Sigh.
After an 8-8 season and watching the Ravens win a title, I sure could use some good Steelers news these days. That’s why what I read today in Ed Bouchette’s PG+ in the Post-Gazette didn’t exactly make breakfast sit well.
If you didn’t read of hear about it, here’s the writing in a nutshell:
Despite all the facts that have been presented, questions keep coming this way through Twitter and email as to what other teams’ free agents the Steelers might sign and whether they will put the franchise tag on Mike Wallace.
Kevin Colbert already declared the Steelers will not use the franchise tag this year so, unless you think he’s bluffing, that’s that. They also will barely have enough room to re-sign their own players, let alone someone else’s free agents.
The Steelers could lose every one of their free agents, and they might have to lose a few more veterans if they don’t agree to take less money in 2013. They are so far over the salary cap that they would not be able to fill a 53-man roster without doing all of that.
The bloodletting that occurred last year when they released three longtime stars could be a drop in the bucket as to what occurs over the next month, which could resemble their March Massacre.
After all the dust settles, they could sign a free agent or two, but they won’t be on anyone’s A list.
Wow. Lose ALL of the teams free agents?! I guess that thought never really crossed my mind, but if you think 8-8 was bad, I can’t wait to see what the 2013 roster could look like if they lose more talent.
I can take losing Wallace, that’s not going to be the end of the world, but losing all the guys below could put this team STRUGGLING just to be 8-8 next season.
S Will Allen
QB Charlie Batch
WR Plaxico Burress
S Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith
LB Larry Foote
RG Ramon Foster
WR David Gilreath
NT Casey Hampton
CB Justin King
QB Byron Leftwich
OG Doug Legursky
CB Keenan Lewis
LB Marshall McFadden
RB Rashard Mendenhall
FS Ryan Mundy
TE Leonard Pope
LT Max Starks
NT Alameda Ta’amu
LS Greg Warren
Hold on tight Steeler fans, this offseason could be a bumpy one to say the least!
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DrGeorge
February 7, 2013 at 8:05 pm
All is not lost, fans. We will retain some of these guys, unless they ask exorbitant amounts for their services. Allen, Legursky, and Lewis certainly fill a need on the roster. Others on this list will probably be cut regardless of salary, including Batch, Leftwich, and Ta’amu. The fate of the rest hinges on the draft and their salary flexibility.
Nor is this list all of the players we are likely to lose. Some other veterans, who are not UFAs, probably won’t be back either. Tomlin delayed the rebuilding decision for two years, and that makes the process all the more painful, coming all at one time.
We are undoubtedly going to be younger and less experienced next year — but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Some of the youngest teams in the NFL did pretty well in the playoffs. If Colbert and Co. choose wisely, we may come out of this a better team.
George H
February 8, 2013 at 1:17 am
Who here hasn’t wanted a youth injection. Maybe 3-4 of the unrestricted players on the list is actually want back. Lewis being the headliner and possibly Wallace. I doubt we can get both if not any of the two though. I’d like Starks back but hel get multi year deal somewhere. I like warren as the long snapper and I like Burress and Ta’amu depending on what we do with Wallace and Hampton. I’d hope we let go of Hampton though. I have high hopes for McClendon this year. I really think he’s going to be a big time impact player.
Not all is lost with our salary cap though. Expect Woodley, Timmons, and BB to restructure. Keisek will likely restructure by taking the rest of his salary as a bonus and sign an extra year to stay at the veterans minimum. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the same happen with Harrison as well or cut him outright. I would hope we can get a full healthy year out of Harrison. I’m not sold on Worrilds yet. He’s a nice pash rusher but lacks run and pass defense skills.
Il be curious to see how we address the middle linebacker. I guess it depends in the draft and where spence is at with his rehab. I would love to see a healthy spence but I’m still nervous about his knee.
The draft will be huge this year. The first rd is going to be very interesting for our steelers. I think we need to target either inside or outside linebacker, guard, or safety in the first rd. My ideal draftees would be either Warmack the guard from Alabama that can solidify the interior of our I-line, plus with the rumblings of colon being cut, we will need a starter. I also really like Ogeltree from Georgia. He’s a freak athlete much like Timmons who can play both in and out. He would be a great fit for our defense especially a team desperate for playmakers in a pass happy league. My last name on my wish list so far is Varraco, the safety from Texas. He can play both safety positions añd even lineup against the slot on defense. Big time hitter and playmaker. The way Clark and Troy have been not so durable recently, a very capable backup and future starter is a must. I’m thinking this could be the last year we have the Clark and Troy duo. Clark will be a UFA and Troy might HSBC it up after next year if he can’t stay on the field. Of course it’s just a hunch
Mark
February 16, 2013 at 10:57 am
Honestly I see no problem losing most of these guys. Only impact losses would be Hampton, Foote, Foster and Lewis. Bring 3 of those guys back (preferably Hampton over Foote), plus cutting Harrison and maybe a suprise move somewhere and we are right with a number of other teams near the cap limit, but still competing for a playoff spot.
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