SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘Schedule Release Day’ Edition

Good Wednesday to you Steelers Fans.

I have a Love/Hate relationship with the NFL’s annual ‘Schedule Release Day.’ On one hand it’s very exciting to start looking ahead the Steelers’ schedule. Where are the primetime games? Where did the NFL really screw us? What might be a good game to attend? But on the other hand, I hate that so much of the schedule has already been leaked and more will be leaked before we even get to this evening. In case you didn’t know, the Steelers will open the 2024 season on the road in Atlanta. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith gets his “revenge” game against the Falcons out of the way in week one. I made my annual ‘season prediction‘ post earlier this week and I’m already oh for one. Like that’s a surprise….

Captain Cam

It has been reported by numerous outlets that the Steelers and All-Pro Defensive Lineman Cameron Heyward are in deep discussion about a contract extension. This is not a surprise per se, but we really can’t comment too much until the details are announced. I would suspect that Heyward, who recently said he would like to play three more seasons, will have some of those voidable years at the end of his deal. This was something Kevin Colbert wasn’t fond of doing while Omar Khan seems much more willing. Either way, an extension will lower the cap hit and make more space available. There could also be extensions coming for Minkah Fitzpatrick and T.J. Watt as well. I’m of the opinion that Heyward is deserving of the right to end his career in Pittsburgh. Despite a season in which he was never truly healthy and his play suffered as a result, he’s more than earned the right to end on his terms.

Fields

I don’t care where you go to school or where you work, you’re always going to have people that you just don’t get along with. Justin Fields certainly has his detractors from his time in Chicago and what they have said this week may be 100% accurate. I am of the mind however that a guy deserves the chance to prove himself in a new setting before we make any snap or harsh judgments. What Fields dealt with in Chicago was very different than what he’s going to experience while in Pittsburgh. The rest is up to him.

Trade Bait

We already know that the Steelers need help at #2 receiver and slot corner but if they were forced to trade for one do they have anyone they could put up? I would say Dan Moore has to be the first choice. Moore has started 49 games in three seasons and that kind of experience is hard to find. I have no doubt that Mike Tomlin would prefer to keep Moore but with Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu seemingly locked in at the tackles, Moore seems expendable. Just a thought should the Steelers not want to give up draft picks.