Steelers: 3 worst moves of the 2022 offseason

2. Spending big on James Daniels

Daniels is a better player than the aforementioned Turner, but he’s not worth the price tag the Steelers paid in free agency. Committing $26.5 million over three years to a young, but unspectacular guard is a luxury Pittsburgh should have avoided.

The Steelers clearly hope that Daniels’ career is still on an upward trajectory. He’ll only be 25 years old next season which means he’s squarely in his athletic prime. Betting on some progression is a reasonable play by the team’s front office.

The problem is that Daniels doesn’t play a premium position. If he were a tackle then this sort of wager would make much more sense. Signing Daniels also means that 2021 third-round selection Kendrick Green looks destined for another season as a backup. Pittsburgh would have been better off letting him take over for Turner if they were convinced a change at guard was necessary.

Daniels’ contract isn’t going to kill the Steelers in the long-term if it doesn’t work out. The front office did well to negotiate a palatable out after just one season if Daniels doesn’t play well. Paying him so much money still cost them the opportunity to sign a quality free agent at a move valuable position this year.