The best way to describe the Pittsburgh Steelers' offseason would be "active." General Manager Omar Khan did everything that he could do to revamp this team into being a contender again. Many fans believe that he may not be done though. The two names that have stood out are Chase Young and Dalvin Cook. Cook was recently cut by the Minnesota Vikings to save money and Young is expected to be traded from the Washington Commanders soon.
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Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) celebrates after a third down stop against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The biggest thing that needs to happen however, is the extension of Alex Highsmith. He was one of the most impressive players on the Steelers defense in 2022 and an extension almost has to happen for him.
A Major Addition To The Steelers
If the Steelers managed to bring in Young or Cook, that would be the icing on the cake to what has been a fantastic offseason. Cook has been a dominant running back for the Vikings in recent years. Pairing him with Najee Harris would make one of the deadliest duos not only now, but all-time. Not to mention how they have been able to completely change their offensive line this offseason as well. Young would also be a major addition to the Steelers. When healthy, he is one of the best defensive ends in all of football. At 24 years old, he would be the perfect replacement to fill the hole that Cameron Heyward will leave when he retires.
The only thing about bringing in one of these two will be the question, will they? Most likely we won't see either one of these guys come to Pittsburgh. Bob Labriola of Steelers.com believes we won't see either one of them on the Steelers as well. On his recent Asked and Answered segment, he was asked if we could see another "splash play" from the Steelers. He responded that it would most likely not be Young or Cook. He notes that the most realistic signing will be the extension of Highsmith.
"If there is to be a 'splash play' signing, I would imagine it would be an extension for Alex Highsmith. And since you brought up the subject of 'splash play' signings, don't believe the rumors circulating about Chase Young and Dalvin Cook. Just trying to inject a bit of reality."
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Jan 8, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
So, if the Steelers are going to extend Highsmith, when should you expect it? Expectations are that it will most likely happen before the team's deadline for negotiating contracts halts at the beginning of the season. Labriola was asked if he thought that the contract could be done even earlier than that, even by training camp.
"I don't know whether your 'by training camp' deadline will be met, but I believe a contract extension for Alex Highsmith is very likely to happen before the team's deadline of halting negotiations before the start of the regular season."
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Alex Highsmith (56) of the Pittsburgh Steelers forces a fumble by Tom Brady (12) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium on Oct. 16 in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers may not be done bringing in players. Recently they brought in linebackers Jermaine Carter Jr. and Nick Kwiatkoski to work out with the team during minicamp. One of them may compete for a backup position on the final roster. There are also still a ton of great available free agents left. Names like Ezekiel Elliott, Matthew Ioannidis, Kwon Alexander, Rock Ya-Sin, and many more.
AP / Michael Ainsworth
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) carries the ball for a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021.
So, what do you think, Steeler Nation? Will the Steelers make any more "splash moves?" Let me know in the comments below!
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