As disappointing as the 2019 season was, there is plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the 2020 season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. We saw the defense ascend to the elite in the NFL thanks to the emergence of T.J. Watt and the addition of Minkah Fitzpatrick. And this offseason Pittsburgh has a chance to keep that momentum going along with bringing the offense back up to speed.
But there are always things that can go wrong. Here are four mistakes the Steelers could make this offseason to bungle their 2020 season.
Don’t have a plan B for Ben Roethlisberger
We should know if a week or two where Roethsliebrger is in his recovery from elbow surgery. The team has come out and said they are comfortable with the quarterback situation as of now but this update could change all that. One big misstep the Steelers could make is to not formulate a legitimate Plan B is Roethlisberger has a setback.
Don’t pay Mike Hilton
Last offseason, Hilton was an exclusive rights free agent and Pittsburgh got away with only paying him $645,000. This offseason, Hilton becomes a restricted free agent and the Steelers need to step up. Hilton is grossly underrated in how he helps the defense and deserves to be compensated for it. At a minimum the Steelers need to place a first-round tender on his but the reality is the Steelers need to work out a long-term contract.
Overpay for Bud Dupree
Dupree had a great season. No denying that. His 11.5 sacks were the type of production fans had been expecting since the Steelers drafted him. His timing was perfect to finally play well as he is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. There will be the temptation for the Steelers front office to be reactionary and go to great lengths to try to fit Dupree in under the salary cap. This feels like a desperation move that would hurt the Steelers in other ways.
Don’t replace Javon Hargrave
Another guy on defense the Steelers are lin line to lose is Hargrave. It’s doubtful the Steelers will pursue Hargrave with enough energy to keep him. While this is unfortunate, what would be even worse is if the Steelers think they don’t need to commit a draft pick or a free-agent signing to replace him. Isaiah Buggs is a nice place but can’t do what Hargrave did. The defense could take a big step back if Pittsburgh overlooks this loss.
