Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

**calmkiller** · 04-23-2009, 08:21 AM

Re: Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

[url="http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/04/22/salary-cap-space-as-of-april-22/"]http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/04/ ... -april-22/[/url]

Salary Cap Space As Of April 22

Pittsburgh Steelers: $440,000.

**papillon** · 04-23-2009, 08:25 AM

Re: Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

Great work Chadman and as I've been saying all along there are some veterans that should be released or rework their contracts. Unfortunately, the Steelers haven't done anything about it prior to the draft.

Willie - I love him, his story, his attitude and his work ethic, but, I hand the ball over to Mendenhall and release Parker or look to trade him.

Hampton - I look to use him as trade bait, move Hoke up the depth chart and draft the future early.

Ward - He has to take the Bettis deal or release him and select a WR early. This is very unpopular as he should retire a Steeler, but, I'm a fan of the team and not any one player, Hines included.

Kiesel making more than Aaron Smith? This is abominable. Release Kiesel and get his replacement late in the draft or via camp cuts in August.

Larry Foote should be used as trade bait or released and give Timmons the job.

Ryan Clark needs to be extended and be a member of the Steelers. He and Troy make a great safety tandem.

Heath Miller should be resigned at all costs and Spaeth the experiment should be released. He can't block a lick and really hasn't done much in the passing game. He may become a good pass catching TE on a team that uses a TE a bit more than the Steelers. It would be a good career move for him.

Greg Warren and his salary can go as well. Jared Rotkovsky filled in admirably as the long snapper, there's no need to pay Warren.

The last years of back loaded big contracts are coming home to roost and difficult decisions are going to have to be made, both, by the players (if they want to remain a Steeler) and by the Steelers themselves.

Just my

/10

Pappy

**RKSteel** · 04-23-2009, 08:27 AM

Re: Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

Great work Chadman. Will be interesting to see if the draft shakes out similiar to how you projected the Steelers needs.

**Chadman** · 04-23-2009, 09:27 AM

Re: Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

Let's now look at Needs vs Visits/Interest to see how this might shake out...

PRIORITY EARLY NEEDS- Interior OL, OT (Possibly), DE & S
VISITS THAT FIT CATAGORY- C Alex Mack (Rd 1), C Max Unger (Rd 1-2), S Louis Delmas (Rd 1-2), DE Jarron Gilbert (Rd 1-2), DT Ron Brace (Rd 1-2)

EARLY NEEDS (Includes Priority Needs)- WR, OT, Interior OL, DE, S
VISITS THAT FIT CATAGORY- C Alex Mack (Rd 1), C Max Unger (Rd 1-2), S Louis Delmas (Rd 1-2), DE Jarron Gilbert (Rd 1-2), DT Ron Brace (Rd 1-2), DE Fili Moala (Rd 2), OT Phil Loadholt (Rd 2), CB/S Sherrod Martin (Rd 2-3), OG Andy Levitre (Rd 2-3), OG Herman Johnson (Rd 2-3), C Eric Wood (Rd 2), WR Louis Murphy (Rd 3), DT Dorrell Scott (Rd 3)

MID ROUND NEEDS- WR, OT, DE, CB, ILB
VISITS THAT FIT CATAGORY- WR Louis Murphy (Rd 3), DT Dorrell Scott (Rd 3), DT Sammy Lee Hill (Rd 3-4), CB Joe Bennett (Rd 3-5), WR Mike Thomas (Rd 4-5), C AQ Shipley (Rd 3-4), ILB Scott McKillop (Rd 3-4)

MID TO LATE ROUND NEEDS- RB, OG, NT, ILB, CB, OT (Possible), TE
VISITS THAT FIT CATAGORY- TE Richard Quinn (Rd 4), CB Joe Bennett (Rd 3-5), ILB Scott McKillop (Rd 3-4), DT Sammy Lee Hill (Rd 3-4), CB Donald Washington (Rd 4-6), OG Louis Vasquez (Rd 5-6), DE RaShon Harris (Rd 5-6), FB Frank Summers (Rd 5-7), CB Don Carey (Rd 6-7), LB Spence Adkins (Rd 6-7), CB Ellis Lankster (Rd 6-7), CB Tony Carter (Rd 6-7), CB Greg Toler (Rd 5-7), OG CJ Davis (Rd 6-7), OT Jason Watkins (Rd 4-6)

**SidSmythe** · 04-23-2009, 09:29 AM

Re: Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

No way do you get rid of Townshend or Hoke. They provide veteran depth at very cap friendly numbers.

