In 2024, will the Pittsburgh Steelers be able to contend with quarterback Russell Wilson?
The Pittsburgh Steelers will surely look entirely different when they play in 2024 after an off-season that saw them trade former first-round pick Kenny Pickett, sign future Hall of Fame quarterback Russell Wilson, trade for former first-round pick Justin Fields, and trade leading wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
According to PFF’s most recent NFL free agency projections for 2024, the Pittsburgh Steelers may want to bolster their offensive line with a significant acquisition. PFF claims that Connor Williams, a former starting center for the Miami Dolphins, would be a great fit for the Steelers. Williams’ departure could free up Mike Tomlin and company to consider options other than offensive line when the team has the 20th overall pick in the NFL Draft next month.
“Williams started his career with the Dallas Cowboys at left guard and blossomed in Miami at center, thriving as a run blocker in Mike McDaniel’s zone blocking scheme, where he was able to quickly get to the second level and lead the way. While he doesn’t have the world’s strongest anchor in a phone booth, his fast first step off the line enables him to seal off defenders on the backside of runs by getting in position. Williams suffered a torn ACL in Week 14, which has impacted his market.”
The erratic 2023 campaign of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Over a season that featured the likes of Mitchell Trubisky and Kenny Pickett, two former first-round picks, starting at quarterback, the Pittsburgh Steelers surprised everyone by making the playoffs thanks to Mason Rudolph’s “hot hand.” Due to Pickett’s on-field difficulties and his recent history of injuries, the team made the decision to trade their previous first-round pick and a fourth-round pick from this year’s draft to the Philadelphia Eagles in April in exchange for their rival team’s third-round pick.
The Steelers made more changes to their quarterback room by trading former first-round pick Justin Fields to the Chicago Bears for a sixth-round draft pick and signing veteran Russell Wilson to a one-year, league minimum contract.