5 things to watch at Steelers OTAs: Who’s there, what are they saying, where are they playing?
Cameron Heyward won’t be there, but the team’s two newly acquired quarterbacks will.
Approximately 80-90 times from now through mid-winter, the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers will gather for what an observer reasonably could refer to as a “practice.”
The first of those seven dozen or so such occasions comes today.
Here are some storylines to follow on the first day of Phase 3 of organized team activities at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex:
1. Roll call
It often is emphasized that, per the terms of the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement with its players union, OTAs are voluntary.
Of course, younger players or those anywhere close to the roster bubble would skip an OTA at their own peril. Typically, though, a small handful of veterans might be absent for all or some of the OTAs. This year, defensive captain Cameron Heyward already has made it public he does not intend on taking part.
The 35-year-old former All-Pro has acknowledged his lack of participation relates to his expiring contract. Will any other players avoid the South Side for similar reasons?
The most likely could be running back Najee Harris, whose fifth-year contract option for the 2025 season was declined by the Steelers earlier this month. Harris has been mum since. Is he upset with that decision? Will it affect his choice regarding OTAs?
Among the other players entering the final year of their respective contracts, none is seen as an ideal case for demanding an extension. The team could have interest in extending the contracts of starting right guard James Daniels and/or tight end Pat Freiermuth, but a case can be made for both that it would be better off waiting. Neither, on face value, would seem to be making a wise leverage play by sitting out.
For vastly different reasons, it will be worth noting if linebacker Cole Holcomb and cornerback Cory Trice are participating. Each is coming off a major season-ending knee injury.
2. The fuss for Russ
It’s not every day a perennial All-Pro, Super Bowl-winning quarterback makes an on-field debut for a new team. Wilson will be photographed for the first time wearing a No. 3 Steelers jersey — albeit a glorified pinnie for practice — and for the first time will be throwing to Steelers receivers in a full-squad setting against defenses.
How much respect will he command from teammates? How much chemistry will be displayed or developed with the likes of pass catchers George Pickens, Freiermuth and others?
3. Just in from Justin
Wilson will one day earn Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration. That status, though, peculiarly hasn’t even made him Steelers Nation’s choice as the team’s most anticipated new quarterback. Fans seem more intrigued by the other offseason acquisition, Justin Fields.
A former Ohio State star, No. 11 overall draft pick and among the best running quarterbacks of his generation, Fields in March was traded from the Chicago Bears to the Steelers for a late-round draft choice.
Fields has not spoken to media in the nine weeks since. What he has to say publicly will be of great interest. Is he content starting the spring as a backup? Is he interested in staying with the Steelers over the long term? How is his relationship with Wilson? Would he be willing and eager to serve in a subpackage role?
4. In-depth on the depth chart
Tuesday’s 11-on-11 drills will provide the first glimpse at the unofficial depth chart. It will be enlightening to see who lines up with the first-team offense or defense at center, outside wide receiver, slot receiver and nickel defensive back.
Offensive tackle, too, will provide intrigue — though probably more for the second team. First-round pick Troy Fautanu lined up at right tackle at rookie minicamp; will he stay there now that he’s practicing with the veterans? Is there any chance Broderick Jones takes some reps on the left side? Or that Dan Moore is spotted at all on the right?
5. Hey, rookie
Fautanu isn’t the only rookie possibly factoring into the top of the depth chart. The other available starting spots could be filled by rookies.
It’s widely believed even if Nate Herbig sits in the “pole position” as the starting center that he’s merely a placeholder until second-round pick Zach Frazier steps in. Is it possible that happens on the first day of OTAs?
Third-rounder Roman Wilson is a prime candidate to play a prominent role in the receiving corps. While odds are that veteran Van Jefferson will be holding down one of the available starting WR spots, can Wilson begin to stand out among other options such as Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller, Quez Watkins for the other?
Though only an undrafted rookie, Beanie Bishop will be given a long look as the slot/nickel on defense.
