PHOENIX -- However the Steelers have been perceived to approach free agency in the past, the direction is now much more clear.
Mike Tomlin sits down with a handful of local reporters at the NFL's Annual Meeting each year, and this time around he had questions to answer regarding several free-agent signings, which include makeovers at positions on both sides of the ball. But, as far as what's transpired thus far and what's to come, it's all part of a two-pronged attack to take a significant step forward in 2023.
"For us, we don't view free agency and the draft any different," Tomlin said Sunday at the Arizona Biltmore. "We've got two major ways of improving our team and acquiring talent. We respect both components. We utilize information for one as it pertains to the other. We're excited about what we've been able to do thus far, but we're also excited about our draft positioning because there's a second component to this thing, in terms of acquisition of talent."
A key part of what the Steelers have done thus far is completely overhaul the inside linebacker position and reinforce the interior of the offensive line. Linebacker was the weakest link of the defense in 2022, and was due for some change as Devin Bush and Robert Spillane were set to be free agents. Myles Jack was a heavy favorite in the cap-casualty department after struggling with numerous injuries last season and $8 million in free cap space available through his release. The overhaul was completed by signing Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts, two physical guys who play a bit of a different style than some of the more recent groups.
The Steelers have had a hard time finding consistency at inside linebacker since Ryan Shazier suffered his career-ending injury. It's certainly not an easy position to scout, which makes it a challenge to find consistency. Trading up to get Bush didn't pan out and free-agent signings such as Joe Schobert and Jack did not pay off. But, before the Steelers even go into the draft, they wanted to start by bringing in guys with experience, understand the game and, most importantly, established themselves as leaders on their previous teams.
"So much of the position is intangible quality -- leadership, communication, things of that nature," Tomlin said. "It probably adds to the complexity of the talent acquisition. I think that's probably the best way to describe it. But I would imagine we've had some movement at other positions in a similar way. We're just continually trying to get better in all areas and not gonna be bashful about doing so."
The decision to make a serious investment in the offensive line was hardly bashful. Adding Nate Herbig and Isaac Seumalo wasn't done due to a lack of faith in the development that took place over the second half of the season, in which the team averaged 146 yards on the ground. While that was certainly encouraging, Tomlin knew that they had to get better in that department, and do it in a way that both created depth and competition.
After all, there was no way the Steelers can rely on going back-to-back years with all five starting members of the offensive line accounting for nearly every snap. No team is that lucky.
"We just thought the more starter-capable and starter-experienced-like guys we could add to the group, we had an opportunity to create competition and raise our floor," Tomlin said. "We were fortunate last year the five primary starters made every football game. So, our depth was not challenged. It'd be naive to think we could be in that circumstance again. We felt like it was appropriate to fortify depth, create competition, and you do that with capable people, specifically guys with starter-capable experience."
Perhaps the most significant signing in free agency thus far is adding Seumalo. He was arguably the top guard on the market. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 10th-best guard in the league last season. This wasn't just adding some depth in case one of the starting five went down with an injury. It was clearly a move to, as Tomlin put it, raise their floor so there isn't a significant drop off when a starter is ruled out of a game.
This wasn't something that just fell into their lap. Even though Seumalo wasn't added until six days after the start of the legal tampering period, Tomlin confirmed the Steelers had their eye on him from the very beginning of free agency. This is as aggressive as it gets.
"We respected his talents," Tomlin said of Seumalo. "We were in-stadium with him last year. No question he was a target. But, just because someone's a target doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to pursue them immediately. Sometimes you just need to make sure that it's an appropriate fit, or the market is going to make it so. But, obviously we're excited to get him."
Of course, adding both Seumalo and Herbig could be viewed as the beginning of the end for Kevin Dotson or Kendrick Green. It's worth noting that Dotson is entering the final year of his rookie contract. But, instead of leading anyone to the chopping block, Tomlin was clear that the moves were made to really strengthen what the Steelers have up front.
And, it's not clear yet where each player will play. For example, Seumalo has played more on the left side throughout his career, but is coming off a great season in which he played the right side. The Steelers just wanted to add high-quality players for the offensive line and worry about details further down the road.
"How we sort those guys out remains to be seen," Tomlin said. "We'll get those guys in a competitive camp situation and come up with the best five."
Moving forward, the Steelers are still looking to add via free agency. Steven Sims signing with the Texans creates an opportunity to explore either free agency or the draft to add more depth at receiver. And, as of now, Dan Moore, Chukwuma Okorafor and recent signing Le'Raven Clark are the only tackles on the roster. That's a situation in which Tomlin was hesitant to describe how content he is with the position here in late March.
"Happy is a dangerous word," Tomlin said. "I'm comfortable."
The chances of more impact signings decrease as the days pass, though more signings definitely can't be ruled out. But, it's clear the team is turning their attention to the draft. Tomlin, Omar Khan and the Steelers' brass have been making their way to various pro days, meeting with prospects at several different positions. Tomlin and Khan have taken Clemson's Trenton Simpson out to dinner, and they also dined with three Ohio State offensive linemen, including Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones.
