At the start of the 2024 offseason, there are questions about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive line. Despite only playing in 11 games last season due to injuries, Cam Heyward has been a leader for the team, and it was clear that his injuries had an impact even after he resumed play. In his second season with the squad, Larry Ogunjobi was able to participate in all 17 games and managed to make a little greater effect. Ray Fittipaldo, a Steelers insider, believes that the team should seriously consider looking for improvements at the position in general.
Fittipaldo made his weekly appearance on The PM Team w/ Poni & Mueller on Thursday night, joining Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller. They asked him what he believed to be the most pressing need.
Fittipaldo stated that Heyward struggled with serious ailments that began during training camp, which hindered his performance in the 2023 campaign. In the 11 games he was able to participate, he only finished with two sacks and six tackles for a loss. His total number of sacks was the lowest since 2016. It was during that game in Week 10 against the Dallas Cowboys that he sustained a pectoral tear, which forced him to spend the remainder of the season on injured reserve. In the seven games before, he had only managed three sacks.
Like a good wine, the team’s defensive captain of many years had been maturing. After reaching 28, he received six consecutive Pro Bowl nominations, but time stands still for no one. Heyward turns 35 in May, so it makes sense
The Steelers may improve their defensive line by selecting players in the draft and through free agency. Because of the cost, the team probably won’t be interested in signing any of the major names on the free agent market, such as Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs, but Fittipaldo believes there might be some appealing choices. He suggested Christian Wilkins and DJ Reader as potentials.
Fittipaldo expressed doubts about Christian Wilkins and DJ and Ogunjobi’s limited duties, saying the team should try to use more substations for their defensive line. Andy Weidl, the assistant general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was once a key member of the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that has used it in recent years.
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