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A change in philosophy in 2022 for the Pittsburgh Steelers?

By Russell S. Baxter

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 10: General manager Kevin Colbert of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field on October 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 10: General manager Kevin Colbert of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field on October 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Just over a month after their playoff loss to the Chiefs, the Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for 2022. And this offseason has a different feel to it.

No team has won more regular-season games (495), more division titles (24), and made more playoff appearances since the 1970 merger than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their six Super Bowl titles are tied for the most in the 56-year history. And all of this was done under the guidance of Pro Football Hall of Fame head coaches Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher and current sideline leader Mike Tomlin.

But the harsh reality is that there’s been no appearance on Super Sunday since 2010. There has been no Lombardi Trophy since 2008. The franchise has lost their last four playoff games dating back to the 2016 AFC title game – and allowed a combined 171 points in those setbacks.

Now veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has retired after 18 seasons. General manager Kevin Colbert won’t have the same role following the 2022 NFL Draft. And despite a playoff appearance this past season, the Steelers were humbled far too many times. Tomlin’s team was a combined 0-4 vs. the two teams who reached the AFC title game in 2021. And those losses to the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs were by a combined 143-51 score.

Despite the fact that the team has not suffered through a losing season since 2003, is it time for a new business model for the Black and Gold?

Is it time for change in the Steel City?

“We always have to be open to new ways to do things and more current ways to do things, quite honestly,” explained Colbert recently to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I encourage our younger scouts to push me in that regard. But the better solution might be outside the organization. From a professional side, we have to be open to trying to stay ahead of the game.”

The team did promote Teryl Austin to replace retired defensive coordinator Keith Butler. But the Steelers surprised some when they added former Miami Dolphins’ head coach Brian Flores to the staff. It’s quite a pickup for a club that has some work to do on that side of the ball, particularly when it comes to stopping the run.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Follow the money?

But what will be really interesting to see is just how busy the franchise is during free agency. For years, the organization has relied on the draft and been successful more times than not. Could the Steelers turn into the 2019 Green Bay Packers and break the bank on three or four veteran free agents?

“I think we can comfortably say we will have more salary cap room this year than we have had,” added Colbert. “I can’t even remember when we had any excess room. We’re anticipating having more room going into this process.”

While there will be no “Big Ben” going forward, what the team does have is some money to spend (see Spotrac). Will the Pittsburgh Steelers fill their various needs, including quarterback, during free agency this year? Will they trade for a veteran signal-caller? In any case, is a new way of doing business for this franchise on the horizon?

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