How can the Pittsburgh Steelers solidify their roster for 2019?

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ run of success was derailed during the final week of the 2018 NFL schedule, despite the side picking up a much-needed win after the Baltimore Ravens knocked off Cleveland.

The win by the Ravens handed the AFC North crown to them while the Steelers failed to make the NFL Playoffs for the first time since 2013. Now, as the team enters the 2019 NFL off-season, the Steelers have a ton of question marks hanging over them, including whether or not they’ll find a trade partner for Antonio Brown as well as which free agents the team can add to solidify their roster.

For Pittsburgh, this off-season is as important as ever, and one that could position them for a playoff run or could send them to the bottom of the AFC North as well as the AFC Conference. Here are a few of the key moves the Steelers need to achieve during the 2019 NFL draft and free agency:

Trade Antonio Brown

No team, including a storied franchise like the Steelers, can afford to have a roster spot taken up by someone who doesn’t want to be there. This is the case with Brown, who has made his case since the season’s final contest, which resulted in the Pro-Bowl wide receiver to miss the contest. Now, the Steelers will need to find a team that has the cap space to take on Brown before the 2019 NFL Draft.

Possible Best Outcome: 2019 2nd Round Draft Pick
Worse Case Outcome: 2019 3rd Round Draft Pick

Add Depth at Running Back

James Conner took the NFL world by storm after veteran running back Le’Veon Bell elected to sit out the entire 2018 NFL season. Conner finished the season rushing for 973 yards with 12 rushing touchdowns, while adding 497 yards receiving on 55 catches. Despite the success, Conner’s production dropped down the stretch due to the number of touches and various injury issues, while failing to top 100 total yards in his final four contests including missing two of the Steelers contests in December. The team could look to add a versatile veteran to take over some of the load or find another stud running back through the draft.

Possible Running Back Additions: Latavius Murry (FA), Mark Ingram (FA), Bennie Snell (Draft)

Find a Ball Hawk for the Secondary

Since Troy Polamalu retired, the Steelers have had their hands full finding a playmaker for their secondary at either the safety or cornerback positions. Despite a solid defensive season that saw the team record 52 sacks the team managed to record just eight interceptions while finishing with the fifth fewest in the NFL. The team could elect to add a veteran to the mix such as Darqueze Dennard or E.J. Gaines, but the team needs to also address the need through the NFL Draft:

Possible Secondary Additions: Darqueze Dennard (FA), E.J. Gaines (FA), Deionte Thompson (Draft)

Solidify the Receiver Options

With the Steelers electing to move on from the disgruntled wide receiver Brown, the team will need to add multiple options to help solidify the passing game as teams will begin to focus on shutting down JuJu Smith-Schuster. Along with Brown, tight end Jesse James is set to be a free agent as well. The two combined to pull in 134 catches for 1,720 yards and 17 touchdowns. While most of the production came from Brown (104 receptions, 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns), both still played roles.

Possible Wide Receiver Additions: Randall Cobb (FA), Golden Tate (FA), N’Keal Harry (Draft)
Possible Tight End Additions: Tyler Eifert (FA), Jared Cook (FA), Irv Smith (Draft), Noah Fant (Draft) 33507.3