The 2024 offseason has just gotten underway for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but one undeniable truth is already unmistakable: every card carrying Black and Gold member has an opinion on how the Steelers should proceed with the current rebuilding situation.

I readily admit to be heavily invested in the process myself. Not just because it is part of my job, but mostly because of my passionate commitment to the Steelers organization. I really don’t want to care as much as I do, but I can’t help myself.

The majority of Steelers fans realize that the front office needs to focus this offseason on strengthening the offensive line. Not only because they have neglected the unit for years, but because the subpar performance of the offensive line has crippled the Steelers offensive efficiency since 2018. New OC Arthur Smith’s scheme is old-school reliant on having a fully functional offensive line. The line’s effectiveness is paramount to every aspect of his scheme’s success.

The Steelers have already released former starters Chukwuma Okorafor and Mason Cole since the season ended. Basically ensuring that Omar Khan and Andy Weidl will focus their full attention on properly addressing the OLine. Very similar to how they revamped the inside linebacker position last offseason.

Besides the extremely urgent OLine, the remaining areas needing addressed are universally accepted to be the following; CB, WR, SS, and DL. However, there is another position that is just as important, and possibly an even bigger need for the Steelers. It’s actually surprising how many fans aren’t even talking about the enormous need at inside linebacker.

First off, let’s confirm the need. As I mentioned earlier, the Steelers completely revamped the position last offseason, via free agency. The Steelers signed proven performers Cole Holcomb, Kwon Alexander, and Elandon Roberts. The moves paid almost immediate dividends. Holcomb and Alexander were the best off ball tandem for the Steelers since Ryan Shazier and Vince Williams. Roberts provided a physical presence not seen since Williams heyday. The trio’s performance was truly refreshing, at least until Holcomb and Alexander were struck down with season ending injuries mid campaign.

The Steelers suddenly found themselves in a familiar position; lacking adequate depth and talent at the position. Roberts made a valiant attempt to carry the defense through shear will, but he needed some assistance. Teryl Austin did an impressive job duct taping the starting defense together with seldom used backups and practice squad rentals. I don’t know about you, but I am not looking for an encore performance in 2024.

At the moment, nobody really knows what the depth chart will look like to start the season. Holcomb is under contract, but the severity of his midseason knee injury leaves his early season status in doubt. Alexander is an URFA, and is currently rehabbing his Achilles injury. BTW he injured his other Achilles the year prior. Coming back from even one Achilles injury is difficult, but trying to completely recover from two such injuries suffered so close together could be career ending, especially at a position that relies heavily on explosiveness and change of direction.

Hopefully I have done an adequate job of explaining the severity of the situation. So what is the best plan of attack for the Steelers at the position this offseason? In my opinion, the Steelers need to address the position both in free agency and the draft. Roberts and unproven Mark Robinson are currently the only healthy bodies at the position.

Mykal Walker and Myles Jack were practice squad guys who were forced into action during the late season playoffs push. Walker showed athleticism and mobility, but was exposed in coverage with the increased snap count. On the bright side, he is only 26 years old and could be experienced depth if resigned to a veteran minimum contract. Jack had one foot in retirement when the Steelers came calling. Jack played well during the extremely small sample size, but durability remains his biggest concern, and that doesn’t improve with age. I am pleased that he had one last hurrah, but I am not interested in an encore.

It’s imperative that the Steelers find Roberts a proper partner in crime this offseason. Also as insurance for Holcomb’s shaky status to begin the season. There are a few intriguing options in free agency:

Oren Burks

I have been tracking Burks progress for awhile now. He has provided the NFC champion San Francisco Forty Niners quality depth for two years, but remains trapped behind the best off-ball tandem in the NFL. I was hoping that the Steelers could potentially steal another diamond in the rough. Similar to how they obtained the greatest free agent linebacker in franchise history. You might remember him as Potsie. James Farrier is arguably the most underrated inside linebacker in NFL history, who began his career playing out of position for the New York Jets. All he needed was a change of scenery to flourish. I believe Burks could blossom with the Steelers, but then Greenlaw suffered that freaky Achilles injury during the Super Bowl. Suddenly Burks is an even bigger part of the Niners plans moving forward, making his availability less likely.

Bobby Wagner 

Strange how his name keeps popping up as a potential target each season recently. One of the absolute best of his generation, Wagner is the Energizer Bunny of the ILB position. He just keeps going and going. Seriously, all the man does is punish ball carriers and stack up 100+ tackle seasons. Question is, does he have one more standout season left in him? Considering his unmatched durability, I would be hesitant to bet against him.

Lavonte David 

Another greybeard who just keeps producing productive seasons. I wrote about David as a potential free agency target last offseason. He eventually resigned with the Buccaneers, had yet another mandatory 100+ tackle season, and helped lead his team to the playoffs. Like Wagner, I think David could help fill the void for the Steelers as a bridge player. At least until the Steelers can find their next young alpha at the position.

Willie Gay 

This is honestly more of my wildest dreams scenario. Gay is a world champion performer. He seems incredibly raw as a player, but somehow remains incredibly productive through shear brutality. Gay has superior strength and mobility. Everything seems incredibly natural and simplistic in his performance. See ball carriers, punish ball carriers. He reminds me of a modern day Greg Lloyd in that way. I can’t imagine that the Chiefs will let him slip away.

Josey Jewell

I vividly remember writing about Jewell as a potential draft target for the Steelers way back when. Jewell’s career with the Broncos was pretty much what I expected. Nothing spectacular, but extremely reliable. He is an old school baller born a couple of decades too late. Jewell is a quality NFL ILB, but he works best with an athletic running mate. Elandon Roberts might not be the ideal fit.

Devin White 

This was the Devin I wanted the Steelers to draft all along, but the Buccaneers went all in to get him. It turned out to be a good decision, as the Buccaneers eventually won their second Lombardi Trophy with Tom Brady leading the way. White immediately formed a strong connection with Lavonte David. White was the enthusiastic and energetic understudy to the grizzled veteran presence of David. However, something went sour last season. White struggled for the first time as a professional. He was missing reads and tackles, and was splitting snaps with run stopping specialist K.J. Britt by season’s end. It seemed strange to see a healthy White standing on the sidelines. White is simply too talented to perform that badly. That leads me to believe a change in scenery could do the trick, and where better than the Steel City, where he is desperately needed. Maybe where he was meant to be all along.

There will be follow-up articles about potential draft prospects, but only after next week’s Combine has been completed. Stay tuned to SCN for all your offseason analysis.