Going big in free agency

[Oviedo]

Khan and Weidl showed last year that they will be bigger players and sign more impact players than Colbert.

If we were to make a big splash, where to do it? My take:

1. Cornerback. Got a long term solution with Porter on one side. Do we make a big signing with someone like Jaylon Johnson (best on the market). Arguably would give us a top 3 Cornerback pair in the league. But Johnson, if Chicago doesn't tag him, will cost a fortune and some already complain about having the most expensive defense.

2. Defensive Line. IMO one of the biggest needs we have and the draft is this this year with the type of defensive linemen we like, e.g. 6'5" and 300lbs. If you throw in the need for a big body on the nose there could be a couple in free agency but also thin in the draft. With spread offenses dominant in the college game, ain't growing these big guys like in the past.

3. Offensive Tackle. Another "break the bank" position in free agency. But looking at who is available, I think we'd be better getting our next right tackle in the draft. Like was recently written, I think the Steelers could be comfortable with the two tackles we have (maybe flip sides) and get a future right tackle in Round 2-4.

4. Inside LB. We've never truly fixed this problem since Shazier got hurt. Lots of bridge players like who I think we have now. Patrick Queen would be the "splash" signing and would weaken the Ravens.

5. Center. This is where I think we may make the big play in free agency. I don't see us going into the draft with a hole at Center and hoping the draft falls our way. There are some good to very good Centers going on the market

If I were making the decisions, I'd love Cornerback but probably cost prohibitive so I'm going for a Center and hoping to get Patrick Queen at ILB.

[WindyCitySteel]

How did Kahn and Weidl show this and yet we're in the same position as last year on so many of the holes the "filled"?

[Captain Lemming]

How did Kahn and Weidl show this and yet we're in the same position as last year on so many of the holes the "filled"?

I agree here. I think Khan is a better wheeler dealer, I love their eye for talent, but we have no evidence that they are bigger players in splash moves.

This is why I do not think a move for Fields is a thing at all. I think it is dreamed up fantasy with no basis in anything from the team.

Not only have we been reminded that Smith had no interest in drafting him, as YOU correctly repeatedly remind us Tomlin hates turnovers, and no matter how it is spun, Fields is a turnover machine.

I would suspect the only rumor that MIGHT happen with QB is Russ IF he chooses not to max his value because he WANTS to be a Steeler. Even that seems unlikely.

Similarly, on defense, I agree that there is no basis to expect a greater likelihood of a big name. It is not impossible, Khan/Weidl are still new but to suggest that we have SEEN this based on last season, is not true.

[feltdizz]

I agree here. I think Khan is a better wheeler dealer, I love their eye for talent, but we have no evidence that they are bigger splash players.

injuries are part of the game. Apparently more players than just RB’s get injured and can impact roster build.

[Chucktownsteeler]

1. Cornerback. Read where Trice is jogging (in January) and should be ready for OTAs. We also picked up Darius Rush. Depending on how these 2 are progressing it may not be our biggest need.

2. Defensive Line. Need to target DL in round 2 or 3. Sweat of Texas looks good.

3. Offensive Tackle. If we move Jones back to LT we can target a rt tackle in Round 4. I like Matt Goncalves of Pitt.

4. Inside LB. This is definenately a big need. Looking at Round 3, depending on how the draft breaks.

5. Center. Round 1, JPJ. Pencil him in for the next 12 years.

Patrick Queen - Would be great but probably to high priced. Plus I have read where there is bad blood between him and Tomlin. Not.going.to.happen

[Captain Lemming]

injuries are part of the game. Apparently more players than just RB’s get injured and can impact roster build.

I have no idea how this is at all relevant to this thread but if your intent is to rehash our decade long debate on my contention that paying elite backs big bucks don’t win championships you really are best served not opening that door my brother.

Consider it an act of mercy that I have not already bludgeoned you with how BADLY your take has been proven wrong.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

I think we have to look at FA cost vs. draft depth at each position. Especially since teams have more money to spend than they thought they would.

CB - Expensive FAs and strong draft. Add that there are a couple of picks from last year still trying to crack the roster (Trice, Rush). I don't think the Steelers make a FA splash at corner.

DL - Only one spot secured for the future (Benton). Everyone else is either on their way out, still unproven, or lower level. Add to that this draft is somewhat deep, but not as high end at DL. I can see a FA signing with a middle round draft pick who will get a year to develop with Cam near the end of his run.

OT - Expensive to sign, not many quality ones available, and strong in the draft. I say OT gets addressed in the draft.

ILB - Tough one for the Steelers. Still have Holcomb under contract (health?), as well as Roberts and Robinson. I don't think this draft is supposed to be deep at the position. I'd say that most likely the team does not make a big move at ILB if Holcomb is expected back in shape - low level signing or mid to late round pick. If they make a splash it is more likely in FA and could mean that Holcomb is toast.

Center - This is pretty much 100% guaranteed to be a splash. Usually not the most expensive position or the one that teams grab on day one of FA. I don't think that the team needs to act as fast as some think after cutting Cole. IMO plan A is to draft one of the top centers within the first two or three rounds. Plan B is to see who is still around in FA after the draft if they don't select one. There are a couple of higher end Cs in FA, after that there are a bunch of "better than Cole but not needle mover" guys. Plan C is go into the season with Herbig, McCollum, Anderson fighting it out. Any of those should at least not be a downgrade from last year.

[Northern_Blitz]

How did Kahn and Weidl show this and yet we're in the same position as last year on so many of the holes the "filled"?

I don't think you can avoid playing whack a mole every offseason re: roster construction.

Guys are always aging out, getting injured, and coming off contract. And every team misses on UFAs and draft picks.

Every team always has a holes like this every offseason.

[Shawn]

If you can believe reports the Steelers offered a second and additional picks for Fields.

[Iron City Inc.]

If you can believe reports the Steelers offered a second and additional picks for Fields.

Hey good to see you post again.
As far as that report and the many other reports that tend to lead up to the draft I think we all have to be cautious. Lots of misinformation out there.

[Captain Lemming]

If you can believe reports the Steelers offered a second and additional picks for Fields.

I always believe reports ever since Tomlin left for LA because his wife loves it there.

[Captain Lemming]

Hey good to see you post again.
As far as that report and the many other reports that tend to lead up to the draft I think we all have to be cautious. Lots of misinformation out there.

Agreed, good to see Shawn back. This is his time of year. Good draft takes, I always learn stuff from him.

Well except for his OSU blind spot.

If by some miracle Fields ends up a Steeler the existing rage between him and Dizz would escalate to all new heights due to their competing homerism.

I don’t think the board could survive two competing Homers.

[Shawn]

Agreed, good to see Shawn back. This is his time of year. Good draft takes, I always learn stuff from him.

Well except for his OSU blind spot.

If by some miracle Fields ends up a Steeler the existing rage between him and Dizz would escalate to all new heights due to their competing homerism.

I don’t think the board could survive two competing Homers.

wait until you see my mock. It’s all Buckeyes.

[Chucktownsteeler]

wait until you see my mock. It’s all Buckeyes.

As long as you get us Marvin Harrison, Jr. I'm good.

[Chucktownsteeler]

If you can believe reports the Steelers offered a second and additional picks for Fields.

If true they have decided to move on from Pickett.