Pittsburgh Steelers Depth Chart
- AFC North
- Stadium
- Heinz Field
- Head Coach
- Mike Tomlin
- Offensive Coordinator
- Matt Canada
- Defensive Coordinator
- Keith Butler
- Special Teams Coach
- Danny Smith
- Defensive Scheme
- 3-4
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said the offense had plenty of shortcomings in 2021, but he didn't place all the blame on offensive coordinator Matt Canada, suggesting that he will return in 2022. The Steelers finished 29th in rushing offense (93.1 yards per game) and averaged nine more yards per game than in 2020, when they finished last in the NFL. However, in at least 10 other offensive categories, the team was worse in 2021 than last year, including points per game (20.2), yards per game (315.4), third-down percentage (38.9) and time of possession (29:17). The Steelers had 16 fewer touchdowns than a season ago with one extra regular season game. While Canada may return for another year, the Pittsburgh offense could be in trouble with quarterback Mason Rudolph in line to start in 2022 with Ben Roethlisberger set to retire.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has likely taken his last snap in the NFL. The organization is under the assumption that the 40-year-old quarterback won't return in 2022. That being said, Mason Rudolph would be the next option in line. He is currently signed through the 2022 season. It appears Rudolph is in line to start next season unless the Steelers make a move in free agency or the NFL Draft. It's uncertain what direction the Steelers plan to go next year. Although, it seems possible that they let Rudolph play quarterback for one season and attempt to secure a high draft pick for a QB in 2023. There are plenty of options on the table for Pittsburgh, but it appears Big Ben will not be one of them.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster returned from Injured Reserve for one more game in the team's wild-card loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night, but he'll be an unrestricted free agent for the second straight year this offseason. When asked if he might re-sign again, Smith-Schuster said, "Honestly, it would be a blessing." He had 111 catches in his second season in 2018 and 97 receptions last season, but he played in just five regular season games before his shoulder injury this year and caught 15 of 28 targets for 129 yards and no touchdowns. Smith-Schuster could encounter another cold free-agent market, but the fact that he was able to return late in the year from his shoulder injury will help his cause. If he returns to the Steelers in 2022, Pittsburgh's QB situation without Ben Roethlisberger will be a big factor in Smith-Schuster's fantasy value.
With Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger acknowledging already that this is his final season, the Steelers will head into the offseason knowing that they need a franchise QB. Outgoing general manager Kevin Colbert, who is expected to retire after April's draft, has traded a first-round pick for a player just one time, and he's traded up into the first round just three times since 2000. It makes it unlikely that Pittsburgh would trade multiple first-rounders for Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, according to one source. Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins are expected to be able to compete for the starting job in 2022, with the team also likely to add a QB in the draft, perhaps Pitt's Kenny Pickett. Rudolph figures to have a leg up in the competition, but Haskins is a former first-rounder that has caught the eye of head coach Mike Tomlin.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (shoulder) has been activated off the injured reserve. He has missed the last three months while recovering from shoulder surgery. The assumption was that Smith-Schuster wouldn't play again this season. However, he will be available for Sunday's Wild Card matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 25-year-old hasn't practiced until this week, so it's unlikely he has a full-time role this weekend. He should slide in as the No. 3 receiver behind Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson. His return is obviously an upgrade to the Steelers offense. Although, Smith-Schuster is a risky DFS option given the fact he hasn't played in a few months and probably won't see full-time snaps on Sunday.