Interesting Conundrum Created By Our Draft...

[RuthlessBurgher]

We will find out VERY soon if it is JJ who is in or out. They need to decide whether to pick up the option (8.3 million) by May 5

We already have Jarvis locked up this year at a cap hit of $2.7M for 2016. The $8.3M option would be for 2017 if we choose to use it. And even if we don't pick up that 5th year option, it doesn't necessarily mean he's gone for sure after this year. For instance, Tampa did not pick the 5th year option on RB Doug Martin, but they re-signed him to long-term deal this offseason, so you never know.

[RuthlessBurgher]

I'm astounded people think freeny can push JJ or Harrison off the roster. No offense, but that is laughable. Hope the kid develops but he's a 6th round pick with a bum shoulder, 4 surgeries already.

The thought of him pushing deebo off the roster is comical

Feeney couldn't push old man Deebo's wheelchair.

[Oviedo]

Hey MJG! Long time, no see!

The fifth year option is very much a win-win for the team...while a decision has to be made on the option by 5/5, the option does not become fully guaranteed until the beginning of the NEXT league year, approximately early March 2017...

So, the Steelers can pick up the option now and rescind it later without penalty...

Paying Jones $8.3m is NOT a win for the Steelers.

[Slapstick]

Paying Jones $8.3m is NOT a win for the Steelers.

At this point, no. I was merely pointing out that picking up the option does not mean that the Steelers actually have to pay him $8.3 million if they do not want to after this season...

In fact, knowing that $8+ million dollars is on the line can actually be a hell of a motivation to play well, I would think...

[BradshawsHairdresser]

At this point, no. I was merely pointing out that picking up the option does not mean that the Steelers actually have to pay him $8.3 million if they do not want to after this season...

Good to know. Seems like a no-brainer to keep him onboard for this season.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Last year, we carried 5 OLBs for much of the year: Harrison, J Jones, Dupree, Moats, and Chickillo, who was brought up from the practice squad and ended up active for seven games...and now, we added Travis Feeney in the 6th...Feeney probably needs to add a few pounds if he's going to be a full time OLB (which he may be, considering Joey Porter addressed the press after Feeney's selection)....

Feeney was both productive in college AND showed a ton of athleticism in workouts...if there are guys who can model what is necessary to do to become a productive OLB, Harrison and Porter are them...

But, that leaves us with 6 OLBs....a number the Steelers have not carried in years, if at all...I seem to remember some of Cowher's teams carrying 6, but I could be mistaken...it is in the Steelers' best interest to keep both Chickillo and Feeney, IMO, because neither Harrison not Jones are likely to remain with the team after the 2016 season...I think it is better to have guys that you like and have developed, who are familiar with the defense and ready to step in, than to attempt to draft an immediate starter...

Surprisingly, the key to keeping all 6 OLBs is Arthur Moats...

Some people don't care for Moats, but he is surely a handy player to have on the roster...Over the last two seasons, Moats has recorded 8 sacks while rotating at OLB...however, he also has extensive experience playing at ILB and there is no reason he can't do that for us...we lost Spence and Garvin at ILB and added Matakovitch...there is room to keep everyone, maintain sufficient depth, and prepare for the future...

We'll know by training camp, after OTAs and minicamps, I would guess...

I think that's a no-brainer... I do think Matakovitch makes it, but, Moats' ILB experience makes it OK to keep an extra guy listed at OLB IF the team wants to. Matakovitch is very Vince Williams in a sense that he's slow-ish, but, good vs the run. Chickillo would be my guess for odd man out

[Slapstick]

I also forgot about Steven Johnson...he has what amounts to a qualifying veteran minimum contract and some starting experience...I would imagine that a roster spot is his to lose at ILB...

Feeney is PS eligible as is Chickillo...