Steelers Nation

[Melissa Stark 1]

Steelers have released Larry Foote lb, Curtis Brown Cb and Levi Brown OT. Heath Miller and Troy Polamalu resign.

 

I'm not sure what to make of Foote being released. He still seems like he has some gas left in the tank. Glad to see Heath re-signed.

The Beard Keisel is still not re-signed as of yet. Though starting to get up in age, he is still solid.

[Law 220]

Steelers, as always, have serious cap issues to deal with. And it just gets worse as they keep kicking the can down the street. Eventually, those bills come due and they just make each year harder.

 

Brown was a TOTAL waste of money! Pathetic and desperate move to bring him in. But there are still many drastically overpaid players on this team. Some have little left. Some never had any.

 

Dwyer is a decent back, but is paid too much. Same for OL Velasco. But WR Cotchery, FS Clark, CB Taylor and even DL Keisel are all far too overpaid for what they are able to give on the field anymore. Dwyer and Velasco need to restructure with pay cuts or be cut and the other 4 just need to be cut. Too much money.

 

And the Steelers NEED to start being smart about money. STOP giving the farm to older veterans and STOP restructuring and making a big problem bigger. Cut these guys and let them get big money from some other team, if they can.

 

Steelers pick 15th. Here's my top 7 (assuming Bortles, Bridgewater, Manziel, Watkins, Robinson, Matthews, Clowney, Mack, and Barr all go before then):

1. OT Lewan

2. WR Evans

3. CB Denard

4. LB Mosely

5. TE Ebron (and use him!)

6. DT Nix

7. CB Gilbert

 

Multiples of these guys will be available at 15. Hope they take one, the higher the better.

[murf74 461]

Steelers, as always, have serious cap issues to deal with. And it just gets worse as they keep kicking the can down the street. Eventually, those bills come due and they just make each year harder.

 

Brown was a TOTAL waste of money! Pathetic and desperate move to bring him in. But there are still many drastically overpaid players on this team. Some have little left. Some never had any.

 

Dwyer is a decent back, but is paid too much. Same for OL Velasco. But WR Cotchery, FS Clark, CB Taylor and even DL Keisel are all far too overpaid for what they are able to give on the field anymore. Dwyer and Velasco need to restructure with pay cuts or be cut and the other 4 just need to be cut. Too much money.

 

And the Steelers NEED to start being smart about money. STOP giving the farm to older veterans and STOP restructuring and making a big problem bigger. Cut these guys and let them get big money from some other team, if they can.

 

Steelers pick 15th. Here's my top 7 (assuming Bortles, Bridgewater, Manziel, Watkins, Robinson, Matthews, Clowney, Mack, and Barr all go before then):

1. OT Lewan

2. WR Evans

3. CB Denard

4. LB Mosely

5. TE Ebron (and use him!)

6. DT Nix

7. CB Gilbert

 

Multiples of these guys will be available at 15. Hope they take one, the higher the better.

You realize almost every guy you said is overpaid is a free agent in a few days?

 

And I wish Cotchery was not becoming a free agent. He was a bargain double digit TD wr last year

 

Just curious how much do you think Dwyer made last year. Same with velasco

[smashmouths@blf 33]

I've always thought the steelers have been smart with their money and the salary cap over the years. Sometimes to a fault. They've released many players at the perfect time without overpaying.

[Law 220]

Overpaid for Woodley and now will have 14 mill in dead money spread over the next 2 years.

[posty 2,296]

We all would be better off if they just folded up the franchise...

[Law 220]

We all would be better off if they just folded up the franchise...

 

True enough. Give some other teams a chance to be the greatest winner in the Super Bowl era.

[Melissa Stark 1]

You are right Law. It will be interesting to see how the revamp the LB corp. with Woodley and Foote gone.

[murf74 461]

Overpaid for Woodley and now will have 14 mill in dead money spread over the next 2 years.

He was the best up and coming LB in nfl when he was originally signed.

[Law 220]

He was the best up and coming LB in nfl when he was originally signed.

