Pittsburgh Steelers: Three Key Players to Watch in 2024

These three players will play a key role for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.

The Steelers are entering a turning point for the franchise. Many changes have been made within the organization, getting rid of former OC Matt Canada and replacing him with Arthur Smith. The team also traded Kenny Pickett, while acquiring both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. They also revamped the defense, bringing in players like Patrick Queen and Deshon Elliot. However, these three players will be key for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.

QB Russell Wilson

This one feels evident, given the positional value aspect of the conversation. Still, if Wilson regains some semblance of his best years, the ceiling for the Steelers increases dramatically. After a genuinely dreadful 2022 debut season with the Denver Broncos, Wilson was leaner, healthier, and more productive in 2023. Still, it wasn’t enough for the franchise to hitch its wagon to him for another season. His tendency to hold onto the ball led to him being sacked 45 times. Wilson also never looked comfortable in Sean Payton’s offense for multiple reasons. 

The good news is that Wilson still has his patented moon ball, which has outstanding touch and accuracy, with his arm strength mostly intact. His skills have waned from his prime days in Seattle, but his desire to create outside the pocket still gives the viewer glimpses of greatness. If everything goes according to plan, the team will turn him into a low-volume, explosive-seeking passer who reduces the stress on his shoulders. “Prime Russ” is unlikely to return, but a more efficient passer will give the Steelers a noticeable upgrade.

DE Cam Heyward

The Cam Heyward storylines have created quite a bit of drama over the past month or so. Yet before looking to the distant future, the Steelers need a healthier, more productive No. 97 on the field in 2024. Last season was tough for the former All-Pro as he suffered a sports hernia injury in the season opener. That injury kept him on the sidelines until his return in Week 9. The 2023 season was his worst as a pass-rusher since becoming a full-time starter. Deciphering how much of that was due to him playing at less than full strength partially makes his contract extension a complex negotiation.

On a positive note, Heyward’s numbers against the run were predictably excellent. This was largely thanks to his superb play and technique, both critical factors in what he predicts will elongate his career. Pittsburgh held opposing rushers to 3.8 yards per carry with Heyward on the field, compared to 4.5 when he was on the sidelines. Even if some of the quick-twitch explosiveness doesn’t return, there’s still a ton of value in having a three-technique player who can dominate interior offensive linemen at the point of attack. Of course, until there’s a resolution to his contract situation, there will be plenty of headlines surrounding the Steelers captain, most of which will not be centered on his play.

TE Pat Freiermuth

Unlike the first two Pittsburgh Steelers players on this list, Pat Freiermuth is about to enter his physical prime, turning 26 in October. Last season was frustrating for many offensive players, but the tight end was dealt a tough hand. This was mainly due to a hamstring injury that landed him on the injured reserve list for a portion of 2023. Even in the lineup, it was almost like he was an afterthought with offensive coordinator Matt Canada electing not to feature him in the passing game. There were also some notable struggles as a run blocker earlier in the season that eventually improved down the stretch once he was back to full strength.

Smith’s offense features multiple tight end sets with regularity. Moving Freiermuth around the formation will be a priority, especially without a defined or proven No. 2 comprehensive receiver option currently on the roster. Freiermuth is an intelligent player with highly reliable hands. He’s also pretty tough to bring down after the catch, often dragging defenders for more yards. His touchdown production has dipped with the Steelers having issues galore in the red zone, and that certainly needs to be a focus for the offense as a whole. Without a contract extension before the season opener, Freiermuth will have the chance to accumulate a strong season and earn a nice payday next spring.