Steelers 2022 NFL offseason tracker: Kenny Pickett headlines Pittsburgh’s rookie class

Like many teams in the AFC, the Pittsburgh Steelers have had a busy offseason that includes the additions of several players who hope to make an impact in 2022. Pittsburgh made headlines during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, as they selected former Pitt quarterback with the 20th overall pick. On Day 2 of the draft, the Steelers selected Georgia wideout George Pickens and Texas A&M defensive linemen DeMarvin Leal. Pittsburgh’s Day 3 draft picks included the selection of former Michigan State fullback/tight end Connor Heyward, the younger brother of Steelers All-Pro Cam Heyward. 

Pittsburgh’s 2022 offseason has also included the roster additions of quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, cornerback Levi Wallace, linebacker Myles Jack, offensive linemen Mason Cole and James Daniels, and former All-Pro special teams ace Gunner Olszewski. Pittsburgh made headlines this week by claiming former Ravens receiver Miles Boykin off waivers a day after he was released by Baltimore. The Steelers have also reportedly come to terms with strong safety Terrell Edmunds. Edmunds, the team’s first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, had been on the open market since the start of free agency. 

Through free agency, Pittsburgh has added to a roster that already includes Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt, fellow 2021 All-Pro Cameron Heyward, two-time All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pro Bowl receiver Diontae Johnson, former Pro Bowl kicker Chris Boswell, running back Najee Harris, and tight end Pat Freiermuth, among others. These players each played an integral role in the Steelers making the playoffs in 2021 while also extending Tomlin’s record of 15 consecutive non-losing seasons to begin his coaching career. 

This if your one-stop guide to everything Steelers offseason related. Throughout the next several months, we’ll provide up-to-date news, updates and analysis of any notable news regarding the black and gold. Below, we’ve identified the positions the Steelers most have to address this offseason. Also included below are key offseason dates as well as Pittsburgh’s in-house free agents. 

Dwayne Haskins (1997-2022)

The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ offseason took a tragic turn on Saturday, April 9, with the news that quarterback Dwayne Haskins died after being struck by a vehicle on a Florida interstate. Haskins, who recently signed his tender to return to Pittsburgh for the upcoming season, was on his way back to Pittsburgh after working out with several teammates prior to his tragic accident. He was just 24 years old. 

Haskins’ impact on the Steelers — and the football world in general — was immediately felt in the wave of responses following his sudden death. Seemingly every post/statement regarding Haskins touched on his infectious smile and positive attitude. Haskins was also hailed as a great teammate who put others before himself. 

“I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. “He quickly became part of our Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our hardest workers, both on the field and in our community. Dwayne was a great teammate, but even more so a tremendous friend to so many. I am truly heartbroken.” 

“The world lost a great person today,” Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt wrote on Twitter. “When Dwayne first walked into the locker room I could tell he was an upbeat guy. He was always making people smile, never taking life for granted. His impact on me will last forever.” 

Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger lauded, among other things, Haskins’ immense talent when it came to throwing a football. While he was so much more than a football player, Haskins was a supremely gifted quarterback who in 2018 realized his childhood dream of being the starting quarterback at Ohio State. Haskins broke a bevy of school and Big Ten passing records that season while helping the Buckeyes win the Rose Bowl. 

“I’ll say it again just like I told you to your face, I still wish I could throw the ball like you!!” Roethlisberger posted on his Twitter account. “Love ya pal. 7.” 

With Haskins undoubtedly in their hearts, the Steelers’ brass will forge ahead in preparation for the season. 

Draft picks 

• 20th overall (1st round): Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt 
• 52nd overall (2nd round): George Pickens, WR, Georgia 
• 84th overall (3rd round): DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
• 138th overall (4th round): Calvin Austin III, WR Memphis 
• 208th overall (6th round): Connor Heyward, FB/TE, Michigan State 
• 225th overall (7th round): Mark Robinson, LB, Ole Miss 
• 241st overall (7th round): Chris Oladokun, QB, North Dakota State 

Pittsburgh received a fourth-round compensatory pick for the 2022 NFL Draft. They lost their fifth-round pick as part of their trade with the Jets to acquire Avery Williamson in 2020, but gained their first seventh-round pick as a result of that trade. 

