The Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 review
PITTSBURGH STEELERS, NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to become annual postseason contenders after shoring up their offensive line and making a few trades here and there post the draft after acquiring their starting left tackle in the first round and selecting Joey Porter Jr at the top of the second round.
Under Kevin Colbert, the Steelers had quiet off-seasons. There was little buzz around the league about the moves they made but they did their work on the field and never had a losing season.
This summer has been a bit different. A lot different. There is buzz around the league and the Pittsburgh Steelers roster has created quite a debate. Some believe the trend the Steelers are the darkhorse while others don't believe Kenny Pickett can guide this team to the postseason.
We have less than a fortnight to see how Pittsburgh will fare in their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, who perhaps should have gone to the Super Bowl if not for injuries occurred during their playoff run.
Over the past week, the franchise has made a number of moves, most noticeably releasing players to become compliant with the 53 man roster rule.
Cuts
MLB Christian Kuntz
SS Jalen Elliott
WR Dan Chisena
FS Trenton Thompson
RE Manny Jones
RG Spencer Anderson
SS Elijah Riley
CD Madre Harper
RE Isaiahh Loudermilk
(practice squad)
CB Chris Wilcoxx
(practice squad)
LE Jonathan Marshall
(practice squad)
CB Luq Barcoo
FS Tre Norwood
(practice squad)
WR Dez Fitzpatrick
(practice squad)
CB Isiah Dunn
(practice squad)
WR Gunner Olszewski
P Braden Mann
MLB Nick Kwiatkoski
LOLB Quincy Roche
(practice squad)
WR Miles Boykin
Trades
TE Zach Gentry for Detroit Lions 2024 7th round selection
QB Mason Rudolph to Tampa Bay Buccaneers for QB Kyle Trask
2024 Round 5 (145) for Houston Texans CB Desmond King II
Signings
DT Brandon Williams 1yr/ $1.7M
WR Will Fuller V 1yr / $2.4M
Conclusion
Pittsburgh has made every effort to fortify their strengths and weaknesses this offseason. Brandon Williams comes into their 3-4 defense as a traditional nose tackle. Desmond King provides excellent depth at the cornerback position and can take on duties in the return game, offering versatility. William Fuller joins a trending upwards receiver corps that is led by Diontae Johnson but will likely be overshadowed by George Pickens. The defense looks strong with Keanu Neal and Kwon Alexander offering versatility along the 3-4 unit.
Kenny Pickett had a good offseason. His preseason was strong but that's what it is. The Preseason. It's about time we see who the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers are and we're going to find out shortly.
Pittsburgh make the playoffs, but their 7th championship evades them for another year.
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