Breaking news: In 2024, these five Steelers have the most to prove.

An aging squad usually has plenty of established veterans who don’t need to prove their worth to coaches and fans. For the Steelers in the forthcoming season, there are a few anomalies, though. Considering that Pittsburgh hasn’t won a postseason game since 2016, more than just players need to get better. I will, however, give head coach Mike Tomlin a pass on this drill, concentrating on players who need to silence their skeptics.

5. Justin Fields, quarterback

In a perfect world, this player (at least as the starting quarterback) doesn’t even see the field, thus I debated whether or not to include him on my list. But considering how the former first-round selection was dismissed in Chicago, he needs to fulfill a few important requirements in Pittsburgh this season. Is he able to assemble a strong preseason? Will the offense have packages for him that highlight his legs? If so, is he able to manage his turnover problems?

Russell Wilson, the team’s projected starting quarterback, has been resilient throughout his career, but it’s likely that Fields will have to fill in for Wilson at a crucial moment during the season.

4. TE Pat Freiermuth

It’s interesting to note that Freiermuth became just the 10th tight end in NFL history to reach 100 career receptions in 25 games or less. You would expect that he would be regarded as the league’s best tight end after receiving such an honor.

But in his final season, he only caught 32 passes for 308 yards, down from 60 and 63 receptions in his first two seasons.

While missing five games due to injury and subpar quarterback play are major contributors to that, it seems like most of the buzz around Freiermuth has died down.

It’s time for Freiermuth to have a career year in an offense under new coach Arthur Smith that has made extensive use of the tight end position throughout his career.

3. George Pickens, WR

We don’t need Pickens to prove that he is excellent; we all know he is. Can he, however, advance and achieve greatness? With Diontae Johnson out of the picture, Pickens is now responsible for carrying the majority of the passing game load. He caught 52 passes for 803 yards and four touchdowns in 2022. He caught 63 catches for 1140 yards and five scores in the previous season. Although he’s getting better, is he prepared to join the league’s elite group of pass catchers? Those figures would have to increase to about 80 catches and about ten scores in order for it to occur. especially in light of the depleted wide receiver room that exists right now.

2. DT Heyward Cameron

We’ll say it bluntly: When it comes to defense, Heyward is among the greatest Steelers players ever. However, he is 35 years old and starting the last season of a four-year, $65 million contract. No matter your standing in the franchise’s history, there shouldn’t be any freebies in this league.

Despite his advanced age of thirty-four, he played a fantastic season last year. Father Time does catch up to everyone, though, as he did miss six games due to a groin ailment.

He still has the ability to be a dominant force up front for a team that sorely needs it, and I won’t rule that out. Furthermore, there have been rumors circulating lately that Heyward and the organization have discussed extending his contract. Before the offer sheet is given to him, in my opinion, he must demonstrate that he deserves to be paid like a superstar.

1. QB Wilson Russell

Most likely, this is not a huge surprise. The veteran quarterback is being paid over $38 million by his previous franchise, the Denver Broncos, to play for a different squad.

After spending ten years with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson averaged 101.8 passer rating; in his two years with Denver, he finished 11-19 in thirty starts.

That passer rating feels like a gift from heaven to Steelers supporters who have had to watch Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett struggle over the past two years.

Wilson, however, is 35 years old, so this will probably be his last opportunity to demonstrate that he can start in this league. And not just a respectable one either—one who can lead his team to the postseason and contend all the way through.