5 players needing to perform this summer to keep roster spots

[whisper]

https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/news...ing-prove-otas

Are we still talking about McFarland, the 3x failure at RB from MD? Yes, apparently we are. We will see if the diminutive Austin can stay healthy enough to make the roster. I thought he was one of the "keys" to Canada's system working?

Speaking of that, Conner Heyward was also given that moniker. He's currently the only TE listed under 6' in the NFL. But you know the "brother cutsie factor" will keep him on the roster, free of charge like Derek Watt was for years.

Just how long is Dotson gonna milk a roster spot? Word is, Tomlin's pet projects are being ripped off the roster. No more Colbert crap to save them.

[NorthCoast]

https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/news...ing-prove-otas

Are we still talking about McFarland, the 3x failure at RB from MD? Yes, apparently we are. We will see if the diminutive Austin can stay healthy enough to make the roster. I thought he was one of the "keys" to Canada's system working?

Speaking of that, Conner Heyward was also given that moniker. He's currently the only TE listed under 6' in the NFL. But you know the "brother cutsie factor" will keep him on the roster, free of charge like Derek Watt was for years.

Just how long is Dotson gonna milk a roster spot? Word is, Tomlin's pet projects are being ripped off the roster. No more Colbert crap to save them.

Disagree on two of the four. Heyward will almost certainly make the roster due to his position flexibility. Austin will likely earn his spot as a #4 or 5 WR. Boykin or White may end up as odd men out. (all of this of course barring any injuries).

[whisper]

Disagree on two of the four. Heyward will almost certainly make the roster due to his position flexibility.

And his brother status, don't forget that, it's why he was even drafted to begin with. Teams are not drafting TEs shorter than 6' these days.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

I think that article was way off. How do you make a list that doesn't include cap impact?

1) Dotson - relegated to the bench, if he can't earn at least the top backup spot, the team can save $2.743M by releasing him with only $164K dead.

2) Gunner - Already at the back of the WR line, if he can be replaced as a returner AGAIN then save $2M while only eating $617K

3) Killebrew - Strictly an impact player on ST. A lot of hungry looking guys who only have the same pathway to the roster. Can someone unseat MK? Save $2M, eat $482K.

4) Wallace - my surprise pick. Before the draft I assumed Witherspoon was gone. Both players had the exact same cap situation, and one was a starter last year, while the other couldn't stay on the field. This year you go into the season with PP (CB/S?), Wallace, JPJ, Pierre, Trice Jr, along with new guys Harper, Sullivan, and a few more camp bodies - all for the outside spots. If the two rooks can show early, and one or two of the other guys impress in camp, then Wallace could be pushed to the bench. Your highest priced CB at the bottom of the depth chart? Could be time to move on.

5) Green - no, not Eric. He didn't even dress once last year, and the team added OL after OL all through the off-season. Might be time for the experimental C, drafted by the previous GM, to be let go.

[NorthCoast]

I think that article was way off. How do you make a list that doesn't include cap impact?

1) Dotson - relegated to the bench, if he can't earn at least the top backup spot, the team can save $2.743M by releasing him with only $164K dead.

2) Gunner - Already at the back of the WR line, if he can be replaced as a returner AGAIN then save $2M while only eating $617K

3) Killebrew - Strictly an impact player on ST. A lot of hungry looking guys who only have the same pathway to the roster. Can someone unseat MK? Save $2M, eat $482K.

4) Wallace - my surprise pick. Before the draft I assumed Witherspoon was gone. Both players had the exact same cap situation, and one was a starter last year, while the other couldn't stay on the field. This year you go into the season with PP (CB/S?), Wallace, JPJ, Pierre, Trice Jr, along with new guys Harper, Sullivan, and a few more camp bodies - all for the outside spots. If the two rooks can show early, and one or two of the other guys impress in camp, then Wallace could be pushed to the bench. Your highest priced CB at the bottom of the depth chart? Could be time to move on.

5) Green - no, not Eric. He didn't even dress once last year, and the team added OL after OL all through the off-season. Might be time for the experimental C, drafted by the previous GM, to be let go.

Good take. Maybe you should have been the author

(Sidenote; I thought Sullivan was being targeted for the slot position?)

[LAMBERT72]

I don't see Wallace cut. No way. He wasn't that bad. In fact, I would not be against renewing it.

[NorthCoast]

Miller with a hammy in OTAs. Not a good thing as he is holding on to a spot by a thread.

[papillon]

And his brother status, don't forget that, it's why he was even drafted to begin with. Teams are not drafting TEs shorter than 6' these days.

Did he play poorly? Or, did he make plays when asked, regardless of his height?

Pappy

[whisper]

Gunner is about gone according to reports. Don't know why they ever signed him. Oh, but he was last year's "camp favorite."

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

I don't see Wallace cut. No way. He wasn't that bad. In fact, I would not be against renewing it.

I don't see it happening, but he has been put on notice. A lot of shake up to the position this off-season and the team has shown that they are willing to make moves. If his play remains status quo then no problem, but if he slacks, and young, hungry kids step it up, then he could be looking over his shoulder.