Steelers Now
We are roughly one month away from the start of the NFL free agency period kicking off but before previewing what needs the front office will be looking to fill, it’s worth dissecting their last batch of acquisitions. 2025 will be year three of the Omar Khan era with the Steelers finishing 10-7 in both of his first two full campaigns as the general manager. This report card will grade each move based on investment level, expectations, while also taking into account future outlook for those that have a potential future within the organization.
QB: Russell Wilson (Grade: B-)
Wilson’s divorce from the Denver Broncos led to a unique, cost-friendly opportunity up north. Immediately after taking over under center, he gave the offense a spark, leading them to a 6-1 record. There were a few really encouraging moments, such as his game-winning toss to beat the Commanders, followed by a 44-point explosion in Cincinnati. After that, things fell off the rails for the entire team but it’s hard to argue that anyone’s production declined more than Wilson’s, finishing 31st in success rate during the Steelers five game losing stretch to end the year. While he himself has repeatedly expressed his desire to finish his career here, the marriage between the two parties seems pretty sketchy without a ton of upside moving forward. Still, he gave them competent quarterback play for a good stretch for pennies on the dollar, even it was just a fling.
QB: Justin Fields (Grade: B-) – Trade
Because of injury, Fields was given a chance to start the regular season but his play, despite legitimate improvement in some areas, wasn’t quite inspiring enough to keep the job away from the veteran. He was getting rid of the ball a little bit quicker, making better decisions over the first month and still providing value as a runner, which was super helpful in the low red zone area. Still, Fields still leaves quite a bit to desire as a passer. He’s still a slow processor that hasn’t yet proven that he can consistently beat defenses from the pocket and never looked completely comfortable working under center. Because of the lack of available quarterback options on the free agency market and a dreadful quarterback draft class, the Steelers may be forced to bring him, or Wilson even, back on a cheaper deal as a stop-gap option. But there’s not much evidence to believe in him ever being more than that.
ILB: Patrick Queen (Grade: C+)
When you sign the largest free agent contract in franchise history, there are going to be some lofty expectations for you. It took Queen a little bit to get rolling in 2024 in a new environment but once he got comfortable in the scheme, you started to see him take serious strides in key areas. His speed, fluidity and improved feel in zone coverage were a real asset. His range as a run defender was obvious but you would have liked to see him...
