The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Keeanu Benton to a four-year extension over the weekend and have now locked up three of their 2023 draft picks. A long-term deal with Joey Porter Jr. would make four from the same class, a rarity for any team. It makes you think that the future is bright in Pittsburgh, right? ESPN would say otherwise.
In a ranking of all 32 NFL teams based off future projections, the Steelers were given a score of 70.4, ranking No. 30 overall.
The teams were judged on four categories.
Pittsburgh ranked worst in the NFL at quarterback 59.25, identified as “disastrous,” and 31st in coaching (69.5).
ESPN analysts Ben Solak, Aaron Schatz, Louis Riddick, and Seth Walder contributed to the grading scale.
“There seems to be no end in sight when it comes to an answer for Pittsburgh’s QB situation,” Riddick said.
The Steelers’ uncertainty at quarterback is a major concern, and Riddick pointed to past failures like Kenny Pickett, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and other failed reclamation projects as reasons for concern.
Solak there is hope in Omar Khan’s recent draft picks and talented players in the trenches, but the front office as a whole was ranked 27th in the NFL. Pittsburgh did not rank inside the top 20 in any category. The most favorable grade came when evaluating the roster, excluding quarterback.
The Steelers placed 20th overall, and Solak said the roster should “soften the inevitable transition awaiting the Steelers after consistent mediocrity in recent years.” Schatz pointed out that the Steelers were the oldest team in the NFL at defensive back (29.1) last season and third oldest at receiver (28).
If it already felt like the Steelers were in dark times, ESPN imagines them in an Aaron Rodgers darkness retreat you can’t escape. Only the Miami Dolphins (70.3) and Arizona Cardinals (69.9) rank worse than Pittsburgh. Even the Cleveland Browns (71.6) and New York Jets (71.3) rank higher.
The panel views the Seattle Seahawks (88.7 score) to be in the best position through 2029. Baltimore ranked 9th (83.7) and Cincinnati slotted at 17th (79.4).
Mike McCarthy looks to prove the doubters wrong and find the Steelers their next franchise quarterback to set the team up for over a decade.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
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