Bills GM illustrates the Steelers problem of being just good enough

When it comes to the NFL, everything goes in cycles. Every season there are new teams in the playoffs and other teams fall off. When a team falls off, the system is built to help them catch up quickly via the NFL draft. Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane talked about how this system works both ways when it relates to his team and the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bengals are preparing to play in the AFC championship game this weekend in part because they were bad enough to rebuild their roster at key positions. Beane said he doesn’t want to suck so bad enough to be in a position to draft a guy like wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. This is something similar Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said to Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young.

But this brings up an interesting point about the Steelers. Pittsburgh hasn’t been a legitimate contender in over half a decade. But at the same time, hasn’t been bad enough to land that transcendent player to put them over the top. Many believe Kenny Pickett is that guy but it remains to be seen.

#Bills GM Brandon Beane: “I don’t want to suck bad enough to get Ja’Marr Chase.”pic.twitter.com/STdFvvf09F

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 25, 2023