Offseason Forecast: Pittsburgh Steelers

[hawaiiansteel]

Offseason Forecast: Pittsburgh Steelers

By Gregg Rosenthal
Published: Feb. 10, 2014

In a fast-changing league, the Pittsburgh Steelers prefer stability. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley remains on board. Dick Lebeau will coordinate the Steelers' defense for an 11th straight year despite a deeply disappointing 2013. The Steelers shed a lot of veteran dead weight last year, but didn't see their young players step up enough. Expect more purging this offseason, with a lot of turnover on an aging roster.

Biggest free agents

» Jason Worilds, LB: Worilds played great down the stretch as a starter after being moved to the left side, essentially taking LaMarr Woodley's job. That should earn Worilds big money this offseason -- perhaps too much for the Steelers to afford.

» Emmanuel Sanders, WR: He looks better as a slot receiver than on the outside. After so-so production in 2013, the Steelers probably will be comfortable letting him walk with Markus Wheaton waiting in the wings.

» Jerricho Cotchery, WR: If Sanders leaves, the Steelers might place more of a premium on bringing Cotchery back after a 10-touchdown season.

» Ryan Clark, S: He had a great run in Pittsburgh, but it looks to be over now.

» Brett Keisel, DE: If he returns, it will be at a low-cost, low-risk price. The Steelers need help at defensive end because Ziggy Hood is likely on the way out.

Other key free agents: Hood, RB LaRod Stephens-Howling, RB Jonathan Dwyer, S Will Allen, DT Al Woods.

What they need

This roster has taken a beating in recent years and has a lot of holes. Two of Pittsburgh's top three wideouts are free agents. There are holes for starting jobs at every level of the defense, especially on the defensive line. The Steelers have big questions on the offensive line, but will count on growth from within.

On the way out?

» LaMarr Woodley, LB: He's had injury problems and conditioning questions since signing a huge deal in 2011. Woodley's cap figure is enormous whether or not he's on the team, so it's a tough decision. It's possible the Steelers could re-sign Worilds and let Woodley go if he doesn't take a pay cut.

» Troy Polamalu, S: He's a candidate for release because of his $8.25 million salary. But Polamalu has the support of ownership, which goes a long way.

» Ike Taylor, CB: He almost will certainly have to take a big pay cut from his $7 million salary to stay.

» Levi Brown, OT: No question mark needed here. He's as good as gone because of his $6 million salary.

Offseason crystal ball

This is a fascinating offseason in Pittsburgh. Ownership can only remain patient with Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert for so long. This is not a franchise in the habit of making quick fixes, but it's sorely needing a lot of new starters. There are big decisions at every level of the defense. My guess: They give Woodley another shot and let Worilds walk. Polamalu and Cotchery stay. Sanders, Clark and Taylor all land elsewhere.

In Roethlisberger we trust.

[URL]http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000324894/article/offseason-forecast-pittsburgh-steelers[/URL]

[Shawn]

I agree. Like it or not, Worilds is as good as gone. Not sure though that Ike is gone. I'm certainly hoping we have him for another year or so.

[Slapstick]

Maybe Porter will be good for LaMarr Woodley as well?

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Maybe Porter will be good for LaMarr Woodley as well?

Let's hope so.

It could be that, as someone on another site posts, "you can't polish a turd."

[Slapstick]

He hasn't always been a turd...he used to be a feared pass rusher...

[Shawn]

Woodley isn't a turd. The guy has skills but he can't stay healthy.

[NW Steeler]

If Worilds walks or Woodley is released, we are razor thin at OLB. There hasn't been a lot of talk about OLB in the draft, especially since we took JJ last year, but it still may be a glaring need.

[fordfixer]

Let's hope so.

It could be that, as someone on another site posts, "you can't polish a turd."

Are you sure about that

[url]http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/mythbusters/videos/polishing-a-turd-minimyth.htm[/url]

[Oviedo]

If Worilds walks or Woodley is released, we are razor thin at OLB. There hasn't been a lot of talk about OLB in the draft, especially since we took JJ last year, but it still may be a glaring need.

Taking JJ last year did nothing for us in terms of on field impact. Taking another OLB in the draft will likely have the same outcome in 2014.

Like I said when we took JJ, it will be interesting to see what he can do......................in 2015.

[phillyesq]

If Worilds walks or Woodley is released, we are razor thin at OLB. There hasn't been a lot of talk about OLB in the draft, especially since we took JJ last year, but it still may be a glaring need.

If you go into the season with one of Worilds/Woodley and Jones, you absolutely need somebody else, regardless of whether Jarvis Jones is the next Joey Porter or the next Bruce Davis. I've seen more than enough of Chris Carter and would look for either a new developmental project or a low level free agent.

