Steelers' Offensive Production Predicted To More Than Double Under Russell Wilson And Arthur Smith In 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers have engineered an exciting offseason after a frustrating 2023, nearly revamping their entire offense. It started at the top with the hiring of new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and four new quarterbacks, including Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson and the ultra-mobile Justin Fields. The organization knew a new quarterback wouldn't be enough, so they also found some real steals in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting tackle Troy Fautanu and much-needed center, Zach Frazier. 

When you add those new players to the existing group, including Isaac Seumalo and Broderick Jones, former NFL offensive lineman turned analyst Brian Baldinger thinks they have a real chance at success. Baldinger recently joined Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson on the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show to discuss the draft. 

Baldinger said that he knows Wilson struggled the past few seasons, particularly with the Denver Broncos, but he sees this as the fresh start everyone needs. To begin with, Wilson has never played with an offensive line as strong as Baldinger projects this one to be. The faster this new offensive group can come together and "gel," the better for Wilson and Smith. 

"He's always been a guy who wanted to move because of his size and height. He's always had to find the openings and make those throws. I think Wilson will get together with [George] Pickens and Roman [Wilson], and he'll start building that timing with them," said Baldinger.

Baldinger said the criticism directed at newly drafted wide receiver Roman Wilson is unfair. He said we saw the same thing happen with DK Metcalf. When he was drafted, people thought he was just a "go route guy." Instead, they found out he could run all the routes well. That led to Metcalf and Russell developing excellent chemistry that translated to success on the field. Baldinger feels that George Pickens and Roman are the type of receivers Russell could quickly find a rhythm with.

He added that he likes what he's seen so far from Russell. He's lost some weight this offseason and looks healthy. Russell has also already been involved in the city of Pittsburgh and in getting to know his teammates. He's already had a workout session with some of his receivers, including tight end Pat Freiermuth. All of this is going to translate to on-field success, said Baldinger.  

"I expect him to play at a high level this year. He threw 26 touchdowns last year with a very limited offense around him. I would expect somewhere around the 30-touchdown mark would be the base for Russell Wilson this year. Last year, they threw 13 touchdown passes between the three quarterbacks. I expect that to more than double this year."

Baldinger isn't wrong. Last season, the Steelers played three quarterbacks: Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph. All three combined only threw for 13 touchdowns. They did manage to rush for another 16 touchdowns as a team, however. This inability to score is a big part of why the Steelers lost games they should have won. 

It is easy to blame former Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada for all of the team's struggles last season, and he does deserve blame. Still, various contributing factors, including quarterback play and offensive line weaknesses, were also involved. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin have realized all those problem areas and actively worked to rebuild them this offseason. 

Steelers Drafted Along One Common Thread In 2024 

Baldinger told Crowley and Dickerson that in his mind, Khan and Tomlin decided what they wanted most from this draft was toughness, and then they went out and got it. They made a statement from first round pick Fautanu, to the undrafted rookie free agents they've signed like Beanie Bishop Jr. These selections say there is no room for immaturity or players to come off the field.