 

Not denying that, but they still overpaid. The Steelers, if nothing, have proven over the years that the rush LB in their system is interchangeable. They signed him to a manageable contract contract as a rookie, as most rookie contracts are. When it came time to decide to let him go or to sign him to a massive contract, they chose the massive contract. Understandable as he was all-pro in 2009. It's a recurring, and unfortunate, pattern for the Steelers, to commit themselves to these massive contracts that tie them up. Several players on the team time it up perfect, get the big money, and the team can't sign enough talent for the rest of the team. In my opinion, $10mil per year is too much. He had a tremendous 2008, 09, 10, and even 11 was ok. But he was hurt in 11 and hasn't done much since. That's alot of money for little production over 2-plus seasons. They can't afford it. Most teams can't.

 

But, that's the agreement the Union agreed to. The result? The league signs rookies for "little" and when veterans get these big contracts, they end up getting cut and not seeing the money anyway.

 

The league's bankers win. The players lose.

[Law 220]

REALLY like the signing of Mike Mitchell from the Panthers at FS!

Young, hard-hitting safety in his prime. Excellent!

 

This might not excite many, but the Steelers rarely do anything in free agency so this IS exciting.

 

[murf74 461]

REALLY like the signing of Mike Mitchell from the Panthers at FS!

Young, hard-hitting safety in his prime. Excellent!

 

This might not excite many, but the Steelers rarely do anything in free agency so this IS exciting.

 

 

Brilliant signing....totally didn't see this coming. Sure up a very weak spot with the kind of safety the Steelers love and he is in the prime of his career.

[ROCKFORD 134]

they will be losing for the next 10+ years.

[Law 220]

they will be losing for the next 10+ years.

 

That may be your hopes and dreams, but it's not based much in reality.

They haven't been losing for the last 40+ years!

 

Go back to pre-1972 to find a consistent loser.

Or, just look in the mirror.

[Melissa Stark 1]

I like the Mitchell pick up myself! Secondary needed help. In other news they resigned Cody Wallace for the offensive line. He is versatile and solid lineman to keep out of the bunch.

 

Great contribution Rockford

[murf74 461]

I like the Mitchell pick up myself! Secondary needed help. In other news they resigned Cody Wallace for the offensive line. He is versatile and solid lineman to keep out of the bunch.

 

Great contribution Rockford

Wallace played great at center and he also plays guard. Awesome guy to dress every Sunday. He is all hustle.

[smashmouths@blf 33]

Love the moves by Pitt as well. Nothing sexy, but if you like sexy you probably aren't a Steelers fan. Let's keep the momentum going from our stretch run last year and let's have another season of keeping Big Ben healthy. And I think many people are going to see that our RB is a stud. I think we can be a dark horse next season?

[murf74 461]

need a DE desperately now

 

want this guy

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/05/16/secret-superstar-alex-carrington/

[Law 220]

My opinion is we still need these positions first: OT, CB, WR, ILB and then DE.

Also needed a FS but that issue has been resolved superbly.

 

At OT, the Steelers seem to have a lot of big guys with potential, but they're always hurt (Adams and Gilbert). Beachum is a gamer, but limited physically. A truely elite LOT would be awesome. Lewan?

At WR, maybe Wheaton improves in his second season and maybe Cotchery outperforms his age and talent again, but a BIG talent like Mike Evans would be awesome with A Brown.

At CB, Taylor is almost done. Gay is average. Maybe Green and/or Allen step up, but another CB is needed. Dennard screams Steeler-type CB.

Unless they bring Foote back, who's the other ILB? Williams and Garvin don't excite me. Not yet. Maybe CJ Mosely? Yep.

 

I'd prefer one of these 4 guys at these 4 positions before I'd get a DL. Sure, the Steelers need another DL too, but that position is not as critical in their system as the others are. Maybe later the Steelers can look for guys like Hageman or Tuitt in the 2nd or Quarles in the 3rd.

 

Several needs but only so many draft picks. It will be interesting.

[murf74 461]

Cam Thomas was signed. I am hoping they put him at NT and put McClendon at DE where I think he would be better.

 

Bust of Hood really set the Steelers back.

[Law 220]

Cam Thomas was signed. I am hoping they put him at NT and put McClendon at DE where I think he would be better.

 

Bust of Hood really set the Steelers back.

