3 steps Steelers can take to get back to playoffs next year

Nov 20, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches as his team plays the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. The Bengals won 37-30. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers don’t need to make massive changes to get back to the playoffs in 2023. Here are three simple steps Pittsburgh should make in the offseason. 

Mike Tomlin isn’t a head coach used to missing out on the postseason. This will almost certainly be a season in which he presides over a Steelers team that won’t be involved in the playoffs. The good news for fans in Pittsburgh is that the roster doesn’t need a massive overhaul if they’re going to get back into the playoff mix next year.

A couple of key personnel moves by GM Omar Khan could get the Steelers right back where they need to be. One key piece of business for the front office is to hang on to a talented, home-grown cornerback.

Step 3: Steelers must re-sign Cameron Sutton

The 2017 third-round pick is headed for unrestricted free agency and should garner a lot of interest on the open market. He’s not a superstar, but he is a quality starter at a premium position.

That’s precisely why the Steelers can’t afford to let him walk. Giving him a solid deal heading into his age-28 season should provide the organization with solid value. Retaining Sutton will also prevent the Steelers from needing to spend a premium draft pick on a new starting cornerback.

There’s no reason for the Steelers to pay Sutton like a star, but giving him a deal that compensates him as an above-average starter should be palatable for everyone involved. Keeping him in the fold and retaining continuity in the secondary should be a significant priority for the Steelers heading into the offseason. Keeping Sutton won’t be cheap, but it’s something Pittsburgh needs to get done before addressing other priorities.