2019 Offseason thread

[Chadman]

Taking a look at available FA ILB’s this year and while there are a couple of good ones, concerningly, mostly 2 down types. Avery Williamson and Preston Brown and Denzel Perryman might all be good additions, but are they all Vince Williams/Jon Bostic clones?

Who are the best CB options? Dennard from the Bengals?

Roster cuts might be interesting to follow..

Looking at early draft predictions, there’s a lot of DL depth in the first couple of rounds.

[Oviedo]

The Steelers have a lot to figure out...coaching staff changes?

Trade AB? AB's trade value?

Who to re-sign or release?

What non team free agents could be best fit for the team?

And of course, the draft.
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Fitchner should be given another chance, Butler needs to go. Is Munchak pretty much gone? More than likely (huge blow to the team). Trying to remember if we need a new WR coach since Mann retired (or was that last year)?

Top candidates I'd like to see replace Butler as new DC..

Todd Bowles, Vic Fangio (more than likely becoming an HC), Kris Richard, Chris Hewitt and Mike Nolan. Not sure which college DC's would be available.
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AB pretty much is going to be traded unfortunately, unless he holds out next year when Roethlisberger's contract is up..but the situation is going to fester even worse.

So.. predictions on his trade value return? If Cooper netted one first round pick..AB is worth more (despite age). Who are likely to trade for him? 8 likely destinations...

https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/2464007002

"So let's speculate and address this with a few potential trade partners.

Carolina Panthers
Imagine the stylistic battles with Cam Newton if two of the league's hippest stars engaged in battles of one-upmanship on the haberdashery front. Trivial matters aside, Newton and Co. could use a do-it-all deep threat to relieve some burden from Christian McCaffrey while allowing 2018 first rounder DJ Moore to grow on an arc potentially similar to Smith-Schuster's. New owner David Tepper, who used to have a minority stake in the Steelers, would have valuable insight.

Green Bay Packers
I know, I know — the Pack typically don't make daring forays into the trade or free agent markets. But let's not typecast new-ish GM Brian Gutekunst too quickly. Let's also remember that he has an extra first-round pick at his disposal this year if he wants to work something out. Lastly, with Randall Cobb headed to the open market, there is a need here — and Brown would certainly be the kind of upgrade that could revitalize Aaron Rodgers while giving a major boost to the next coaching staff.

Indianapolis Colts
One of this season's AFC wild-card entries is clearly trending in the right direction. GM Chris Ballard is also flush with valuable picks — he has an extra second rounder this year to sweeten any deal — and more than enough cap space to accommodate Brown's contract. And, did you know, Brown and Colts speedster T.Y. Hilton were childhood friends while growing up in Miami's Liberty City? What a combo they could be for Andrew Luck — shades of Peyton Manning's heyday with Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne.

New York Jets
Like the Colts, they've got cap space to burn, so taking on Brown's deal isn't an issue. GM Mike Maccagnan also needs to start arming quarterback Sam Darnold with more weapons — just imagine dealing for Brown and signing Le'Veon Bell. And the Jets have historically loved stealing headlines from the Giants with major moves (that don't always pan out). But is Maccagnan ready to part with the No. 3 pick of the draft — at minimum probably — especially given this year's second rounder was already shipped to Ballard and the Colts in order to secure Darnold?

Oakland Raiders
You may have heard they dealt Cooper to Dallas and now lack a bona fide No. 1 target in their pass game. You may have heard Jon Gruden and new GM Mike Mayock have five first-round picks spread over the next two drafts. Gruden and Mayock are also two guys with (scathing) senses of humor who appreciate talent — but either would also be more than willing to give Brown the tough love and straight talk he clearly needs sometimes. And, not for nothing, owner Mark Davis could use another attraction for a franchise that could be a traveling road show in 2019 before it settles in Vegas.