 

I was thinking this too when Thomas was signed, but McC is one big man! How much pass rush can he put on at 330+? Maybe if he dropped 20? Can he?

If so, that would lower the need of a DL in the draft, at least a starter-type.

[posty 2,296]

they will be losing for the next 10+ years.

God I hope so... Twenty plus years would be better...

[Melissa Stark 1]

Keisel is now a FA. His facebook page states he would like to resign. Even though he is 35, he would still be good for depth and leadership. Looks like Jarvis Jones and Jason Worilds will be starting at OLB. I wouldn't mind them taking a CB with their 1st rnd draft pick.

[smashmouths@blf 33]

Keisel is now a FA. His facebook page states he would like to resign. Even though he is 35, he would still be good for depth and leadership. Looks like Jarvis Jones and Jason Worilds will be starting at OLB. I wouldn't mind them taking a CB with their 1st rnd draft pick.

I agree with you Melissa you foxy chick you!!! I think Keisel will resign at a moderate salary.

[Melissa Stark 1]

Lance Moore is now a Steeler and he should fill in nicely in the slot. LeGarrette Blount is supposedly visiting this coming Sunday.

[murf74 461]

Lance Moore is now a Steeler and he should fill in nicely in the slot. LeGarrette Blount is supposedly visiting this coming Sunday.

 

Sure handed vet at the slot was a nice addition. I liked Cotch but he was gonna get starter money from Panthers.

 

I would absolutely love Blount as a change of pace and short yardage back. Steelers cannot go into the draft with no experienced backup RB capable of being the man if Bell goes down. We saw what not having a capable backup led to last year for the first few games.

[smashmouths@blf 33]

I've always liked Lance Moore. He's a good route runner with good hands. Average speed and a little smallish but will be a nice experienced professional WR. He will help our depleted receiving corp. Burress should be back too which will help. Maybe...I would like to see the steelers sign Blount too. He would be a great change of pace and short yardage back. Might vulture some td's from Bell. Now it's time to make some good draft picks!!

[Law 220]

murf74, on 14 Mar 2014 - 6:01 PM, said:

Cam Thomas was signed. I am hoping they put him at NT and put McClendon at DE where I think he would be better.

 

Bust of Hood really set the Steelers back.

 

 

 

I was thinking this too when Thomas was signed, but McC is one big man! How much pass rush can he put on at 330+? Maybe if he dropped 20? Can he?

If so, that would lower the need of a DL in the draft, at least a starter-type.

 

They say the plan is to leave McC at NT and play Thomas at LE. I don't know. I know they like the athletic DT or big DE types, but that's usually 6-4 or 6-5 and like 300 to 310. Thomas is more 330. He should be a plus against the run, but I don't know if he'll do anything against the pass.

 

As for Lance Moore, I'm not a huge fan. He's small and not all that fast. He has ok hands and runs decent routes. But Cotch was never all that much either. Sure, he caught a lot of TDs last year, but that doesn't mean he's an elite talent. Someone will probably pay him starter money though so good for him. Both he and Moore are great 4s, decent 3s. With Sanders gone and Wheaton still an unknown, the Steelers will need to make an early move at WR in the draft. I'd still like a BIG guy! If not Evans in the first, maybe Robinson from PSU or Moncrief from Ole Miss in the second or Bryant from Clemson in the 3rd. Even Matthews from Vandy in the second would be nice.

 

At RB, I'd be surprised if the Steelers could get MJD or Blount. I think both will want more money and more PT than the Steelers will want to give. They want a vet, but I'm not sure who they can get. If they have to go the draft, I like Williams from BC in the 4th a lot.

[murf74 461]

I don't get the DE move for Thomas. Just thinking they didn't like being pushed around in the run game.

[Law 220]

I'm sure. But a 330-340 pounder is going to give nothing in the pass rush. Heyward does better than most people think, but they must really think Worilds and Jones take it up a huge notch. And I've always thought Timmons was better at the rush than they give him opportunity for. Of course, maybe they bring back old man Keisel and use him a pass rush specialist.

