It appears that the Pittsburgh Steelers are all in to win a Super Bowl in 2024.
After completing a number of transactions and high-profile additions to start the summer, general manager Omar Khan swiftly altered the way they conduct business. Still, if a player want to be a serious contender the following season, they must perform their job.
In light of that, these three Steelers are expected to be the hottest tickets in 2024.
Head coach Mike Tomlin
Without a doubt, one of the NFL’s top head coaches is Tomlin. That is supported by his 17 straight seasons without a loss. But Pittsburgh hasn’t emerged victorious in a postseason match since 2016.
It will be a prove-it season for the 52-year-old Tomlin as he approaches the final year of his contract in 2024, even though the team may choose to extend him before the season begins.
Khan is contributing to providing Tomlin with a strong roster. With a number of outstanding players nearing the conclusion of their careers, it’s time for Tomlin to put an end to the franchise’s worst winless postseason streak.
Russell Wilson, the quarterback
Wilson made the decision to sign a one-year, veteran minimum ($1.21 million) contract with the Steelers, but he still has a lot to show after starting for the Broncos the previous two seasons and going 11-19.
Although the 35-year-old did make progress in 2023—he completed 26 touchdown passes with only eight interceptions—his time in Pittsburgh could have a significant impact on the outcome of his career.
The Steelers would love for him to play one more season with them, but he has to quickly return the team to winning postseason games and perhaps even a Super Bowl. Also, some think Wilson will have a short leash now that quarterback Justin Fields is a part of the team.
Linebacker Larry Ogunjobi on defense
Ogunjobi has been a vital member of Pittsburgh’s defensive line for the last two seasons, but his output has not increased to the seven sacks he had with the Bengals in 2021. In fact, the 29-year-old has only accumulated 4.5 sacks in his last two seasons with the Steelers, leading some to speculate that his $28.75 million, three-year contract was overpaid.
Pittsburgh may free about $7 million in salary cap space in 2025 if it decides to let go of Ogunjobi and 2024 does the same. With defensive tackle Keeanu Benton, the team’s 2023 second-round selection, on the rise, Ogunjobi might be replaced after yet another lackluster campaign.
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