[NW Steeler]

Taking JJ last year did nothing for us in terms of on field impact. Taking another OLB in the draft will likely have the same outcome in 2014.

Like I said when we took JJ, it will be interesting to see what he can do......................in 2015.

Exactly. But it it also doesn't change the situation. They will need to develop someone and pray that JJ makes a huge jump. I wouldn't be surprised if they figure out a way to keep Woodley (at least for 1 more year) and resign Worilds. I think the cap hit/dead money on Woodley is a little more platable if they cut him next year, isn't it?

[thor75]

If you go into the season with one of Worilds/Woodley and Jones, you absolutely need somebody else, regardless of whether Jarvis Jones is the next Joey Porter or the next Bruce Davis. I've seen more than enough of Chris Carter and would look for either a new developmental project or a low level free agent.

They even tried Sylvester last year at OLB, that's bad.

[hawaiiansteel]

Keep or Sell: Pittsburgh Steelers Free Agents

BY LEVI COMBS - FEB 18TH, 2014



The time is finally hear when we start to hear of teams making offseason and free agent decisions, including the Pittsburgh Steelers. We start contemplating which free agents should stay, which ones should go, who is going to replace them? Here is the list of Pittsburgh Steelers free agents and whether or not they should stay or go!

Plaxico Burress: Plaxico shouldn’t have been signed back last year. This isn’t even a question. He is gone, probably from the NFL altogether. Too many younger guys. K/S: Sell

Jerricho Cotchery: Jerricho was a pleasant surprise last year. Was it me, or every time I saw a receiver in the end zone it was Jerricho? Jerricho will not command top dollar, and he shouldn’t, because he is up in years and doesn’t offer much more than a third receiver. However, he is a Big Ben favorite and he would probably take a discount knowing the Steelers cap situation in order to stay in the Steel City. He can also be a tutor to the younger guys. But he shouldn’t be offered any more than a 2 year contract. K/S: Keep

Emmanuel Sanders: Manny has never really lived up to the hype surrounding him every year that he will finally breakout. There is no way that the Steelers bring him back for top dollar. I also doubt he will take a discount, so he is good as gone. Welcome Sanders replacement, Markus Wheaton. K/S: Sell

Jonathan Dwyer: Jonathan is really starting to grow in the hearts of Steelers fans. He just keeps on running. The Steelers do need a bigger back, so why not just retain Dwyer for the minimum who is familiar with the system, players and coaches. We already know he gives 100%. K/S: Keep

Felix Jones: I hated the signing of Felix Jones. I thought he brought absolutely nothing to the team except the hatred brought out of Steelers fans when he barely made it out to the 20 on kick off returns. Jonathan Dwyer should be kept over him and there is no question about it. K/S: Sell

LaRod Stephens-Howling: During the preseason, it seemed like Howling would have a big part in the Steelers offense. However, when he tore his ACL, his future with the Steelers was over. He shouldn’t be retained considering there should be plenty of options late in the draft who could be a speed back for the Steelers and be a little bit cheaper. Personally, I hope DeAnthony Thomas is on the Steelers mind. K/S: Sell

David Johnson: David is another guy who just won’t leave the Steelers. It looked as though he had a future with the Steelers when Todd Haley came to town and installed a fullback in the offense, but by now, that job is firmly secured by Will Johnson. After consecutive seasons on injured reserve, there are plenty of other options out there who can compete for a third tight end position better than he can, especially if tight end is considered a mid round need by the Steelers. K/S: Sell

Michael Palmer: Like David Johnson, there are plenty of other options out there. Why keep Palmer when you can bring a rookie to be a third or fourth tight end who can turn out to be an absolute beast? K/S: Sell

Fernando Velasco: Is this a question? Keep the guy. He did a very admirable job taking over the position when Pouncey went down and should be retained relatively cheap since he is coming off of a major injury. You could even switch him to guard and so he has position flexibility. K/S: Keep

Cody Wallace: The Steelers could end up having a really good offensive line with good depth if they keep both Velasco and Wallace. Wallace should be retained, along with Velasco, and the two can be the backups to not only the center position, but also the guard position. Velasco and Wallace at the center and guard positions, Mike Adams at the tackle position, the offensive line will be covered. Wallace will also come back at the minimum, so good backups with cheap contracts. K/S: Keep

Guy Whimper: If both Velasco and Wallace are kept, I think there won’t be much room for Whimper. Although he didn’t play horrible, the Steelers can probably get away with a rookie backing up Mike Adams. So he would be the backup to the backup. Anyways, I think the Steelers will only keep 8 offensive linemen. K/S: Sell

