Grading the Pittsburgh Steelers roster moves following the legal tampering period of NFL free agency
After kicking things off nearly 12 hours before the legal tampering period even opened with an agreement to terms with Russell Wilson, the Steelers had a quiet Monday. The team would only go on to sign a punter, and for over 24 hours the Steelers seemed to be asleep at the wheel. But then came […]
After kicking things off nearly 12 hours before the legal tampering period even opened with an agreement to terms with Russell Wilson, the Steelers had a quiet Monday.
The team would only go on to sign a punter, and for over 24 hours the Steelers seemed to be asleep at the wheel.
But then came Tuesday afternoon and evening, a period of time that saw Pittsburgh agree to terms with a pro bowler and trade another.
So with the tampering period coming to an end and free agency officially starting on Wednesday at 4:00 pm ET, here is how the Steelers free agent moves currently grade out, with a look at why rumors about Steelers GM Omar Khan are already being debunked:
Steelers agree to terms with QB Russell WIlson: B
Wilson may have hit a slump in his career over the past two season in Denver, but the Super Bowl champion signal caller bounced back last year despite being a lame duck, and joins the Steelers for the league minimum thanks to Denver owing him nearly $40m.
That means the move is low-risk high-reward, as either Wilson will push Pickett to be the best version of himself via a QB competition, or win the job outright and try and get his career, and the Steelers playoff record back on track.
Steelers agree to terms with P Cameron Johnston: B+
A serviceable starter with proven production, Johnston isn't going to be a first team All-pro, but he should provide the stability and continuity Pittsburgh seeks from the punter position.
Steelers agree to terms with LB Patrick Queen: A
Not only did the Steelers sure up the future of their LB position while also lessening division rival Baltimore, they did so on an extremely team-friendly deal that gives the team an out as soon as 2025.
With questions regarding the availability of the current Steelers linebackers and the team placing an emphasis on speed in the middle of the defense, the move checks all the boxes you want in an expected signing.
Steelers Trade WR Diontae Johnson: C
Now, if you go on social media you will likely see that the masses believe this is the worst Steelers trade ever, to which I would disagree, but it does fall a little flat.
Any time you give up a proven asset up for a mediocre at best return, it's going to go down as average for me, even if the writing was on the wall regarding the separation between Johnson and the Steelers.
Final Word
With GM Omar Khan reportedly being “red flagged” by other teams around the league, the second year shot caller is looking more like a savant then a greenhorn, as Pittsburgh approaches the official start of free agency having added strong players at positions of need, all the while keeping around $20m in their pockets for the second and third wave of free agency.
Analyzing why the Pittsburgh Steelers expected signing of Pro Bowl LB Patrick Queen is a perfect fit
Here is a breakdown on what to expect from Queen and the Steelers.