**Chadman** · 04-23-2009, 09:43 AM

Re: Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

Now lets brake this down a little more-

Round 1-

If we assume that the PRIORITY needs are Interior OL, OT, DE & Safety- with no visits from any of the 'Top OT's', let's assume the Steelers are NOT targeting OT in Round 1. That leaves OG/OC, S & DE. Alex Mack & Max Unger both fill a need, BUT...if you look at the players that visited in the Round 2-3 catagory, you notice that several OG's/OC's start to pop up. Is that a sign that the Steelers might target OG/OC in Round 2? Let's assume so, for arguments sake. So- DE vs Safety. The Steelers invited/showed interest in DE/DT Jarron Gilbert & Ron Brace & also Free Safety Louis Delmas. Brace, Chadman would normally consider a NT, but Ed Bouchette did say that the Steelers view him as a possible DE. So, like Interoir OL, lets see if the Steelers target any other 'options' in these positions in the Round 2-3 region- DE = Fili Moala, Dorrell Scott & Sammy Lee Hill. Safety = Louis Delmas & Sherrod Martin. Hmm....Is the drop-off from Gilbert/Brace to Moala/Scott/Hill as dramatic as Delmas to Martin?
Chadman doesn't think so. With that in mind, because of the players invited to visit the Steelers HQ & because of Roster Needs- Chadman predicts that FREE SAFETY LOUIS DELMAS will be pick #32- barring any trade down or up.

**Djfan** · 04-23-2009, 09:46 AM

Re: Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

I agree on Spaeth. He has no value to us beyond trade bait. Possibly agree on Foote. Bummer. I really like the guy for us.

Who is Anthony Madison? Has he done anything? He has a big number for sitting on the bench.

Willie Parker is a tough one. I have said that this might be the season he goes. He still has market value, and a high cap ding. Do we really need him? Probably not. But, for the record, I love the guy. Hope he retires a Steeler.

Does anyone think that Ward DOESN'T restructure? You can bet The Bus will get a hold of him and discuss the benefits of that move.

**papillon** · 04-23-2009, 10:08 AM

Re: Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

Originally posted by Djfan

I agree on Spaeth. He has no value to us beyond trade bait. Possibly agree on Foote. Bummer. I really like the guy for us.

Who is Anthony Madison? Has he done anything? He has a big number for sitting on the bench.

Willie Parker is a tough one. I have said that this might be the season he goes. He still has market value, and a high cap ding. Do we really need him? Probably not. But, for the record, I love the guy. Hope he retires a Steeler.

Does anyone think that Ward DOESN'T restructure? You can bet The Bus will get a hold of him and discuss the benefits of that move.

I love Ward and he should retire a Steeler, but he did hold out once to get his payday. Now it's time for him to step up to the plate and take one for the team or release him. If he's not willing to restructure, then you have to let him go, his cap dollars versus production won't match up.

Not only that, but, his contract frees up the required space (about 4.5 - 5.0 million) to sign the draft class. One painful, but necessary move, if he isn't willing to renegotiate. Of course, not all draftees will make the 53 man roster, but any signing bonuses no matter how minuscule will be counted against the cap.

Pappy

**RuthlessBurgher** · 04-23-2009, 10:33 AM

Re: Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

Originally posted by papillon

Kiesel making more than Aaron Smith? This is abominable. Release Kiesel and get his replacement late in the draft or via camp cuts in August.

Release Keisel? Seriously? Considering how long it takes for a DE to learn LeBeau's version of the 3-4, there is no possible way you could get a suitable replacement late in the draft or via an August cut. Keisel is painfully underrated by Steeler fans. Every one of these teams that are converting to the 3-4 would love to have a Keisel.

