As free agency sweeps through the NFL, teams are bustling with activity, eager to fortify their rosters for the upcoming season. The Pittsburgh Steelers, in particular, have been highly active. General Manager Omar Khan, affectionately dubbed «The Khan Artist» by devoted Steelers fans, has been tirelessly working over the past few weeks. His endeavors have included securing Russell Wilson, the former quarterback of the Denver Broncos, on a one-year contract, engineering a trade for standout linebacker Patrick Queen from division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, parting ways with the entire quarterback room and Diontae Johnson, and acquiring Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears. Phew! And that’s just scratching the surface.
Let’s delve into the Pittsburgh Steelers’ maneuvers in free agency and examine how these acquisitions might influence their future. I’ll offer my assessments for each move, but with a unique twist to celebrate Russell Wilson’s arrival in Pittsburgh. Instead of conventional letter grades, we’ll liken each significant free agency move to iconic sandwiches, paying homage to Pittsburgh’s famous Primanti Bros. sandwich and Wilson’s own DangerWich Sub. Bon appétit!
Sign Russell Wilson
Details– Russell Wilson will sign a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum, which is $1.2 million.
Analysis- On the eve of free agency, the Pittsburgh Steelers make the first splash and signed former Seatle Seahawk and Denver Bronco quarterback, 9x Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson. Leading up to free agency, the rumblings from the Steelers were pointing to giving Kenny Pickett another opportunity to prove himself under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. However, concerns raised by a discontented locker room prompted the Steelers to pursue Wilson instead. Now Wilson will get a chance to resurrect his career, at barely any cost/risk to the Steelers. The question now is: «Does Russ Steel Got It?» I personally think he’s the perfect fit for this new offense under Smith. If anyone can resurrect a quarterback’s career as an OC, it’s him. Under Smith, Ryan Tannehill won Comeback Player of the Year.
Alternatively, who do the Pittsburgh Steelers need to beat to advance to a championship? Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. Who did just that last season? Russell Wilson. Since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers have only managed to score 25 touchdowns, where Wilson alone threw 26 passing touchdowns last season. Regardless of differing opinions, this undoubtedly represents a significant upgrade for the Steelers.
Sandwich- The DangerWich: Everything you need to build a good sandwich, but from Subway. Only needs to have a couple of flavors (or, in this case, skills) to be good. Hits the spot without breaking the bank. But be careful. «It’s Spicy!»
Trade for Justin Fields
Details- The Pittsburgh Steelers traded a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick for Justin Fields, which becomes a fourth-rounder if Fields plays 51 percent of the snaps in 2024.
Analysis- According to a tweet from Ian Rapoport, Field’s representatives requested that Fields not be traded to four other teams that inquired about him as he specifically desired to join the Steelers. This speaks volumes to me as a Steelers fan. It’s clear that Mike Tomlin has long been interested in Fields, and the feeling is mutual. It’s a perfect fit for Fields to learn from Wilson, whom he’s modeled his game after. The one thing Fields is known for is his running ability, and although he has improved year after year, he still struggles with his accuracy. I’m looking forward to witnessing Fields’ growth and development. It seems like Wilson is as well.
Sandwich- Muffuletta: Only needing a couple of key ingredients, the muffuletta begins with crusty yet soft bread, usually covered in sesame seeds. A perfect, tough exterior that will absorb the flavors from within. Following this, an olive salad is generously applied, teeming with a blend of chopped olives, olive oil, garlic, carrots, and assorted herbs and spices—a burst of taste reminiscent of Field’s dynamic rushing upside on the field. Then come the cold cuts, typically more economical selections such as salami, capicola, and bologna, thinly sliced and generously piled atop each other. Swiss is my favorite addition to this sandwich, reminiscent of the holes in Field’s passing attack. The most important ingredient for this sandwich, just like Fields, is the waiting. For all the flavors to develop, you have to wrap the sandwich up and let it sit. The hardest part, for sure, but allowing the sandwich to absorb and meld into a decadent masterpiece, you’ll have to exercise patience.
Mark Konezny/USA TODAY Sports
Kenny Pickett traded to Philadelphia
Details- Pittsburgh Steelers send Kenny Pickett and a fourth-round pick (No. 120) in exchange for a third-round pick (No. 98) and a pair of 2025 seventh-round picks.
Analysis- Welp, that went sour quickly. Suffering an ankle injury last season, Tomlin «rode with the hot hand,» starting third-stringer Mason Rudolph over Kenny Pickett in the playoffs. After the news of Russell Wilson joining the Steelers, Pickett canceled his workouts with the wide receivers. He was traded to the Eagles the next day. «We need volunteers, not hostages.» One of my favorite Tomlinisms. I’m happy with the departure of Pickett. After spending a first round pick on Pickett, his bad pocket presence, fear of throwing over the middlem and inabilty to put together scoring drives left more to be desired. Although the Steelers weren’t losing games under Pickett, they weren’t winning them because of him either. With a 1.9% touchdown rate, that’s the lowest out of all 391 QBs with at least 500 attempts in NFL history.
