Steelers Latest Signing Of LB Nick Kwiatkoski Completes Revamp Of Special Teams

A bit under-the-radar, the Pittsburgh Steelers have revamped their special teams unit this offseason. It was much-needed, as the team struggled in nearly every aspect of that department in 2022. Even kicker Chris Boswell had his fair share of struggles, as he went 20-for-28 (71.4%) on field goals. That was the second-worst rate of his eight-year career. He will likely be the team's starter there again in 2023, as he signed a four-year, $20 million extension last offseason.

If he struggles again in 2023 though, the team could at least search for some competition next summer. Elsewhere, Pittsburgh will have a full-blown competition between Pressley Harvin III and Braden Mann for the starting punter job. Harvin has had too many inconsistencies in his first two seasons, so the Steelers brought in the 2020 sixth-round draft pick in Mann. 

As for the other special teams contributors, Pittsburgh has completely revamped its group. The signing of Nick Kwiatkoski on Tuesday finished that renovation. While many were quick to point out that he's a linebacker, a major need for the black and gold, he's more of a special teamer at this point in his career. In fact, he didn't play a single defensive snap for the Atlanta Falcons last year.

Instead, he played 228 special teams snaps. Kwiatkoski has racked up 1,257 total snaps there over his seven-year NFL career, so that's where he will bring immediate contribution to the Steelers. It continues the rebuild of the position, as they lost several core members of last year's group. These were the most crucial losses to the unit from 2022:

• Marcus Allen: 230
• Derek Watt: 290
• Robert Spillane: 134
• Benny Snell Jr.: 284
• Jamir Jones: 251

Allen, along with cornerback Arthur Maulet who was recently cut, led the team with 12 special teams tackles. Maulet was known as being the slot cornerback for the past two years, but his presence for special teams coach Danny Smith will be missed just as much. Along with Kwiatkoski, Tanner Muse is another linebacker signing this offseason that will contribute to the group.

Which special teams departure will Steelers miss most in 2023?

As for key guys that return at the position, Miles Killebrew, Connor Heyward, and Miles Boykin are the core names. Boykin may not particularly be a lock to make the 53-man roster though, as there are essentially only a couple of spots left at the wideout position. Some rookies will contribute as well, like Nick Herbig, who seems like a natural fit.

All of this leads to a complete renovation of the special teams room. They were quite horrible around the board, which led to some speculation on Smith's future with the team. Instead, he'll enter his 11th season with the team. In 2022, the Steelers ranked 25th in yards per kickoff return, 30th in yards per punt return, and 29th in yards per punt. Those numbers, coupled with several head-scratching mistakes, led the front office to revamp this position this offseason. 

While many may view the signing of Kwiatkoski as a primary backup to the linebacker group, he also brings plenty of experience to the special teams unit as aforementioned. At 30 years old, just a few years away from starting a game at linebacker, he may not provide as much of a defensive impact as some may expect. He will be able to provide some leadership to a guy like Mark Robinson, who enters his second season in the NFL.

How big of a weakness was Pittsburgh's special teams in 2022? Do you think this group will be well-improved in 2023? Do you expect Boswell to bounce back?