excellent chance to add to his record this season.
Russell Wilson Will Do Enough to Justify an Extension
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Wilson was, of course, the most important addition Pittsburgh made this offseason. Pickett was arguably the least impactful starter in the NFL last season (6 TDs, 4 INTs in 12 starts), so a quarterback boost could make the Steelers legitimate title contenders.
While Fields is also in the quarterback room, but Wilson was reportedly the clear-cut starter during organized team activities.
"Wilson was entrenched as QB1 for the past three weeks and did absolutely nothing to suggest that three minicamp practices, 16 or so training camp practices and two preseason games (the starters likely won't play in one of the three) will change that," Mark Kaboly of The Athletic wrote.
This will be a bit of a trial season for Wilson, who signed on a one-year deal. While the 35-year-old may not return to being the perennial Pro Bowler he was with the Seattle Seahawks, he should play well enough to justify sticking with the Steelers beyond 2024.
Yes, Wilson's two-year stint with the Denver Broncos was disappointing. However, he was far from bad statistically last season (26 TDs, 8 INTs, 98.0 QB rating) and was far better than what Pittsburgh got from its quarterback room. The Steelers have proven pass-catchers in George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth and can support Wilson with a strong running game.
Wilson may not be significantly better than he was with Denver last season, but Pittsburgh doesn't need him to be. Even average quarterback play can make the Steelers a factor in the AFC, and Wilson can be average. Expect him to be a bit better than average and to potentially finish his career as a multi-year starter for the Steelers.
Contract information via Spotrac.
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