Pittsburgh Steelers Stock Watch: Players to be bullish and bearish about after the offseason
The next time we see the Pittsburgh Steelers in action, it will be at training camp in Latrobe. We already have a good idea of what the 53-man roster projects to look like and how the 90-man depth chart is shaping up, but what about why? Here are the players feeling good about their outlook […]
The next time we see the Pittsburgh Steelers in action, it will be at training camp in Latrobe.
We already have a good idea of what the 53-man roster projects to look like and how the 90-man depth chart is shaping up, but what about why?
Here are the players feeling good about their outlook on the 2024 season and those who need a big training camp to generate optimism.
Bullish
TE Pat Freiermuth
Freiermuth is currently on the last year of his rookie deal, though there is talk that he may be in line for an extension before the season starts.
Likely because if he doesn't, he will be highly coveted on the opening market.
Muth struggled with injuries last year, but in his first game of the post-Matt Canada era, he recorded a career-best nine receptions for 120 yards on 11 targets.
There is reason to believe many of those games will be in store for Freiermuth in 2024 as he enters into a heavy TE scheme, and barring a trade, will undoubtedly, be the Steelers second-best pass catcher.
S Minkah Fitzpatrick
After regressing from his 2022 form last season, Fitzpatrick has been open about getting back to what he calls "Minkah-Ball."
With the addition of DeShon Elliott at the opposite safety position and Damontae Kazee back in the mix as the third safety for Pittsburgh's long-awaited unveiling of the big nickel package, it's safe to assume Minkah will be back to his All-Pro ways with health in 2024.
NT Keeanu Benton
Benton was used sparingly during his rookie campaign, but it wasn't because of anything he did, as he was excellent in every game and just about every rep he was allocated in 2023.
He's down 10 pounds, looks even faster, and is set to take on a full-time role both as a starting NT and leader in the locker room.
Bearish
QB Justin Fields
Fields did the best you could ask throughout OTAs and minicamp, but he was unable to put any real pressure on Russell Wilson when it comes to the battle for starting QB, with some even suggesting he has no shot at the role in 2024, or at least not coming out of training camp.
WR Roman Wilson
Wilson didn't have a bad offseason by any means. But he also didn't do enough to make you feel comfortable that he could step into a WR #2 role right away in the league. He will likely be serviceable out of the slot, but with Van Jefferson slated to run as the WR opposite of Pickens, it's safe to say Wilson didn't blow the socks off anyone in Pittsburgh.
LB Mark Robinson
Robinson suddenly finds himself battling for a roster spot after the offseason additions of Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson. Pairing that with Cole Holcomb now being rumored to make his return from injury at training camp and Elandon Roberts as the veteran of the bunch, and you can see why Robinson will be battling to stick around on special teams.
