Every team in the NFL, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, will have their own approaches to the 2023 offseason. What happens internally for the 32 franchises will ultimately be a huge factor in next season's success, but there are also external factors that organizations have no control of. What will teams in their divisions and conferences do? The most important piece is within the division. The weaker the teams that make up 35% of your schedule, the better the chances of making it into the playoffs. Pittsburgh could use a poor period of free agency from the AFC North.
Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin roams on the field prior to a 2022 regular season matchup versus the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/Steeler Nation (Twitter: @JSKOPhoto)
While the black and gold faithful are worrying about Cameron Sutton and Larry Ogunjobi being re-signed and staying in town, it also might be just as meaningful if certain players from rivals move on to find a new home in 2023. It all starts with a dynamic playmaker. The Steelers have had his number, but it's fair to want him out because of how talented he is.
1.) Lamar Jackson, QB - Baltimore Ravens
Jackson only has a 2-3 record versus Pittsburgh in his career, but the current contractual feud that is going on between him and the organization that drafted him definitely isn't hurting foes in the AFC North. The former MVP dealt with a knee injury the latter half of 2022, but will return fully healthy in 2022.
Will he ever play a snap for Baltimore again? That remains to be seen, but the franchise would be in a lot worse shape if he ends up being traded after the franchise tag is assigned to him. Jackson is always one of, if not, the best player one the field when he plays on Sundays and him leaving the division due to a bad breakup would be the best possible outcome, regardless of Pittsburgh's success against him.
Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback, Lamar Jackson answers questions after practice on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Owings Mills, Maryland. | Kevin Richardson / The Baltimore Sun / AP
2.) Jessie Bates III, S - Cincinnati Bengals
Bates was drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He hasn't been a thorn in the side of the Steelers in terms of interceptions, but his consistent play and health has seen him on the field for 10 different matchups versus Pittsburgh. Familiarity is a key advantage when it comes to division play and the highly-touted safety ending up elsewhere would benefit the black and gold.
Bates started off his career against Pittsburgh and his first NFL game, he had 10 tackles in October of his rookie season. He has no sacks or interceptions against Mike Tomlin's group, but a fumble recovery as well as 48 total tackles.
Nothing is more meaningful, however, than the Bengals losing a key secondary piece to their defense in 2023. Bates hasn't been the hardest opponent to face, but now that he is a free agent, all should be hoping for him to find a new home.
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Steelers Would Certainly Benefit From An Elusive RB2 Departing The Northeast
3.) Kareem Hunt, RB - Cleveland Browns
Hunt isn't expected to return to Cleveland and that's a good thing for all teams in the AFC North, not just the Steelers. The powerful and creative combination between him and Nick Chubb in Cleveland has been relevant since 2019. Hunt has 491 total yards and two touchdowns against Pittsburgh since then.
The game plan surrounding Browns' week immediately gets easier without him in the picture. He is definitely the most likely to leave out of the three and it will be better for the Steelers if he never plays a snap in the AFC North again.
Which divisional free agents do you want to see sign elsewhere in March? Let us know in the comments below!
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