3 reasons Steelers fans should be excited despite missing the playoffs

Despite missing out on the postseason thanks to a Dolphins win over the Jets, the Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty to look forward to in the years to come.

Mike Tomlin secured his 16th straight winning season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite an auspicious 2-6 start to the year. Tomlin has some tough decisions to make this offseason, namely when it comes to the NFL Draft and what to do at offensive coordinator.

However, before Tomlin even gets to those questions, it’s time for exit interviews.

Pittsburgh has plenty to be excited about, as a season which started with so many questions now appears to have some answers. At 9-8, the Steelers defense dramatically improved against the run while finishing the season with the league-lead in interceptions. On offense, Kenny Pickett made strides with a core of skill position talent he can grow with.

Steelers reasons for optimism: The Chase Claypool trade

Pittsburgh traded Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears for a second-round pick at the trade deadline. They turned down the exact same offer from the Green Bay Packers, instead banking that the Bears would finish with a worse record.

It turns out, Omar Khan was right.

The Bears lost again on Sunday, and the Houston Texans won. This gave the Bears the No. 1 overall pick, and now Pittsburgh has the No. 32 selection in the NFL Draft. While that’s technically the first pick in the second round, the Miami Dolphins will forfeit their first-round selection due to tampering violations.

The Steelers will essentially have two first-round selections, which is quite valuable for a team that has plenty of holes to fill if they are to surround their new franchise quarterback with talent.