It seems like there is a 50% chance he stays healthy for an entire season based on recent history.
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It seems like there is a 50% chance he stays healthy for an entire season based on recent history.
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[quote=NKySteeler][quote=RuthlessBurgher]John Harris' opinion of whether or not the Steelers should keep Marvel Smith is worth even less than Ron Zook's endorsement of Rashard Mendenhall. I'd rather read an article penned by 85 different people on this board than John Harris...he's generally awful.[/quote]
"Note to self: Avoid posting John Harris articles.... [b]Ruthless[/b] looks like a fit man from his posted pics, and I don't want to tick him off..."......... :lol:[/quote]
:lol: :lol: :lol: Since my son is about to turn 7 in less than a month, judging by those pictures of Jake's first trip to Pittsburgh, it had to be at least 4 years ago. I've put on some pounds and gotten soft around the middle since then, so you can probably get away with ticking me off at this point. :lol: It has also been quite some time since I last cut my hair, so looking back on those pics with shorter hair...I know it has been a while.
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[img]http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/niqueoh/Cornell004.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/niqueoh/SuperBowlXL_091-1.jpg[/img]
[quote=MeetJoeGreene][quote=ShawnMedGuy]This will boil down to whether Smith can stay healthy. But, without drafting a future LT...the Steeler will be forced to either sign Smith to a long term deal despite his shakey injury history. And let me say for the record...I'm glad Smith is feeling better and all but for how long? How long will that back hold up?[/quote]
That is the crux of the issue and the dilemma.
We need to sign him before the season starts or we can't afford him.
But how do we know that he is really better (and that it will be long-lasting) -- despite how he "feels".
It is a risk either way.[/quote]
It really isn't that risky, if the guaranteed money is low. That is the key, since nothing is guaranteed.
He is a solid LT when healthy, that we do know. I would roll the dice, for the right signing bonus. And he would be much cheaper this year, than after if he stays injury free, no doubt.
[quote=BigLebowski][quote=MeetJoeGreene][quote=ShawnMedGuy]This will boil down to whether Smith can stay healthy. But, without drafting a future LT...the Steeler will be forced to either sign Smith to a long term deal despite his shakey injury history. And let me say for the record...I'm glad Smith is feeling better and all but for how long? How long will that back hold up?[/quote]
That is the crux of the issue and the dilemma.
We need to sign him before the season starts or we can't afford him.
But how do we know that he is really better (and that it will be long-lasting) -- despite how he "feels".
It is a risk either way.[/quote]
It really isn't that risky, if the guaranteed money is low. That is the key, since nothing is guaranteed.
He is a solid LT when healthy, that we do know. I would roll the dice, for the right signing bonus. And he would be much cheaper this year, than after if he stays injury free, no doubt.[/quote]
I guess that I was assuming that a good sized LT contract would have non trivial guaranteed money. Its not like Marvel was a scrub looking for his first contract. He has started, and on a Super Bowl team and made the pro bowl.
I don't think he signs anywhere for chump change or significant guaranteed coin.
Marvel presents a very difficult decision.
On one hand, the FO loves him and considers him a top LT in the league, and he is coming off surgery to repair his back and feels better than he has in years.
On the other hand, he has lost significant playing time in 3 of the past 5 years, and is getting up there in age. He will also require a significant investment if we wish to keep him.
It will be interesting to see how they handle this situation. I wouldn't be surprised to see him signed to something like a three year deal this summer if he looks good in camp. He has had a cap number in the $6M range for as long as I can remember. I could see a fair number being something around 3 years, $20M. I think that due to his injury history they will try to keep his guaranteed money low.
My my FIRST post here! Yada Yada Yada....let me say...
MARVELL SUCKS! Can't wait till we get a real LT! We haven't had a real LT since Gandy left!
Alright..alright..ya finally got me off that other board....
Happy Memorial Day :)
Marvel doesn't suck, but let's also keep the man in perspective.
He doesn't do a real good job staying healthy. However, he is lights out when his health is good. He is above average as a LT so as long as the Steelers have him he is like $$$ in the bank.
I think the Steelers need to get his deal done in the next couple months. The signing bonus can be high so the cap hit isn't as severe in coming years.
Also, drafting Hills is the insurance policy for Smith because his addition gives the team greater flexibility down the road and gives them the option of moving Smith to the right in coming years.
If Smith's back is better the should try to resign him. I guess they won't know how well he is till camp, preseason, or regular season. Good LTs are hard to find.
[quote=buckeyehoppy]Marvel doesn't suck, but let's also keep the man in perspective.
He doesn't do a real good job staying healthy. However, he is lights out when his health is good. He is above average as a LT so as long as the Steelers have him he is like $$$ in the bank.
I think the Steelers need to get his deal done in the next couple months. [size=7][u][b]The signing bonus can be high so the cap hit isn't as severe in coming years. [/b][/u][/size]
Also, drafting Hills is the insurance policy for Smith because his addition gives the team greater flexibility down the road and gives them the option of moving Smith to the right in coming years.[/quote]
Bad move on the high SB.
First off, a high SB does not necessarily keep the future cap hit down since SB is only one factor of his contract.
Secondly, a high SB ties him to us whether we want him or not. If his injuries return, and his age catches up, he could easily reach a point where his value is not as high as his cap hit. However, if we still have a lot of SB left to pro rate, he would be almost impossible to cut. A smaller SB with an incentive laden contract will pay him a fair amount if he stays healthy and effective, but will not penalize us too much if his back ailment returns.
[quote=steeler_fan_in_t.o.][quote=buckeyehoppy]Marvel doesn't suck, but let's also keep the man in perspective.
He doesn't do a real good job staying healthy. However, he is lights out when his health is good. He is above average as a LT so as long as the Steelers have him he is like $$$ in the bank.
I think the Steelers need to get his deal done in the next couple months. [size=7][u][b]The signing bonus can be high so the cap hit isn't as severe in coming years. [/b][/u][/size]
Also, drafting Hills is the insurance policy for Smith because his addition gives the team greater flexibility down the road and gives them the option of moving Smith to the right in coming years.[/quote]
Bad move on the high SB.
First off, a high SB does not necessarily keep the future cap hit down since SB is only one factor of his contract.
Secondly, a high SB ties him to us whether we want him or not. If his injuries return, and his age catches up, he could easily reach a point where his value is not as high as his cap hit. However, if we still have a lot of SB left to pro rate, he would be almost impossible to cut. A smaller SB with an incentive laden contract will pay him a fair amount if he stays healthy and effective, but will not penalize us too much if his back ailment returns.[/quote]
Whoever said Marvel is $$$ in the bank, needs to rethink. Steeler fan in TO is money in the bank. When I read the statement about the high signing bonus so cap hit isn't severe, TO is first person i though of. Lo and behold, the next poster is TO. Thanks for keeping us all grounded on the Capology of the team. Can you be the Official "Board Capologist"? What is the nomination process... :D :D
Please stay healthy Marvel!!