After his team’s disappointing performance again this NFL season, Pittsburgh Steelers longtime owner Art Rooney II made it clear that something needs to change and that he is sick of his team leaving early and not living up to expectations.
Many thought the Steelers might finally fire longtime head coach Mike Tomlin after Rooney made his disapproval known to the public, but the team decided against it because Tomlin will continue to lead the team for at least one more season.
The team’s offensive shortcomings needed to be addressed, which meant some changes were in store for Tomlin, who will be under pressure to turn things around for the better next season because his job could be at stake in 2024.
In the end, the Steelers have completed a number of transactions this offseason, including the Carolina Panthers’ acquisition of wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reports that Tomlin recently discussed the rationale behind the team’s trade of Johnson to the Panthers.
We exchanged players for one another, and we were able to acquire [CB Donte Jackson]. We’ve probably evaluated him multiple times since he joined the league. .. We needed D Jack, and the Panthers needed Diontae. It was a fruitful conversation, Tomlin said.
The Steelers may use the draft as a means of acquiring some downfield talent, as the wide receiver position is rife with promising young talent.
In addition to dealing Johnson, the Steelers also acquired Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears and signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a short-term contract.
But improving the quarterback position won’t mean much if the team has no one else to throw to but George Pickens in 2024.
It will be intriguing to observe the actions taken by the team going forward to improve their offensive position.