The only reason that Keisel's cap number is more than Smith's this season is because Keisel is entering the last year of his deal, when the base salary is typically at it highest level, while Smith is still in the middle of his contract.

Keisel signed a 4 year deal worth $13.1 million ($3.29M bonus) in 2006.
Smith signed a 5 year deal worth $24.5 million ($8M bonus) in 2007.

So, obviously, Keisel's contract is not abominable compared to Smith's. Let's not overreact here, people.

**RuthlessBurgher** · 04-23-2009, 10:37 AM

Re: Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

Originally posted by Djfan

Who is Anthony Madison? Has he done anything? He has a big number for sitting on the bench.

Madison was given the same RFA tender that we gave to McHugh (who signed a multi-year deal shortly thereafter). They felt that Madison's special teams prowess and the fact that he provides some corner depth as well that he was worth the $1.01 million one year RFA tender while former 3rd round pick Anthony Smith (who could have been kept for one more year at the same number) was not. Judging by the drastic improvement in our special teams coverage units last season, I don't question some of the decisions to bring back guys like Key Fox and Madison, even if they don't have a defined role in our regular defense.

**papillon** · 04-23-2009, 11:54 AM

Re: Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

Originally posted by RuthlessBurgher

Originally posted by papillon

Kiesel making more than Aaron Smith? This is abominable. Release Kiesel and get his replacement late in the draft or via camp cuts in August.

Release Keisel? Seriously? Considering how long it takes for a DE to learn LeBeau's version of the 3-4, there is no possible way you could get a suitable replacement late in the draft or via an August cut. Keisel is painfully underrated by Steeler fans. Every one of these teams that are converting to the 3-4 would love to have a Keisel.

The only reason that Keisel's cap number is more than Smith's this season is because Keisel is entering the last year of his deal, when the base salary is typically at it highest level, while Smith is still in the middle of his contract.

Keisel signed a 4 year deal worth $13.1 million ($3.29M bonus) in 2006.
Smith signed a 5 year deal worth $24.5 million ($8M bonus) in 2007.

So, obviously, Keisel's contract is not abominable compared to Smith's. Let's not overreact here, people.

We aren't going to be able to keep every veteran on this team; at some point the difficult decisions are going to have to be made. When do the Steelers begin to do this? We are going to be drafting more younguns and some others are developing.

Pappy

**RuthlessBurgher** · 04-23-2009, 12:12 PM

Re: Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

Originally posted by papillon

Originally posted by RuthlessBurgher

Originally posted by papillon

Kiesel making more than Aaron Smith? This is abominable. Release Kiesel and get his replacement late in the draft or via camp cuts in August.

Release Keisel? Seriously? Considering how long it takes for a DE to learn LeBeau's version of the 3-4, there is no possible way you could get a suitable replacement late in the draft or via an August cut. Keisel is painfully underrated by Steeler fans. Every one of these teams that are converting to the 3-4 would love to have a Keisel.

The only reason that Keisel's cap number is more than Smith's this season is because Keisel is entering the last year of his deal, when the base salary is typically at it highest level, while Smith is still in the middle of his contract.

Keisel signed a 4 year deal worth $13.1 million ($3.29M bonus) in 2006.
Smith signed a 5 year deal worth $24.5 million ($8M bonus) in 2007.

So, obviously, Keisel's contract is not abominable compared to Smith's. Let's not overreact here, people.

We aren't going to be able to keep every veteran on this team; at some point the difficult decisions are going to have to be made. When do the Steelers begin to do this? We are going to be drafting more younguns and some others are developing.

Pappy

We may not be able to re-sign Keisel when his contract expires after this season. We should put a priority on drafting a player who projects as a 3-4 DE (I'm still holding out hope for Gilbert in round 2). But that doesn't mean you cut a starter now with no real legit depth behind him.

**papillon** · 04-23-2009, 12:21 PM

Re: Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

Originally posted by RuthlessBurgher

Originally posted by papillon

Originally posted by RuthlessBurgher

Originally posted by papillon

Kiesel making more than Aaron Smith? This is abominable. Release Kiesel and get his replacement late in the draft or via camp cuts in August.

