The Steelers aren’t likely to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the 2024 NFL season. Pittsburgh hasn’t played in an AFC Championship Game since 2017, and after an offseason featuring major changes, Mike Tomlin’s side is a 50-1 longshot at FanDuel Sportsbook to win Super Bowl LIX.
That doesn’t mean Steel City will be completely bereft of prestigious hardware at the conclusion of the upcoming campaign, though.
A few Steelers are legitimate contenders for the most significant individual awards the NFL has to offer. So, without further ado, let’s look at who in Pittsburgh could be adding to their respective trophy case come winter. (All prices are provided by FanDuel).
T.J. Watt, Defensive Player Of The Year (+750)
Watt probably will be a legitimate DPOY candidate for the rest of his career. The fearsome pass-rusher is only two seasons removed from winning the award for the first time, and he arguably should have taken it home again in 2023. Compounding the frustration of the snub was the honor going to a division rival, as Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett was the recipient despite recording far fewer solo tackles and sacks than Watt. The four-time First-Team All-Pro should be as motivated as ever to win it back in 2024.
Mike Tomlin, AP Coach Of The Year (+2500)
Know what’s crazy? The Steelers have never finished below .500 in any of Tomlin’s 17 seasons at the helm, only missed the playoff six times and won seven AFC North titles over that span. And yet, the consistent-as-ever coach has never claimed the greatest individual honor in his profession. To be fair, this is a storyline award. Voters love giving it to the main character of an inspiring tale, often a new coach who helps turn the tide for a franchise. But between the major offseason changes and the legacy factor working in his favor, Tomlin might have a real shot at winning this thing — especially if Pittsburgh comes out on top in one of the more competitive divisions in football.
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Payton Wilson, Defensive Rookie Of The Year (+3500)
The Steelers made some exciting picks in the early rounds of the 2024 draft to help their offense. Troy Fautanu could be a stalwart on the offensive line for years to come and the sure-handed Roman Wilson could turn into a Hines Ward-like receiver. Pittsburgh didn’t address the defense until late in the third round, but Payton Wilson could prove to be a steal. The North Carolina State product boasts a great size (6-foot-4, 233 pounds) and speed (4.43 40-yard dash) combination that could make him a lethal pass-rusher. With Watt commanding the attention of the opposition, the rookie linebacker might be primed for a big impact out of the gate in Pittsburgh.
Russell Wilson, MVP (+15000)
Long shot might be an understatement here. Wilson has never received an MVP vote in his career, even when he was lighting it up in Seattle. The veteran signal-caller might not even be the Steelers’ starter for long, as fellow newcomer Justin Fields is breathing down his neck. But there shouldn’t be any shortage of motivation for Wilson, who turned into a laughing stock via his disastrous Denver tenure. Wilson has the supporting cast to be successful in Pittsburgh, and if he can regain his Seahawks form, he could enter the MVP conversation.
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