Heavy on defense in free agency

[Blitzer]

Yes they are. A switch and understating of the modern NFL is badly needed by the Steelers coaches and GM management. Khan better understand it. Tomlin does not,

I think the sooner we realize that Pickett and Harris are not the answer and move on from them before their second contact is up, the better shape we will be in. They just are not what we need at QB and RB.

We need a home run of a draft. I hear the Steelers watched Bennett work out. They might get an inside scoop on him is the ask Pickens. Kirby Smart has assembled quite a team. His contact is up in 2024...I think.

You are literally the only poster that could turn a thread on free agent defense signings to lets hate on Pickett and Harris. you need help

[BURGH86STEEL]

The only positions that I see lacking on the offensive side of the ball at this point are 3rd and 4th WR and LT needs competition if possible. 3rd RB needs competition.

Depth and all the other positions have solid starters.

The reality is that most players drafted won't contribute much in the 2023 season. I believe the Steelers set themselves up to compete for the AFC North at this point.

I expect several of the Steelers offensive starters/players to take the next step. Offensive success hinges on KP's development. It's that simple for me.

[Rocky Mtn]

The only positions that I see lacking on the offensive side of the ball at this point are 3rd and 4th WR and LT needs competition if possible. 3rd RB needs competition.

Depth and all the other positions have solid starters.

The reality is that most players drafted won't contribute much in the 2023 season. I believe the Steelers set themselves up to compete for the AFC North at this point.

I expect several of the Steelers offensive starters/players to take the next step. Offensive success hinges on KP's development. It's that simple for me.

This. Go KP!

[Oviedo]

You are literally the only poster that could turn a thread on free agent defense signings to lets hate on Pickett and Harris. you need help

there are a few posters who can turn any thread topic into a negative.

[Starlifter]

Unless someone can point me to facts to the contrary - the Steelers spend to the cap limit every year. So I don't buy the argument they are 'cheap' or don't want to spend money, they just choose to divide it up in a way that isn't as splashy as some teams. They also haven't embraced the philosophy of going all in for one year (like the rams) and then being in cap hell for the next 5. But they DO spend all the money available, even sometimes spending a lot on one player such as TJ. Their defense was the highest paid unit in the league last year. That made sense. With all the rookie contracts on offense, they had to spend the money somewhere - so defense it was.

So yes, while they haven't splurged and signed Lamar Jackson - I think they are adding depth and value and giving themselves options for draft day. We'll see how it plays out, but I don't think the strategy is flawed.

[NorthCoast]

Why do some fans feel like it's all or nothing with these signings? I mean, the Steelers had a lack of quality on the bench at a few positions. At the least these players fill holes as backups and maybe some ascend to quality starters. And when you consider who they lost in FA it's really only a couple of quality starters; Sutton, Edmunds (who some argue isn't even a quality starter), Sims (meh), Bush (haahaaa), Jack.

It's a long season, most of the backups will play in stretches. It's like relief pitchers. You don't need them to be great for nine innings, just one or two.

And as Colbert once said, they look for draft picks in Rds 1-3 to eventually be starters for the team. Stay tuned....

[WindyCitySteel]

Why do some fans feel like it's all or nothing with these signings? I mean, the Steelers had a lack of quality on the bench at a few positions. At the least these players fill holes as backups and maybe some ascend to quality starters. And when you consider who they lost in FA it's really only a couple of quality starters; Sutton, Edmunds (who some argue isn't even a quality starter), Sims (meh), Bush (haahaaa), Jack.

It's a long season, most of the backups will play in stretches. It's like relief pitchers. You don't need them to be great for nine innings, just one or two.

And as Colbert once said, they look for draft picks in Rds 1-3 to eventually be starters for the team. Stay tuned....

Eventually being the key word. If you have five starting positions to fill, there is almost no chance it's happening in one draft. So why fill them in FA with backup quality talent?

Assuming you're likely to get maybe 1 or 2 first year starters in the draft, sign 1 or 2 in FA instead of a bunch of backups.

Quality over quantity.