[murf74 461]

I'm sure. But a 330-340 pounder is going to give nothing in the pass rush. Heyward does better than most people think, but they must really think Worilds and Jones take it up a huge notch. And I've always thought Timmons was better at the rush than they give him opportunity for. Of course, maybe they bring back old man Keisel and use him a pass rush specialist.

Our DE never put much pressure on QB. Maybe it's a new philosophy they will have to double team the wide body and that free up OLB to make plays around the line of scrimmage

[Law 220]

True. The DEs in Pitt's 3-4 are not asked, nor expected, to put up much pass rush, but it helps.

 

The loss of Foote was the primary cause of the craptastic run defense. I think the signing of Moats can help there. I also think it moves the Steelers away from LB (like Mosley) in the first. I think this pushes them more and more towards a CB (Dennard) or LOT-type like Lewan. If Dennard and Lewan (and CB Gilbert) are all gone at 15, I think we're back to WR. Can't wait.

[remote controller 133]

Lance Moore will be a nice addition and give the steelers another steady threat along with brown and heath.

[murf74 461]

True. The DEs in Pitt's 3-4 are not asked, nor expected, to put up much pass rush, but it helps.

 

The loss of Foote was the primary cause of the craptastic run defense. I think the signing of Moats can help there. I also think it moves the Steelers away from LB (like Mosley) in the first. I think this pushes them more and more towards a CB (Dennard) or LOT-type like Lewan. If Dennard and Lewan (and CB Gilbert) are all gone at 15, I think we're back to WR. Can't wait.

Moats can play ILB and OLB with a lot of starting experience. Like that signing too

[Law 220]

The more I look at the Steelers moves and this draft, pick 15 comes down to one of these three players: OT Lewan, WR Evans, CB Dennard. Anyone of these three and I will be ecstatic.

Lose out on all three, and it's less exciting. CB Gilbert or LB Mosely? I see a pretty decent drop after the top three.

[smashmouths@blf 33]

I hope they draft Dennard.

[Connorsdad 38]

Yeah I think to get Mike Evans it will take a move up in the draft. But I think one of OT Lewan and CB Dennard will be available.

[Law 220]

I like the signing of the Blount. But, he seems more as insurance to be a lead back if Bell goes down rather than a true change of pace guy. He's a hard runner and is more athletic than he gets credit for, but he's nothing in the pass game - either as receiver or blocker - and he fumbles. He might be used late in games if the Steelers ever have a lead, but I'm not sure.

 

The Steelers needed someone, anyone, behind Bell and Blount's not the worst option. I would've preferred A Brown or Moreno, but they're even more first-line types than is Blount. Of the guys still out there M Bush is similar to Blount, but older. Maybe the Steelers can still bring back Felix Jones. I don't know. At least he offers a little speed as an option.

 

If not Moreno or A Brown, I prefer Blount over a very old MJD.

 

This signing likely drives down the need to pick a RB in the mid or late rounds.

 

[murf74 461]

I like the signing of the Blount. But, he seems more as insurance to be a lead back if Bell goes down rather than a true change of pace guy. He's a hard runner and is more athletic than he gets credit for, but he's nothing in the pass game - either as receiver or blocker - and he fumbles. He might be used late in games if the Steelers ever have a lead, but I'm not sure.

 

The Steelers needed someone, anyone, behind Bell and Blount's not the worst option. I would've preferred A Brown or Moreno, but they're even more first-line types than is Blount. Of the guys still out there M Bush is similar to Blount, but older. Maybe the Steelers can still bring back Felix Jones. I don't know. At least he offers a little speed as an option.

 

If not Moreno or A Brown, I prefer Blount over a very old MJD.

 

This signing likely drives down the need to pick a RB in the mid or late rounds.

 

 

I think that was the intent. It has been too long since the Steelers had a backup who was actually built and have the talent set to be a lead back. One thing you are not thinking about though is the closer roll. Remember when Fast Willie and Bettis were together? They used Bettis as the guy who could just kill the clock and win the game.

 

Look for the Steelers to get someone in around the 6th round to be a true change of pace/, 3rd down back (although Bell is a 3rd down back on his own kinda like a Forte).

[smashmouths@blf 33]

Good point. I could see Blount in the closer role much in the same way as with the Patriots last year.