The Steelers have properly used free agency to improve the roster. But a meaningful draft, in which they own four selections in the top 80 picks, is an opportunity to make this offseason even more productive. And during these pro-day visits, it gives Tomlin an opportunity to sort out which players can be great fits for what the Steelers are trying to accomplish.
"Right now, I'm just trying to familiarize myself with the talent," Tomlin said. "The more familiar we are with the talent, I think our decisions become clearer. We're going to continually do that. It's a good process for us. I'm appreciative of our staff, our scouts that get out in front of us and provide the platform that we all springboard off of this time of year. But, for me, the hay is never in the barn. We're gonna continue to gather information, and information is gold for us because it just provides clarity in terms of decision making."
This entire process is everything that Tomlin lives and breathes for. It doesn't matter if he's coaching practice, coaching a game, scouting prospects at the Senior Bowl or a pro day or making the phone call at the draft that forever changes a player's life — the responsibility to make this team better isn't work to Tomlin. That kind of passion is clear in the approach to making this team better in 2023.
"I love it all. I do," Tomlin said. "I love team building, man. I love team development. I love division of labor. Just all the steps of the process, the things to get excited about and challenges to meet. I think that's one of the things that keeps this profession from being stale over the course of a 12-month calendar. The urgency that's required and each segment of team development and assembly is awesome and fun."
MORE FROM THE MEETING
• Earlier this offseason, Art Rooney II explained the reason why Matt Canada was kept on as offensive coordinator, citing the relationship with Kenny Pickett and continuity for the offense as a whole. I asked Tomlin if he would share his perspective on why Canada was retained, and the answer was loud and clear.
"I agree with Art," Tomlin said. "I have nothing to add."
It had to be asked. It's the first time we've spoken with Tomlin since we found out Canada was staying. But, now we can finally put this matter to bed.
• Tomlin reemphasized another member of the roster in his sit-down meeting with reporters, saying the plan is for Mitch Trubisky to be the No. 2 quarterback this season. Trubisky is under contract for 2023, and Khan said at the Combine that he wants Trubisky in Pittsburgh "for a long time."
• We can't talk about impact signings without mentioning the addition of Patrick Peterson, who is essentially taking the place of Cam Sutton as the top cornerback on the roster. Tomlin had nothing but high praise for Peterson when his name came up. That's not surprising because Tomlin's known Peterson since he was a teenager.
But, Tomlin placed the Peterson addition in the same realm as what Joe Haden brought to the team when they stole him from the Browns. Only, Peterson's got some more skins on the wall.
"The intangible quality, his football character, his love and passion for the game," Tomlin said of Peterson. "I think that is something to be learned from. Pat obviously is a guy that brings up and beyond his resume and play came from playmaking capabilities, which is an asset to football teams. When guys are living examples of what to do, how to go about this professional football business, I just think we all benefit from that, and he is that."
• Of course, Sutton's departure leaves a void in the slot. Levi Wallace, Ahkello Witherspoon and Arthur Maulet could all handle that in one way or the other, but none of them have the type of versatility that Sutton possesses. Regarding how the Steelers plan to address that position, that's ultimately to be determined.
"We'll sort all of that out through team-building," Tomlin said. "We may add someone, some of those guys may be capable. I just don't want to be presumptuous at this point. That's what we have OTAs and training camp for."
• Andy Weidl's fingerprints are more than visible in free agency thus far, highlighted by the additions of Herbig and Seumalo -- two players that were in Philadelphia at the same time as Weidl. Tomlin's perspective of what Weidl brings to the table has never wavered since he was hired.
"I'll go back to last spring, man. It's just been a pleasure," Tomlin said. "He's a football lover. He's a good communicator. He's not a moving target, in terms of the things that he sees, values and how he expresses it. So it's been good."
• The additions to the offensive line serve multiple purposes. Obviously, improving the running game and adding depth are key. But, that strong running game gives Pickett a better opportunity to succeed in his second season. It'll also be Pickett's first full season as the No. 1 guy, so anything Tomlin and the Steelers can do to aid in his development is key. In fact, having a strong running game is another area in which the team isn't bashful.
"A good running game aids the quarterback, particularly a young quarterback," Tomlin said. "I don't think we were bashful about our intentions there. And we won't be moving forward."
• Regarding Tomlin's destinations at various pro days, it might not be the most prudent move to think where he goes reveals exactly what they're thinking in the draft.
"It's a myriad of variables," Tomlin said regarding what determines which pro days he attends. "The number of players, my scheduling, geographics -- there's a myriad of variables that determine where we go. So, don't try to read too much into where I go and where I don't go, to cut to the chase."
Tomlin then paused, chuckled, and said, "I'm sorry, I've just been doing this too long, guys. Get over that."
It's been a while since we've spoken with Tomlin, but he's still in midseason form.
