The Pittsburgh Steelers had three players voted into the Pro Bowl for their efforts during the 2023 season. TJ Watt was always a guarantee to make it after leading the league in sacks for the majority of the year. Minkah Fitzpatrick was certainly a head-scratcher given his lack of snaps due to injuries, but that's what happens when the voting is led by fans. The third and final player, Miles Killebrew has been a special teams ace for the organization since 2021. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions back in 2016, but found his way to the Steel City and has been a delight to have.
Since 2020, Killebrew has five blocked punts and two of them have come in 2023. He deserves the nod to the Pro Bowl. It is the first time in his career that he has been selected and when speaking to the media on Thursday, he gave a bunch of props to a coach that hasn't always been on Steelers' fans' good sides. Special teams coordinator, Danny Smith has had his ups and downs since joining the franchise in 2013.
"Me and Danny. We have a unique relationship," Killebrew said. "A lot of yin and yang and I really appreciate how he coaches and how he goes after it. I have to give credit where credit's due. It's been a fruitful relationship and I'm looking forward to what can progress."
There's no doubt that Killebrew affects how opponents plan with their punt team ahead of games versus the Steelers. A blocked punt, like the one Killebrew had in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens, can completely change the course of a game. This has been a strength of special teams for a few years now, but concerns still stand for Smith with the kickoff and punting teams.
Pressley Harvin III is currently ranked 35th out of 37 eligible punters in average. The kick return coverage has been better in 2023, but odd strategies such as purposely having Chris Boswell kick the ball in front of the goal line has led to positive returns from opponents. Boswell has plenty of leg to create touchbacks, but Smith has come under fire for the approach. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has admitted that it depends on circumstance.
Steelers Have Big Decision To Make In 2024 Free Agency
Killebrew will be a free agent in 2024. Aside from a rising Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh needs to make the special teams contributor a priority. The goal should be to not let him test free agency. He's not just a Pro Bowler. He is the league's best punt blocker and with an offense still in question, field position means everything. Killebrew has the ability to change games in the matter of seconds.
After his incredible season, he will likely be a little more expensive than the team may like for someone who barely sees the field on defense, but he is absolutely worth it. Connor Heyward has been a great special teams player since being drafted in 2022, but no one comes close having the impact that Killebrew has had the last couple of seasons.
Behind Boswell, Killebrew is the most important special teams player on the Steelers' roster. Losing him in free agency would be a massive mistake by the front office. He has proven to be an incredible asset and should be paid exactly as what he is: a dominant special teams ace. It shouldn't even be a question in the minds of Omar Khan and Andy Weidl.
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