Despite the Steelers’ significant investment in the defensive line, they may not be much better this year, Ray Fittipaldo believes. While they made no big moves in free agency, they did draft two defensive linemen, including one in Round 1. Derrick Harmon should be an immediate starter, replacing Larry Ogunjobi, whom they released in March after three seasons.
Cameron Heyward, who turns 36 tomorrow, remains the nucleus of the Steelers’ defensive line. While he played at an All-Pro level last season, everybody is waiting for the shoe to drop. He had a down season in 2023, but he also played the entire year—when “healthy”—compromised due to injury.