These egregious decisions would set the franchise back.
This offseason is another crucial one for the Steelers as they look to break their postseason losing streak and build a stronger foundation for the future. With plenty of cap space and the NFL salary cap set to increase, Pittsburgh is in a prime position to upgrade the roster.
However, having money to spend doesn’t guarantee success—many teams fall into the trap of reckless spending, leading to bad contracts that hurt them in the long run. To make the most of this opportunity, the Steelers must be strategic in free agency. Here are two mistakes they must avoid this offseason.
Don't give a lucrative contract to Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers
Pittsburgh's top priority should be avoiding overspending or committing to a long-term contract for an aging quarterback—especially Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers. Both are at the tail end of their careers and bringing Wilson back after how last season ended, along with his hefty price tag, would be a major mistake. We've seen his decline over the past few seasons, and there's no reason to pay top dollar for similar or worse results.
The same goes for Aaron Rodgers, who has been rumored as a potential Steeler. While his Hall of Fame resume might be tempting for Mike Tomlin, his time with the Jets was a disaster, raising serious concerns about what he has left in the tank.
If Pittsburgh is set on a veteran bridge quarterback for the next two years, they should target someone who has proven he can still perform—like Matthew Stafford—or opt for a younger player with more upside in a new environment. Running it back with Justin Fields on a short-term deal is another viable option.
The Steelers already gambled on an aging quarterback whose performance had declined, and it didn’t work. There's no need to make the same mistake again.
Don't reward George Pickens antics with a massive extension
It’s hard to deny George Pickens' talent, but his on-field and off-field antics have been a constant headache for the Steelers since he was drafted. He’s a key piece of the offense, as we saw when he missed a few games last season, yet despite his immense ability, he hasn’t quite put it all together to become a true professional and show the maturity expected at this level.
Now entering his fourth season, it seems unlikely that he’ll suddenly figure things out. Rewarding a player with lingering maturity issues could backfire, creating even more tension in the locker room. On top of that, the wide receiver market is skyrocketing, making a contract extension an expensive gamble.
The Steelers need to be smart about this—either trade him while his value is high or franchise tag him after next season. Committing to a long-term deal could turn into a much bigger problem down the road.