Sandwich- A Reuben Slider: Tiny enough to fit into small hands, the slider gives you barely enough to make you want more and not enough to fill you up. Plus, they’re full of sauerkraut, just like in this souring situation. You either really love Reubens or you’re like me and think they taste weird and you’re good without them.
Mason Rudolph to the Titans and Mitch Tribusky to the Bills
Details- Free Agent Mason Rudolph received a $3.6 million one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. Mitch Tribusky re-unites with former team Buffalo Bills on a two-year, $5.25 million deal.
Analysis- I won’t spend too much time on this, but I do want to thank Mason Rudolph for his efforts. When we needed him, he answered the call. As the crowd sang «Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer,» Rudolph was our Christmas miracle. A moment in Steelers’ history we’ll always cherish. Tribusky. Eh, he was Tribusky.
Sandwich- Turkey on Wheat: Bland boring. Fills in when needed. Sometimes you get a really good cut of turkey, some nice aioli, and it’s a little elevated, but usually it’s pretty mundane.
Trade Diontae Johnson to the Panthers
Details- Steelers trade WR Diontae Johnson for defensive back Donte Jackson and 6th and 7th round draft picks with the Carolina Panthers.
Analysis- Just when we secure a better QB room, boom, we go and trade receiver Diontae Johnson. Diontae wanted out, and well, the Steelers gave him his wish. What does this mean for the Steelers? Accordingly, George Pickens immediately ascends to WR1, leaving Calvin Austin and Van Jefferson as W2/3. It is definitely not a situation the Steelers can afford to go into the season with. Rumors have swirled that they have reached out to teams for some big-name receivers like 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk, free agent Tyler Boyd, and even Justin Jefferson. Who knows what Omar Khan is up to, but hopefully, with the recent clearing of cap space, we can make a splash at wide receiver and give Wilson and Fields another weapon to move this new offense. If not we will definitely address the postion during the NFL draft.
Sandwich- Sloppy Joe: Just a messy situation where we traded away an unhappy receiver for very little. Can cause drops, but still very saucy.
Sign Van Jefferson
Details- Steelers sign Van Jefferson to a one-year contract.
Analysis- The Steelers need wide receivers after losing Johnson, and Allen Robinson and Jefferson fit that role. While he may not boast high-level production as a receiver, he does possess potential and is poised to compete for a spot on the roster. The Steelers will continue to address this position in free agency and the draft.
Sandwich- BLT: A decent enough sandwich, but no one really talks about them. Always overshadowed by better sandwiches like Clubs or Phillies. Cheap ingredients that everyone has in their kitchen. I can throw it together when in a pinch, but I would prefer something more elevated if it were available.
Sign Former Ravens LB Patrick Queen
Details- Steelers aquire Free Agent Patrick Queen, signing him to 3-year, $41 million deal.
Analysis- Steelers make a move, securing former Raven and top inside linebacker, Patrick Queen. Focusing on replenishing the inside linebacker unit became imperative during this free agency period, following significant injuries that left the position depleted with uncertain recovery timelines. The signing comes less than an hour after the Ravens added powerhouse running back Derrick Henry. A first-round draft pick, Queen’s last season was impressive with a career-best 133 tackles, along with 18 quarterback pressures, 3.5 sacks, six pass defenses, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Additionally, he tallied nine tackles, resulting in a loss, and six quarterback hits. He’s super versatile and is going to be a great addition to the defense. I’m excited to see what Queen is going to bring to the ‘Burgh!
Sandwich- Crab Cake Sandwich: Straight from Baltimore and made of the most exquisite high-end meat you can find. This crab cake sandwich isn’t made with that silly imitation stuff. This sandwich transcends mere sustenance, elevating the dining experience to a majestic affair worthy of the most discerning palates. Just like Queen will elevate the Steelers’ LB room.
Other Transactions:
Trade for CB Donte Jackson and the 2024 sixth-round pick from the Carolina Panthers and give up WR Dionte Johnson and the 2024 seventh-round pick.
Sign Punter Cameron Johnston to a $13 million, three-year contract.
Sign S Deshon Elliot to a two-year deal.
Resign S Miles Killebrew, inking a two-year, $6.5 million deal.
Resign DT Montravius Adam to a two-year deal.
Cut CB Patrick Peterson. The release saves Pittsburgh $6.85 million on the cap.
Cut WR Allen Robinson. His release saves the team $10 million against the salary cap.
Cut S Keanu Neal. Releasing Neal comes with a cap savings of $2.25 million.
In general, I am impressed with the moves the Pittsburgh Steelers have executed in free agency. By retaining key players, bolstering their defense, strengthening the quarterback room, and enhancing special teams, the Steelers have positioned themselves for success in the upcoming season. As the NFL landscape continues to shift, only time will reveal how these acquisitions manifest on the field. However, one thing remains clear—the Steelers are unwavering in their determination to vie for their seventh Lombardi trophy. Next week, I will delve into the Steelers’ needs heading into the draft, so stay tuned for that! In the meantime, you can check out my article on the acquisition of Arthur Smith as our new offensive coordinator and the implications that brings, or you can check out all my other ramblings on X @bfoxworth07. Go Steelers!
«Alexa, Play Black and Yellow by Wiz Khalifa»
