This is something I look at with neither pleasure nor pain necessarily. I always enjoy looking down the road but I also know that writing this up means the season has ended, typically sooner than I wanted it to be. With the 2023 season behind us, here’s my look at five predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason.
Cam Heyward Re-Structures His Contract
The long-time captain and defensive stalwart will re-structure his deal to give the Steelers more cap space while he gives it one more go. I believe this coming season will be his final one and I expect him to go into the field of television where I suspect he’ll do quite well. While it would be just like Heyward to have said nothing coming out of Buffalo only to up and retire quietly I don’t think that happens. He deserves a final shot at a full and healthy season and one final chance at a Super Bowl.
Diontae Johnson Will Be on the Market
Johnson is entering the final year of his current contract. While few would argue his talent and route-running ability, Johnson has never lived up to his contract which pays him around $18 million per year. He’s an average blocker and is no stranger to pouting or showing his frustration either on the sidelines or in the locker room. Whether or not the Steelers can find a suitable trade partner is uncertain. There are plenty of teams that could use his services and in fairness to Johnson, probably get the most out of his talents. I’m not sure the Steelers have ever been able to do that. Either way, I sense the time is right for a parting of ways.
A New Offensive Staff Will Come In
Whether or not Mike Tomlin chooses this or not, I think it’s coming. Offensively, the Steelers are a car stuck in neutral. They need change, not for the sake of it but out of necessity. There’s too much talent not being utilized. Broderick Jones has regressed since moving to right tackle and the development of Kenny Pickett has been stagnant at best. There needs to be a move into the 21st century by this side of the ball. The unit needs misdirection, better execution and above all else, it needs to get back to being a bully. Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan have done a nice job but change is needed.
Najee Harris Will Get His Fifth-Year Option
With 17 weeks in a season now I’m not really sure as to what a 1,000 yard rushing season means any longer. This averages out to about 59 yards per game. Harris has accomplished this goal in each of his first three seasons with the Steelers but you’ll find few who view him as a game changing type of running back in the mold of a Christian McCaffery or Alvin Kamara. That said, he’s incredibly durable having played in all 17 games three straight seasons. He’s a tremendous blocker and catches the ball fairly well. His best asset however may be that he’s a perfect compliment to Jaylen Warren. While I think he gets the fifth-year option I’m not sure what the future holds beyond that.
Tomlin Sticks Around
Anyone who knows this organization knows that Mike Tomlin is not on any kind of “hot seat.” Whether you or I think he should be matters none. When Mike Tomlin leaves the Pittsburgh Steelers it will be on his own accord. So after some soul-searching and potential interests from the television folks, Tomlin will sign an extension to remain as the head coach of the Steelers. Understand that this won’t be popular in all of Steelers Nation but few things rarely are. I do believe it will be his final extension however and after two to three more years he will retire.
