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What's going on with the Pittsburgh Steelers? This is a team many expected to have a chance to win their seventh title this season, but it all fell apart just as fast as the season came calling. Without the services of Le'Veon Bell, the Steelers were forced to use a seldom-used player named James Conner. While Conner did his best to mirror Bell's production, it just wasn't enough.
On the other side of the coin, there's the issue with All-Pro receiver Antonio Brown. There are reports that Brown wants out and the Steelers are willing to trade their star receiver for first-round draft picks. While all this is going on, they still have the issue of finding a suitable replacement for Ben Roethlisberger, although he is expected back for another season.
On the field, the Steelers are no longer the kings of the AFC North. The Baltimore Ravens took that crown and if they're not careful, the Cleveland Browns could knock them further down the rabbit hole. In 2018, the Steelers defense proved they may have been the glue that held them together. But this team was designed to be an offensive juggernaut.
Here are the three biggest offseason needs that the Pittsburgh Steelers must address.
3. Another Reliable Receiver
For years, the Steelers have relied on the hands and speed of Antonio Brown. But now, with Brown possibly out, the Steelers need someone opposite breakout star JuJu Smith-Schuster. While Smith-Schuster has proven to be just as good as Brown statistically, can he do it as a No. 1 threat?
While fans will give a big yes considering his numbers, one can't forget he was able to post those with Brown on the opposite side of the field. What works out for the Steelers is that Brown is still under contract and they will ask and likely receive a first round pick or two for the receiver. With that, they can draft another receiver or try to bring in a veteran.
2. A Change of Pace Back
Pittsburgh fans were in love with James Conner after he provided a glimmer of hope for the Steelers once it was decided that there would be no Bell in 2018. But as good as Conner was (973 yards rushing), the Steelers still finished the season ranked 31st in rushing yards.
Not all the blame can be placed on the young shoulder pads of Conner. The Steelers failed to provide him with a safety net. Connor's season did nothing but prove how special Bell was. If the Steelers are to have any success rushing in 2019, they will need to add another back or find a way to get the seldom-used Jaylen Samuels the ball more than his 56 rushing attempts last season.
There's no way a team like the Steelers with Roethlisberger, Brown, and Smith-Schuster should have raked at the bottom of the league in rushing with their aerial attack causing defenses to use an extra defensive back. Conner needs help.
1. Stock Pile Draft Picks
The Steelers are one of those teams right on the cusp of a championship, but their window is closing fast. While they can rely on Conner and Smith-Schuster for the future, what happens when Big Ben retires? Let's be honest here, he's not getting any younger and the Steelers must find a suitable replacement and they must do it soon.
What they have going in their favor is that they have draft picks to make moves, but why not get more?
If trading Antonio Brown is a top priority, then getting two first rounders for the All-Pro receiver is a must. Imagine the Steelers entering the 2019 NFL Draft with two first-round picks. They can either get a receiver, a much-needed pass rusher, or a quarterback of the future just in the first round alone. This is where it will get interesting.
The Steelers can then use their third and fourth-round picks and possibly trade up to add another second rounder. Or, they could use those picks to acquire veteran talent from teams looking to shed salary.
