The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 2022 season 9-8 but missed the playoffs and now face the offseason with many needs for a successful 2023 season.

The Steelers biggest needs for next season are definitely wide receiver, offensive tackle, cornerback, and inside linebacker. The offense was probably the biggest disappointment of this past season and even though with rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett and the offense as a whole finding success post bye week there are definitely many things they need to work on. 

One key is finishing drives in the red zone and not having to settle for field goals. After trading away receiver Chase Claypool at the trade deadline for the Bears second round pick it gives them essentially another first round pick, but depleted the depth in the wide receiver room. Adding another wide receiver this offseason either through the draft or free agency could help the Steelers become more efficient in the red zone. Another huge need for the Steelers offense is an offensive tackle and more specifically left tackle. It is widely known that Dan Moore Jr. (Steelers 4th round pick in the 2021 draft) is inconsistent and not a long term answer for the Steelers. Left tackle is the most important position on the offensive line as it is the quarterback’s blindside and Dan Moore’s inconsistent play isn’t going to be enough and so finding a replacement for him in the draft or free agency is a need as well.

On the other side of the ball defense also needs work. Cornerback is a key one as the Steelers haven’t had a true number one corner since Joe Haden and since his retirement has been a noticeable hole. Ahkello Witherspoon who the Steelers acquired through a trade with the Seahawks in 2021 has been average to bad and injury prone and is not the answer. Cameron Sutton has been very good and consistent for the Steelers but cannot do it all himself and is better as a slot corner or just someone who moves around often at each corner position. Corner could be a position the Steelers opt to use their 17th or 32nd draft pick on this spring. Another key position this offseason for the Steelers is middle linebacker. Ever since Ryan Shazier’s injury in 2017 the Steelers have been missing a star middle linebacker for their defense. They tried to find that star in Devin Bush but has been a bust who will likely leave the team in free agency. I do not think the Steelers will use a high draft pick on middle linebacker but if they are able to find one in the late rounds or free agency their defense could get back to its identity. 

If the Steelers are able to most to all these needs this offseason there is no reason they cannot get back to the playoffs with a young offense and experienced defense in 2023.