Where Do Steelers Rank in Offensive Spending?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have the second-least expensive offense in the NFL at $80.6 million, according to Warren Sharp of Sharp Football. Sharp doesn’t detail if his numbers are related to cash or cap. The Cleveland Browns are spending the most on offense, a whopping $191.0 million.
Over the last couple of years, the Steelers have had one of the least expensive offenses in the NFL. Not having to pay a franchise quarterback plays a big part in that.
That’s why the Browns are leading the league in offensive spending. The $230 million fully guaranteed investment in Deshaun Watson hasn’t panned out thus far, too.
most expensive offenses in 2024
1. $191.0M – Browns
2. $190.7M – Rams
3. $170.7M – Chiefs
4. $158.7M – Cowboys
5. $151.5M – Falcons
6. $149.8M – Giants
7. $149.3M – Colts
8. $147.5M – 49ers
9. $146.2M – Panthers
10. $140.8M – Bengals
11. $140.5M – Jaguars
12. $138.7M – Cardinals…— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) July 18, 2024
Thanks to the Denver Broncos being on the hook for nearly $38 million, Russell Wilson signed a $1.21 million minimum contract with the Steelers in March. They also got a bargain in the trade for Justin Fields. Fields is still on his rookie deal, and his fifth-year option was declined by the Steelers.
In general, the Steelers are pretty young on the offensive side of the ball, especially on the offensive line. Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth are heading into the final years of their rookie deals. Undrafted free agent running back Jaylen Warren is only in his third year.
The Steelers rank 31st when it comes to spending at the wide receiver position, as well. Outside of George Pickens, who’s still on his rookie deal, the Steelers have young receivers or cheap veteran wideouts. Despite having a need at the position, general manager Omar Khan didn’t invest money into a top-flight receiver in free agency.
The Steelers selected Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson in the third round, but the receiver corps is still a bottom-tier unit, at least on paper.
Khan left the door open to adding a wide receiver after the end of the 2024 NFL Draft. He said that the team is in place that it can make a move to add to the position if it finds the right one, thanks to their recent restructuring of Alex Highsmith’s contract.
“Yeah, we’ll see,” Khan said. “I’ve said it before. If there’s ever an opportunity to improve the team, we’re going to look at it, and if makes sense, we’re gonna go after it. We restructured Alex’s deal. It puts us in a position to be flexible with some things if there’s an opportunity to do something.”
Obviously, nothing has come to fruition yet. Perhaps a trade for Brandon Aiyuk could happen, but that’s a big question mark.
Aiyuk wants at least $30 million per year, so I’m not sure Khan would pull the trigger on a trade. The Steelers would have to give up significant draft capital to acquire Aiyuk, as well. It just doesn’t seem like a Steelers-type of move, but Khan has showcased that he’s not afraid to make bold decisions.
If a trade came to fruition, it would suggest that the Steelers are going all-in and in a win-now mode. The 49ers have to be willing to move Aiyuk, though. And signs of that happening don’t seem optimistic from San Francisco’s side.
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