PITTSBURGH -- Still a veteran-laden team, the 2021 Pittsburgh Steelers figure to have many inexperienced first- and second-year players in starting roles. With retirements, releases and free agency departures, the offensive line has the most turnover, while the secondary is another area that has a lot of positions up for grabs.
The Steelers finished the regular season 12-4 and won the AFC North to return to the playoffs after a two-year drought. Pittsburgh returns fewer than 20 starters from that team as well as head coach Mike Tomlin and coordinators Keith Butler (defense) and Danny Smith (special teams).
With training camp opening Wednesday at Heinz Field, here's a 53-player roster projection:
QUARTERBACKS (3): Ben Roethlisberger, Mason Rudolph, Dwayne Haskins
The Steelers opted to forgo drafting a quarterback this year, instead signing Haskins after he was released by the Washington Football Team. The former first-rounder has impressed his teammates with his offseason workout, and in the past, he's continued to work hard during training camp. The toughest thing to evaluate with Haskins is his long-term consistency, something that will only be revealed as the season goes on. Because his ceiling is so high, the Steelers will keep Haskins to round out the room instead of holding on to Josh Dobbs.