Steelers: 3 2022 free agency mistakes Pittsburgh regrets

Relative to expectations, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a magical season in 2022. Narrowly missing the playoffs should be attributed to Mike Tomlin’s leadership, while shortcomings should be attributed to offseason mistakes.

Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan has led a successful 2023 offseason. As the regular season approaches, however, holes in the team’s roster bring shadows of doubt on the team’s prospects and many of them reflect poor long-term decision-making that predated Khan’s takeover of the full duties of the general manager role.

The 2023 offseason included a strong draft class with additions of two presumed Day 1 starters in Broderick Jones and Joey Porter Jr., as well as the addition of tight end Darnell Washington in Round 3, who is likely to slot in as the Steelers’ second tight end in 12-personnel packages this season.

The Steelers also made numerous additions through free agency and trades, including high-profile moves the likes of which Steelers fans have grown unaccustomed to. The team signed prominent free agents Isaac Seumalo and Patrick Paterson and completed a trade for Allen Robinson.

Last offseason was much less exciting. The Steelers made a number of decisions and omissions that not only ultimately impacted their 2022-2023 final outcome, but have also left lingering challenges for the team’s front office to manage moving forward.

Steelers 2022 free agency mistake No. 3: Not signing another offensive lineman

While the Steelers’ offensive line outplayed expectations in 2022, that isn’t saying much. Expectations heading into the season were rightfully low and despite the outperformance, the Steelers found themselves expending resources in both free agency and the draft this offseason to address the offensive front.

The 2022 offensive line free agent class had many more top-tier options than this year’s did. Of last year’s group, the Steelers added offensive guard James Daniels, which was a prudent signing. However, more could have been accomplished in addition to that signing. The Dolphins were a good example of this success after signing Terron Armstead and Connor Williams last offseason, both of whom added significantly to what was previously a poor offensive line and the team’s offense overall looked significantly improved.

Investing in the offensive line is always a good idea for teams that have made a significant investment in a young quarterback like the Steelers have with the development of Kenny Pickett. While Steelers fans remain confident in the decisions made by the front office this offseason, missed opportunities from last offseason may prove tough to compensate for.