San Francisco 49ers
Another team with ample cap space. Another team in dire need of a top wide receiver for Jimmy Garoppolo in a division that won't let anyone rests on their laurels. A team with a creative offensive coach, Kyle Shanahan, who could leverage Brown's game-breaking ability in numerous ways. And, not for nothing, blossoming Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle would clearly embrace the help and has already caught Brown's attention.
Seattle Seahawks
Speaking of NFC West arms races, what a tandem Brown and Russell Wilson might make. Coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider have a history of gambles — Marshawn Lynch, Percy Harvin, Jimmy Graham — and this would certainly represent another for an organization that just underwent a significant reboot of its locker room in favor of younger, more impressionable players. However this is a scenario where Seattle could theoretically offer a solid receiver in return — namely Doug Baldwin (Hines Ward 2.0 in Pittsburgh?) or Tyler Lockett — which could help offset the freight on draft pick compensation.

Washington Redskins
Few organizations love splashy deals more. In this case, it would be justifiable with Josh Doctson's failure to flourish and Jamison Crowder's contract expiring. Only the Cardinals had a less potent passing offense in the NFC in 2018, though quarterback Alex Smith's style of play and subsequent leg injury were major factors in Washington's demise — as was the season-ending injury to Paul Richardson, whose career numbers cast doubt on his reliability anyway. Brown could solve a lot of problems here, but obtaining him would be putting the cart before the horse given the mystery surrounding Smith's status moving forward.

Business could be booming again in Pittsburgh — which just endured a massively disappointing campaign after opting not to pay Bell what he wanted — but the Steelers need to first initiate what would be yet another key business decision.

Follow Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis"
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Steelers have so many upcoming free agents, a lot are needed to be released. Who should be re-signed?

FAs
Le'veon Bell (gone)
Stevan Ridley (gone)
DHB (needs to go)
Justin Hunter (re-sign 1 year)
Eli Rogers (gone)
Jesse James (re-sign)
Ramon Foster (re-sign 1 year or gone)
Tyson Alualu (re-sign)
LT Walton (re-sign)
Dan McCullers (gone)
Ryan Shazier (injury agreement to stay on team)
LJ Fort (re-sign)
Anthony Chickillo (re-sign)
Coty Sensabaugh (gone)
Nat Berhe (gone)
Jordan Berry (tough call..but gone)

RFAs
BJ Finney (re-sign)
Xavier Grimble (re-sign)

ERFAs
Jake McGee (re-sign unless not healthy)
Joseph Cheek (gone)
Matt Feiler (re-sign)
Keith Kelsey (gone)
Mike Hilton (re-sign)
Kameron Canaday (re-sign)
Jordan Dangerfield (gone)
Malik Golden (re-sign)
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With some glaring needs, here's some players I'd be interested in and be a good fit via free agency:

Golden Tate, WR
Tyrell Williams, WR
A.J. Cann, G
Mike Iupati, G (if Foster is gone)
Dee Ford, LB (upgrade over Dupree)
Darqueze Dennard, CB (slight better than Burns)
Ryan Allen, P
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And now for the draft.

2019 draft picks
Round 1: Pittsburgh
Round 2: Pittsburgh
Round 3: Pittsburgh
Round 4: Pittsburgh
Round 5: None
Round 6: Pittsburgh, Oakland
Round 7: Tampa Bay

Team needs: CB, LB, WR, OG, OT, DT, RB

Possible draft targets:

Deandre Baker, CB; Georgia (1st)
Byron Murphy, CB; Washington (1st)
Devin White, ILB, LSU (1st)
Raekwan Davis, DT; Alabama (1st/2nd)
Te'Von Coney, ILB; Notre Dame (2nd)
D'Andre Walker, OLB; Georgia (3rd)
Deebo Samuel, WR; SCAR (3rd)
Hakeem Butler, WR; IowaSt (3rd)
Rodney Anderson, RB; Oklahoma (4th)

Thank you for this. This is excellent work and a lot of effort on your part

Just a couple of my thoughts:

1. Butler needs to go along with Joey Porter and Bradley. Would look at Todd Bowles or Vance Joseph.
2. I see no way we trade AB without absorbing a cap hit that cripples us for a couple of seasons. Better course of action is to decompress the situation and work this internally...tough love if necessary.
3. Inside LB is our greatest need in the draft. The loss of Shazier was a bigger issue than anyone can really quantify but my estimation is it probably cost of a couple of wins with our inability to cover TEs and RBs and giving up too many 3rd down conversions instead of getting opponents off the field.

