ALL IN

BY MIKE RIFKIN

The Pittsburgh Steelers put an exclamation point on their offseason by re-signing star Edge rusher TJ Watt to a three year 123 million dollar extension. The 41 million dollar AAV makes Watt the highest paid non-qb in the NFL. GM Omar Khan and Coach Mike Tomlin were busy this offseason, in addition to Watt coming back, the Steelers added Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Receiver DK Metcalf, and Cornerback Jalen Ramsey to their roster. All of these moves mean the Steelers are all in, but the question is should the Steelers be all in? 

The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 AFC Divisional round against the Chiefs. Last season the Steelers lost their last five games (including playoffs) against the Eagles, Ravens (2x), Chiefs, and Bengals. So in important games down the stretch the Steelers choked, and it feels like they’ve choked in big games over the past few seasons. Yes, Aaron Rodgers is an upgrade over Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph, but there while his overall numbers were solid, Rodgers had some games where he terrible and is 41 years old. 

But should these moves make the Steelers favorites in the AFC? The answer is simple, No, I don’t think the Steelers are even the best team forget in their own division, they’re not the best team in their own state. But, I will not take them over the Chiefs, Bills, or Ravens, if the Bengals figure out their defense they might be better.Outside of the division the Steelers will have games against four playoff teams (Bills, Vikings, Lions, and Packers). The Steelers are all in this season, but what happens if they fail? Will there be repercussions, or will the Steelers continue to be the same?