Steelers Not Extending James Daniels

[Northern_Blitz]

This video talks about PFF guard rankings and how it's a strength of the Steelers.

IS ranked 14. JD ranked 20.

It's one metric, but it's something.

I think it supports the idea that we should extend Daniels, but they don't pay me the big bucks.

[Northern_Blitz]

I think that Daniels is a good value right now. Going by comparisons, he has a 2024 cap hit of $11.17M with a three year AAV of $8.83M. Just going by a bit of research:

2024 - 12th ranked guard for cap hit. Top 5 go from $26.97M - $15.5M (Seumalo 13th at $10.19M)
2024 - 5th in base salary at $8.25M (#1 $19M)
2024 - 18th AAV of $8.83M (Top 5 $21M - $18.4M)

This is why this FO is actually starting to play ahead of the game. They will have a year to evaluate McCormick and maybe Spencer Anderson. If they look ready to step in then you can let Daniels walk, maybe get a compensatory pick, and have a cheap solution for the next 2-3 years. If not, you offer Daniels a fair raise and pay market value to retain your own.

This is a reasonable path forward IMO

But I think we also have to consider that IS is on year 2 of a 3 year contract. And turns 31 this year.

If we think McCormick was a starter for next year, I'd personally rather extend the guy who's turning 27 this year and phase out the guy that's turning 31 (given that they are both comparable...per PFF anyway).

But it depends a lot on what Daniels wants in his next contract (his last big "bite at the apple").

[NorthCoast]

I think that Daniels is a good value right now. Going by comparisons, he has a 2024 cap hit of $11.17M with a three year AAV of $8.83M. Just going by a bit of research:

2024 - 12th ranked guard for cap hit. Top 5 go from $26.97M - $15.5M (Seumalo 13th at $10.19M)
2024 - 5th in base salary at $8.25M (#1 $19M)
2024 - 18th AAV of $8.83M (Top 5 $21M - $18.4M)

This is why this FO is actually starting to play ahead of the game. They will have a year to evaluate McCormick and maybe Spencer Anderson. If they look ready to step in then you can let Daniels walk, maybe get a compensatory pick, and have a cheap solution for the next 2-3 years. If not, you offer Daniels a fair raise and pay market value to retain your own.

Don't forget Dylan Cook may be in the mix as well.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

This is a reasonable path forward IMO

But I think we also have to consider that IS is on year 2 of a 3 year contract. And turns 31 this year.

If we think McCormick was a starter for next year, I'd personally rather extend the guy who's turning 27 this year and phase out the guy that's turning 31 (given that they are both comparable...per PFF anyway).

But it depends a lot on what Daniels wants in his next contract (his last big "bite at the apple").

True, and the Steelers have the advantage of letting this season play out before deciding if you extend Daniels, Seumalo, draft another mid round guy next season, which of the kids have a future as starter etc. This as opposed to the Colbert approach of Pouncey predictably retired, nobody reasonably ready to take over so draft a guard in the third this year who we are forced to move to guard.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Don't forget Dylan Cook may be in the mix as well.

Absolutely, although I think he is primarily a tackle. But this is what happens when you focus on stocking the line instead of reacting to very predictable events.

[Northern_Blitz]

True, and the Steelers have the advantage of letting this season play out before deciding if you extend Daniels, Seumalo, draft another mid round guy next season, which of the kids have a future as starter etc. This as opposed to the Colbert approach of Pouncey predictably retired, nobody reasonably ready to take over so draft a guard in the third this year who we are forced to move to guard.

I think it's a reasonable thing.

And even though we aren't paying a lot for the OL yet, it doesn't mean we can't move that cap hit elsewhere.

I would be really great for guys like McCormic / Anderson to be solid starters. Hitting on AV and Foster was a big deal with the last line IMO because then you can use premium picks elsewhere.

I agree that we went too hard on "skill position" players at the end of Ben's career. I don't think we wanted to break in a new line in his last years and were hoping the old guys could hold on. Especially after we lost 50 and had to semi-rebuild the D on the fly.

[Northern_Blitz]

Don't forget Dylan Cook may be in the mix as well.

Was it 2 seasons ago where we pretty much had zero line depth and lucked out because we had no injuries?

Now, I think we will probably end up cutting a viable NFL player. Although I still think we consider flipping Moore so we get more draft capital and avoid the proven performance escalator he gets for starting so many games. Just like we did with Dotson last season.

[Buzz]

Was it 2 seasons ago where we pretty much had zero line depth and lucked out because we had no injuries?

Now, I think we will probably end up cutting a viable NFL player. Although I still think we consider flipping Moore so we get more draft capital and avoid the proven performance escalator he gets for starting so many games. Just like we did with Dotson last season.

Just hope Moore doesn't go on to become a star, like Dotson did.

[Chucktownsteeler]

Just hope Moore doesn't go on to become a star, like Dotson did.

Even if he does, we have our book-end tackles for the next decade. Both are an upgrade over Moore or Chuks for that matter.

[NorthCoast]

Just hope Moore doesn't go on to become a star, like Dotson did.

I don't think there is much of a chance of that happening at this point. He's been in the league long enough to know what he is or isn't. Dotson was misplaced from the beginning. A coaching fail.

btw, here's one reason the Steelers might feel comfortable letting Daniels walk. A 36 inch vertical for a 300 lb lineman?! Oh my!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2q1cvV1][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/2q1cvV1]capture2[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/191750946@N04/]R W[/url], on Flickr

[Joel Buchsbaum]

2025?: Jones, Seumalo, Frazier, McCormick, Fautuna

I would give every chace in camp to the rookies to start in the OL. All three of them! Each man is strong, agile, and IMO football players.

Daniles knows his days starting for the Steelers are numbered.

Our runnning game is going to be excellent.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

I don't think there is much of a chance of that happening at this point. He's been in the league long enough to know what he is or isn't. Dotson was misplaced from the beginning. A coaching fail.

btw, here's one reason the Steelers might feel comfortable letting Daniels walk. A 36 inch vertical for a 300 lb lineman?! Oh my!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2q1cvV1][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/2q1cvV1]capture2[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/191750946@N04/]R W[/url], on Flickr

+1

To add , Mccormick is super strong and did 32 reps on the bench.

McCormick ran a 5.08 40-yard dash, had a 35 1/2-inch vertical jump and put up 32 bench press reps at his pro day. McCormick is a stout, well-built pass protector and he is strong.

[Captain Lemming]

+1

To add , Mccormick is super strong and did 32 reps on the bench.

Nice add Joel. I think this is an example of why there is value in looking closely at small school options too.

Likely had he gone to a bigger school he would have been long gone.

[Woodson]

Just hope Moore doesn't go on to become a star, like Dotson did.

He's been THE worst starting LT for all 3 seasons he's played, THE worst.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

Nice add Joel. I think this is an example of why there is value in looking closely at small school options too.

Likely had he gone to a bigger school he would have been long gone.

I like our " jack rabbit " and our rookie free agent DB.

Both players are vey good with thier hands.

One led nation in passes defended (24) and pass breakups (20)

No. 2 nationally in forced incompletions (17)

Our " Beanie " ran a 4.39 too. His workout was impressive too.