[Buzz]

2. I see no way we trade AB without absorbing a cap hit that cripples us for a couple of seasons. Better course of action is to decompress the situation and work this internally...tough love if necessary.

I think it's beyond that. Even as Tomlin was giving his press conference, AB was mocking him (egged on by James Harrison) via live stream. Total disrespect and not a bit of contrition on AB's part. How can Tomlin trust him? How can his teammates trust him?

Cut your losses and get rid of this clown, he's a walking time bomb. Everyone says the cap hit is too much to handle. No it's not. It's a million less than what you would be paying him if he plays here in 2019. The bigger problem is replacing his production. But this could be a blessing in disguise, forcing us to move away from such a pass-heavy offense.

[Rara]

Thank you for this. This is excellent work and a lot of effort on your part

Just a couple of my thoughts:

1. Butler needs to go along with Joey Porter and Bradley. Would look at Todd Bowles or Vance Joseph.
2. I see no way we trade AB without absorbing a cap hit that cripples us for a couple of seasons. Better course of action is to decompress the situation and work this internally...tough love if necessary.
3. Inside LB is our greatest need in the draft. The loss of Shazier was a bigger issue than anyone can really quantify but my estimation is it probably cost of a couple of wins with our inability to cover TEs and RBs and giving up too many 3rd down conversions instead of getting opponents off the field.

Thanks for the compliment! Porter is gone..so that's good. I'd move Butler back to LB coach and sign Bowles to be DC. Bradley needs one more chance.

I, too, feel inside linebacker is our biggest need but always have the worst of luck in the draft.

[Ernie]

Ovi... Im not sure if trying to "Decompress" that situation with AB is reasonable at this point. As you know, AB has been an ongoing issue... dating back to 2012 according to Ike Taylor. Id have to think that Mike Tomlin and others have tried several times over this span to get him "Reeled in". It's time to cut our losses and move on from this cancer.

[fordfixer]

Maybe AB has taken too many shots to the head from Vontaze Burfiict.

[Steel Maniac]

Does it seem like all the teams that need a head coach are looking at a lot more candidates then usual? Seems that every team is looking at 4 or 5 different guys this year and really making sure that whoever they select fits that team/scheme.

That's a good thing; don't get me wrong. But it seems like all these teams are really digging deep to do their due diligence this year more so in then in other years.

[steeler_george]

Does it seem like all the teams that need a head coach are looking at a lot more candidates then usual? Seems that every team is looking at 4 or 5 different guys this year and really making sure that whoever they select fits that team/scheme.

That's a good thing; don't get me wrong. But it seems like all these teams are really digging deep to do their due diligence this year more so in then in other years.

Because it is seems as if it is the same teams again who are searching, and same HC available.

[Steel Maniac]

Well, I give Bruce Arians credit, he's not taking any old job. He knows he's going to go where there is a QB. Bucs or Browns. LOL

[Steel Maniac]

Todd Bowles is being sought after to be Arians DC. Nice combo

[Sugar]

Well, I give Bruce Arians credit, he's not taking any old job. He knows he's going to go where there is a QB. Bucs or Browns. LOL

He's also chosen to coach in a retirement community, so it works!

[Steel Maniac]

He's also chosen to coach in a retirement community, so it works!

Shots fired! You guys are cutting this morning. LOL

[fordfixer]

A restraining order against Deebo.
Giving Bell advice and now it looks like he's coaching AB.
JH trying to sabotage the Steelers?

He’s still working for the *’s

[Rara]

Still don't understand why Saxton wasn't re-signed. Every running back did well this year.

[Steel Maniac]

I don't like any of the hires in Arizona; They look like they completely don't know what their doing over there.

Klingsbury..in over his head
Vance Joseph..still unproven as a DC to me
Sarkisian...Terrible OC in Atlanta; Terrible OC/coach at USC; Why should he be good in Arizona?