PITTSBURGH — The Steelers finished the season strong with seven victories in their final nine games to finish 9-8. The future looks bright with the emergence of some rookies on offense that should be ready to take some big steps in their development next season, most notably quarterback Kenny Pickett and receiver George Pickens. They were the Steelers' first two picks in the 2022 draft and were big factors in the team winning as many games as it did down the stretch.
With Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren under contract at running back and tight end Pat Freiermuth and receiver Diontae Johnson also under contract for the next two years, the Steelers don't lack for talent at the skill positions.
The Steelers need the offense to be better next season because they have a strong but aging defense that is running out of time to play for a championship. T.J. Watt is one of the best players in the NFL, and he's missed the postseason three times in his six-year NFL career. The Steelers are failing him by wasting his prime years. The same goes for Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has made the playoffs twice in his four seasons with the team. Cam Heyward, who will turn 34 in May, has missed the postseason five times in his 12-year career.