Release Keisel? Seriously? Considering how long it takes for a DE to learn LeBeau's version of the 3-4, there is no possible way you could get a suitable replacement late in the draft or via an August cut. Keisel is painfully underrated by Steeler fans. Every one of these teams that are converting to the 3-4 would love to have a Keisel.

The only reason that Keisel's cap number is more than Smith's this season is because Keisel is entering the last year of his deal, when the base salary is typically at it highest level, while Smith is still in the middle of his contract.

Keisel signed a 4 year deal worth $13.1 million ($3.29M bonus) in 2006.
Smith signed a 5 year deal worth $24.5 million ($8M bonus) in 2007.

So, obviously, Keisel's contract is not abominable compared to Smith's. Let's not overreact here, people.

We aren't going to be able to keep every veteran on this team; at some point the difficult decisions are going to have to be made. When do the Steelers begin to do this? We are going to be drafting more younguns and some others are developing.

Pappy

We may not be able to re-sign Keisel when his contract expires after this season. We should put a priority on drafting a player who projects as a 3-4 DE (I'm still holding out hope for Gilbert in round 2). But that doesn't mean you cut a starter now with no real legit depth behind him.

Ward's cap hit alone will give the Steelers ample room to sign the rookie class. What if he doesn't want to restructure? what do you do? Same with Hampton? Foote? Something has to give by the end of training camp. How long will the NFL allow the Steelers to be over the cap? They will be if everything stays exactly as it is right now and they sign 9 draft picks. As of right now the Steelers have about $440,000 to use to sign the rooks.

Pappy

**RuthlessBurgher** · 04-23-2009, 12:40 PM

Re: Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

Originally posted by papillon

Originally posted by RuthlessBurgher

Originally posted by papillon

Originally posted by RuthlessBurgher

Originally posted by papillon

Kiesel making more than Aaron Smith? This is abominable. Release Kiesel and get his replacement late in the draft or via camp cuts in August.

Release Keisel? Seriously? Considering how long it takes for a DE to learn LeBeau's version of the 3-4, there is no possible way you could get a suitable replacement late in the draft or via an August cut. Keisel is painfully underrated by Steeler fans. Every one of these teams that are converting to the 3-4 would love to have a Keisel.

The only reason that Keisel's cap number is more than Smith's this season is because Keisel is entering the last year of his deal, when the base salary is typically at it highest level, while Smith is still in the middle of his contract.

Keisel signed a 4 year deal worth $13.1 million ($3.29M bonus) in 2006.
Smith signed a 5 year deal worth $24.5 million ($8M bonus) in 2007.

So, obviously, Keisel's contract is not abominable compared to Smith's. Let's not overreact here, people.

We aren't going to be able to keep every veteran on this team; at some point the difficult decisions are going to have to be made. When do the Steelers begin to do this? We are going to be drafting more younguns and some others are developing.

Pappy

We may not be able to re-sign Keisel when his contract expires after this season. We should put a priority on drafting a player who projects as a 3-4 DE (I'm still holding out hope for Gilbert in round 2). But that doesn't mean you cut a starter now with no real legit depth behind him.

Ward's cap hit alone will give the Steelers ample room to sign the rookie class. What if he doesn't want to restructure? what do you do? Same with Hampton? Foote? Something has to give by the end of training camp. How long will the NFL allow the Steelers to be over the cap? They will be if everything stays exactly as it is right now and they sign 9 draft picks. As of right now the Steelers have about $440,000 to use to sign the rooks.

Pappy

The Steelers would be more likely to extend Keisel's deal for another 3-4 years (which would lower his '09 cap number) than to cut him. Although Keisel's no longer a young buck, he is not old either...he could still contribute for several more seasons. Although not a superstar, he does the job asked of him in this defense.

They could also extend Starks' deal for another 4-5 years (which would lower his '09 cap number). If they truly believe he is their LT of the future, just get the deal done already. He is young and could grow as a player as he enters his prime.

They could extended Ward's deal for another 2-3 years (which would lower his '09 cap number). He said that he wants to retire as a Steeler, and saw what Jerome did for the team at the end of his career here.

Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

Steelers "Needs" Based on Cap Numbers & Roster Depth

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