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Steelers: 3 best moves of the 2023 offseason

By Russell S. Baxter

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: General Manager Omar Khan of the Pittsburgh Steelers speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: General Manager Omar Khan of the Pittsburgh Steelers speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 11: Isaac Seumalo #56 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 11: Isaac Seumalo #56 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Best moves of the Steelers offseason: 2. Drafting Broderick Jones and signing Isaac Seumalo

Inconsistent and poor offensive line play has plagued Mike Tomlin’s team in recent seasons. The club did make a bigger commitment to the run in 2022 but there were still questions. Last offseason, then-general manager Kevin Colbert added a pair of veteran interior blockers in center Mason Cole and guard James Daniels.

This year, new GM Omar Khan did him one better. The team signed guard Isaac Seumalo (Eagles) and versatile Nate Herbig (Jets) in free agency. In round one of last month’s draft, the Steelers moved up three spots (with the help of the Patriots) to select University of Georgia tackle Roderick Jones.

This past season, the team finished 16th in the league in rushing yards per game (122.2). After being held under 100 yards on the ground in five of their first seven outings, Pittsburgh ran for 100-plus yards in nine of their final 10 outings and averaged an impressive 145.8 yards per game rushing.

Running back Najee Harris has been the main performer out of the backfield for the past two seasons and that should not change this upcoming season. In fact, he will likely see even more carries (272 in 2022), as could Jaylen Warren, as the club will stress the ground game even more with a bolstered offensive front.

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