Interest In OT Market Suggests Steelers Not Convinced With Villanueva

[Shoe]

[URL="http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/03/interest-ot-market-suggests-steelers-not-convinced-villanueva/"]http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/03/interest-ot-market-suggests-steelers-not-convinced-villanueva/

[/URL]Interesting article about the team courting a few Tackles around the league. From my fan's perspective, I actually thought AV was a player. Apparently, he's someone they'd like to replace as a starter.

I don't know Harris too much, but I know Okung is a Leon Searcy china-doll at this point in his career. I think the ideal scenario would be if Beachum would come back (seems more and more unlikely, given the amount of attention he's getting on FA).

You'd think that the Steelers would think a green AV would be bound for improvement on his performance this year. Apparently, that still isn't enough for them to go into next year with him as a starting Tackle (wouldn't even have to be LT; could probably slide Gilbert over there).

[SidSmythe]

Or it could be the fact they're looking for someone with experience since they'll have NO depth at TACKLE.
I think it's VILLANUEVA's job to lose, however to not have competition would be foolish.

[NorthCoast]

Or it could be the fact they're looking for someone with experience since they'll have NO depth at TACKLE.
I think it's VILLANUEVA's job to lose, however to not have competition would be foolish.

This.

They are looking for a vet that could play in spot duty and not miss a beat. That's a tough spot to put any rookie into.

Okung could be that guy if he only has to play in a few games a season.

[RuthlessBurgher]

You sign starters in the first day or two of free agency. With rare exceptions (such as Eric Weddle) guys making visits during the second week of free agency tend to be depth signings.

[fordfixer]

Yep looking for backups

[Oviedo]

Or it could be the fact they're looking for someone with experience since they'll have NO depth at TACKLE.
I think it's VILLANUEVA's job to lose, however to not have competition would be foolish.

Doing due diligence is just smart. Doesn't mean they are displeased with anyone. The glass isn't always half empty.

AV is a warrior. Don't sell him short

[Rara]

Okung is already gone without a contract with Pittsburgh..and if Okung would have signed, he wouldn't be a back up.

[SidSmythe]

Doing due diligence is just smart. Doesn't mean they are displeased with anyone. The glass isn't always half empty.

AV is a warrior. Don't sell him short

I think you missed my point. In other words A.V. is the starter but for them to think he can't get hurt or even have a sophomore slump would be foolish.

[Shoe]

Okung is already gone without a contract with Pittsburgh..and if Okung would have signed, he wouldn't be a back up.

Exactly.
These guys acting like Okung (a 28-year old, a SB champion winning former Pro Bowler) would be interested in coming to back-up AV. If he wanted to do that, he'd stay where he was. BTW I wasn't the one doubting AV. As I said, I liked the job he did last year. But you don't bring in two guys who just were starters on contending teams, thinking they want to sign on as a backup.

[feltdizz]

we are looking for depth

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Steelers have made a contract offer to Okung.

[url]http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/category/rumor-mill/[/url]

I doubt if they envision him as a backup.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

He'd be a definite upgrade if he could stay healthy (but that's a big "IF").

[RuthlessBurgher]

Hey, if we sign him, it will be an interesting competition to say the least...the oft-injured former Pro Bowler with 1st round pedigree vs. the mammoth but relatively inexperienced undrafted former wideout Army Ranger from West Point.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Hey, if we sign him, it will be an interesting competition to say the least...the oft-injured former Pro Bowler with 1st round pedigree vs. the mammoth but relatively inexperienced undrafted former wideout Army Ranger from West Point.

Sorry, but it's difficult to see any real competition under this scenario. You don't bring Russell Okung onboard to be a backup. Sure, there'll be talk of a battle...but the job would be Okung's to lose.

As injury-prone as Okung has been, though, Villanueva could still wind up seeing more playing time over the course of the season.

[Starlifter]

The simple truth is - we have linemen that are injury prone. The steelers typically dress 8 for any game. Whomever the 3 extra are - they better all be able to play every position including center. I suspect they will invite as many to camp as possible to get as many looks as possible - so if the dominoes start falling again, they have names in the rolodex available.