The Pittsburgh Steelers were 9-7-1 in 2021-22, finishing second in the AFC North. Pittsburgh was 4-2 in division play, 6-2-1 at home and 3-5 on the road. The Steelers were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs 42-21 in the wild-card round of last season's playoffs. Pittsburgh begins its post Ben Roethlisberger era as the veteran quarterback retired following last season.
Pittsburgh signed quarterback Mitch Trubisky during the offseason and is expected to start Trubisky under center, but the Steelers also drafted quarterback Kenny Pickett and the signal caller could see action early. Last season with Buffalo, Trubisky passed for just 43 yards in six games of mop-up duty for the Bills. Najee Harris returns for his second season with Pittsburgh and last season the rookie running back rushed for 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns. Diontae Johnson is the leading receiver returning for Pittsburgh and last season caught 107 passes for 1161 yards and eight touchdowns.
Pittsburgh's defense was strengthened by acquiring linebacker Myles Jack during the offseason and re-signing cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. Pittsburgh lost veteran defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt to retirement but signed Larry Ogunjobi to replace the veteran. Pittsburgh will play a 3-4 defense with Ojunjobi and Cameron Heyward as the starting ends and Tyson Alualu as the starting nose tackle.'
The linebackers will be led by TJ Watt, Devin Bush, Alex Highsmith and Jack, which gives Pittsburgh one of the best linebacker corps in the AFC. Witherspoon will start at one cornerback and Cameron Sutton will start at the other. Terrell Edmunds and Minkah Fitzpatrick will be the starting safeties.