3 moves the Steelers have to avoid this offseason

The Steelers need a productive offseason if they want to become Super Bowl contenders again. Here are three mistakes Pittsburgh can’t afford to make. 

Kenny Pickett’s development in his second season as the Steelers starting quarterback will be the biggest determinant of his team’s success in 2023. Pittsburgh’s front office needs to do everything they can to surround him with the talent required to succeed in the rugged AFC North.

Avoiding a big offseason mistake can be just as important as making a shrewd acquisition. General manager Omar Khan and his staff cannot afford to squander resources in an inefficient manner if they want to move up the standings. Avoiding these three missteps would be a good foundation for success for the Steelers.

Steelers: 3 moves to avoid this offseason

3. Let Cameron Sutton leave

The Steelers didn’t do a good job defending the pass last season and Sutton was their best corner by every metric. The reality that he’s hitting free agency is far from ideal for Pittsburgh.

It’s very possible the team spends its first-round pick on a cornerback who is capable of starting right away. That might cause some fans to believe Sutton is expendable. The Steelers need to add to what they have rather than just try to secure a potential upgrade over Sutton if they want to significantly upgrade their pass defense.

That means the Steelers need to do whatever is necessary to bring Sutton back into the fold. His versatility makes him the perfect free agent to ink to a multi-year deal. He’s spent most of his career as a slot corner before thriving on the outside in 2022. Pittsburgh can comfortably re-sign him without restricting the type of corner(s) they want to add via subsequent offseason moves.

Sutton may command a big salary on the open market, but Pittsburgh needs to pay the freight. They can’t afford to weaken their cornerback room if they want to make a step forward next season.