The 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers are going to look a lot different than they did in 2023, mainly due to a new quarterback taking over the reins. Kenny Pickett, their first-round pick in 2022 wasn’t happy about the Steelers adding Russell Wilson to the fold, which in turn made it easier for the Steelers to dump him off to the Eagles. Getting rid of Pickett also made it easier to add Justin Fields to the fold, giving them a dynamic backup to work with.
The team also added offensive coordinator Arthur Smith after letting Matt Canada go during the 2023 season. Those are three big names that should shape the Steelers 2024 season. But, as we know, all three were available due to them failing at their previous spots. All three also have resumes with some nice highs, especially Wilson, who has a Super Bowl win under his belt. But both Fields and Smith have shown they can perform in this league at a high level.
The Steelers also traded away their No. 1 receiver Diontae Johnson to the Panthers for a middling cornerback this offseason, leaving them with George Pickens and a host of has beens. They did grab Michigan WR Roman Wilson in the third round of the draft, but at this point, their receiving group is weak.
Here’s a look at the projected offensive depth chart for the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers.
Steelers depth chart 2024
Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Kicker
Does Justin Fields have a shot at starting?
Fields does have a shot at starting this year, but Week 1 does appear to be Wilson’s at this point. The Steelers weren’t interested in Fields until they got Wilson and traded away Pickett. Some of that might have been his contract, but they could have figured a way around it.
Fields does fit Smith’s offense better than Wilson at this point, but Wilson is likely to be the safer play for the conservative organization. Wilson will need to lose the job more than Fields will be able to win the job in training camp, but it will still be interesting to see reports on how they look.
How will Arthur Smith’s offense play out in Pittsburgh?
Smith loves to run the ball with and throw the ball to his running backs. Then he’ll use play action to test defenses deep. He also likes to get his quarterback running the ball when given the chance. Last season with the Falcons, his running backs led the league in rushing attempts and rushing attempts plus targets. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson should be in for a lot of work, while George Pickens will get his shots, just not in high volume.