Ziggy Hood: I have made the case all offseason and will continue to do so, the Steelers need to bring back Hood to a multi year deal, something similar to what McLendon signed last season. There are too many other needs in the draft to take a big guy early, and Hood isn’t as bad as everyone thinks. Just because he doesn’t rack up the stats board doesn’t mean he isn’t doing his job. He knows the system and I believe if he and McLendon switch positions, along with Heyward at DE, this can be very solid D-Line. K/S: Keep

Brett Keisel: If the Steelers bring back Hood, the Beard is gone. Bringing back Hood is a much smarter move because still being in his twenties, he can be part of the future plans of the D-Line and will come back relatively cheap. There is a movement moving out all the thirties on the Steelers defense, and Keisel is in it. We will miss the Beard though. K/S: Sell

Al Woods: Another young player that the Steelers should retain is Al Woods. Mitchell has coached up the guy and it’s time to see him play. He will also come back cheap and can play all the D-Line spots. He can also be a part of a rotation, however he should stick to backup for now unless he can compete for a starting spot on another team. He should bring quality depth. He is quietly improving and one of those young guys who just needed time. K/S: Keep

Stevenson Sylvester: He was once considered the heir to James Farrior. Stevenson Sylvester shouldn’t even be considered bringing back. There are 3 other younger inside linebackers who all show potential, so adios Sylvester. K/S: Sell

Jamaal Westerman: Who are you? (just kidding, but really, we hardly knew you) K/S: Sell

Jason Worilds: To the one we have all been waiting for, Jason Worilds. At all costs, he should be retained. We saw what happened with Keenan Lewis last year, and look where we are at now, desperately looking for cornerback help in the draft. Worilds is the future of the linebacking corps for the Steelers and is looking like he can be a beast. He has a chip on his shoulder and that will only motivate him more. If it means getting rid of Woodley, Woodley is gone. With the ceiling Jarvis Jones has, Cameron Heyward ready for a monster season and Worilds being retained, getting to the quarterback will no longer be a problem. He is one of those guys I have stated all offseason as needing time, and look what time did for him. K/S: Keep

Will Allen: Thanks Allen for coming back and helping us out this past season. However, your nothing more than an old backup. The Steelers will be smart to select a safety in the middle rounds, if they don’t end up selecting one in the first couple rounds, and also have Robert Golden who Carnell Lake is still experimenting with. K/S: Sell

Ryan Clark: Along with Brett Keisel, Clark is more than likely gone. His play diminished last season, and Shamarko Thomas is hungry to play. Thomas didn’t play bad in limited playing time last year. A full offseason should help him and a full season starting will definitely kick start his development into the next Polamalu (One can wish). Keep/Sell: Sell

Mat McBriar: I am one who pays attention to the special teams unit and personally like when there is consistency with the kicking, punting and long snapping positions. Unfortunately for the punting position, that hasn’t happened. The Steelers should have never got rid of Drew Butler, and maybe he will get an invite to camp this year. But McBriar is not the answer to the punting position. Depending on Brad Wing’s leg and staying out of trouble, the job very well may be his job to lose. The punting position will either go to Wing or a rookie, not McBriar. K/S: Sell

Greg Warren: Like I said, I like consistency for the special teams units, and Warren has brought just that to the long snapping position. He is one of the best in the league and should be retained. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to sign him to a two or three year contract either so the Steelers don’t have to worry about the position for a couple years, but either way, they are comfortable with Warren and he should be back next year. K/S: Keep

That’s it. Free agency is the first step this offseason in getting the Steelers back into the playoffs, and that definitely includes signing some of their own back.

[URL]http://nicepickcowher.com/2014/02/18/keep-sell-pittsburgh-steelers-free-agents/[/URL]

[fezziwig]

Woodley was good when James Harrison was getting much of the attention in my opinion, Troy, Clark and the secondary kept a blanket on the receivers better than they are doing now. With all that, Woodley made good use of the luxuries. He can't stand on his own and be a threat in my opinion. Not being in shape and able to stay healthy isn't exactly getting him to the quarterback either.

[thor75]

I agree with the "keep/sell" article. Don't disagree with anything there. Even the TE's - David Johnson and Palmer. Hopefully they can pick up Arthur Lynch from Georgia or Baylor's Jordan Najvar in the mid to late rounds.

Hood seems to be the lightning rod for most folks. I agree he is not the player most would like, especially for a first round pick. If he can be signed for a reasonable contract that would be one less hole to fill on a defense that has many. He is durable if nothing else and until Arnfelt overtakes him then a two year contract wouldn't be a bad move. If he could apply the same weight room focus to his technique he might be serviceable.