Key upcoming dates 

• June 14-16: Mandatory minicamp 
• May 12: Regular season schedule release 

Free agent signings 

• QB Mitchell Trubisky 
• OL Mason Cole 
• OL James Daniels 
• CB Levi Wallace 
• LB Myles Jack 
• SPE Gunner Olszewski 
• LB Genard Avery 
• Miles Boykin 

Unrestricted in-house free agents 

• S Terrell Edmunds — Re-signed to a one-year deal. 
• RG Trai Turner 
• RT Chukwuma Okorafor — Re-signed to a thee-year contract 
• CB Joe Haden 
• WR Ray-Ray McCloud — Signed two-year deal with the 49ers 
• WR James Washington — Signed one-year deal with Cowboys 
• CB Arthur Maulet — Re-signed to a two-year contract 
• CB Ahkello Witherspoon — Re-signed to a two-year contract 
• IDL Montravius Adams — Re-signed to a two-year, $5 million contract 
• TE Eric Ebron
• WR JuJu Smith-Schuster — Signed one-year deal with Chiefs 
• EDGE Taco Charlton — Signed with the New Orleans Saints 
• C B.J. Finney 
• RB Kalen Ballage 
• S Miles Killebrew — Re-signed to a two-year, $4M contract 
• QB Josh Dobbs — Signed with the Cleveland Browns 
• S Karl Joseph — Re-signed to a one-year deal 
• J.C. Hassenauer — Signed his one-year exclusive rights tender 

Reports, rumors and updates 

• April 30: The Steelers capped off the draft by selecting WR Calvin Austin, FB/TE Connor Heyward, LB Mark Robinson and QB Chris Oladokun. 
• April 29: Pittsburgh selects WR George Pickens with 52nd overall pick; DeMarvin Leal with the 84th pick. 
• April 28: Steelers select QB Kenny Pickett with 20th overall pick 
• April 22: Steelers re-sign strong safety Terrell Edmunds to a one-year deal. 
• April 19: Pittsburgh claimed former Ravens receiver Miles Boykin off of waivers. 
• April 19: David Corley is added to the team’s coaching staff as an assistant quarterbacks coach. 
• April 13: Offensive lineman J.C. Hassenauer signed one one-year exclusive rights tender. 
• April 9: Steelers QB Dwayne Haskins dies after being hit by a vehicle in Florida; Steelers pay homage to former teammate 
• March 29: Former Eagles starting linebacker Genard Avery signs with the Steelers 
• March 18: Pittsburgh signed former Patriots All-Pro special teams ace Gunner Olszewski 
• March 17: Steelers re-sign CB Ahkello Witherspoon to a two-year deal.
• March 17: Pittsburgh released linebacker Joe Schobert, opening up $9.7 million in cap space.
• March 16: The Steelers reportedly agreed to terms with former Jaguars LB Myles Jack on a two-year, $16 million deal. 
• March 15: Pittsburgh has reportedly signed former Bills’ CB Levi Wallace to a two-year, $8 million deal. 
• March 15: The Steelers signed former Bears guard/center James Daniels to a three year deal worth $26.5 million. 
• March 14: Pittsburgh re-signed veteran offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor to a three-year deal. They also reportedly signed former Cardinals/Vikings lineman Mason Cole to a three-year contract. 
• March 14: Mitchell Trubisky is reportedly coming to Pittsburgh on a two-year deal. 
• March 12: Pittsburgh re-signed veteran cornerback Arthur Maulet to a two-year deal. 
• March 11: The Steelers re-signed veteran safety Miles Killebrew to a two-year deal.  
• February 21: GM Kevin Colbert says that Mason Rudolph would be the Steelers’ starter if 2022 season started today. 
• February 19: The Steelers hire former Dolphins coach Brian Flores to serve as defensive assistant/linebacker coach. 
• January 28: Kevin Colbert to step down as Steelers GM at the conclusion of the 2022 NFL Draft. 
• January 27: Ben Roethlisberger announces his retirement after 18 seasons, two championships. 
• January 22: Longtime Steelers DC Keith Butler announces his retirement.