If the Pittsburgh Steelers want to establish themselves as legitimate playoff contenders in 2023 and beyond, they will need some of their talented young core to take the next step.
The Steelers are coming off an up-and-down 9-8 season, missing the playoffs by the slimmest of margins. Despite early struggles and a 3-7 start, the team rallied for a solid 6-1 record over their last seven games. It would be an understatement to say last year was a tale of two seasons.
Fans will be coming into the 2023 season with playoff expectations. One large reason for this is the expected development of second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett and wide receiver George Pickens.