Way Too Early 2016 Offseason...draft, FA talk

[ATL96Steeler]

I think if you want to keep Bell and AB in the coming years you have to start preparing for that now.

Bell won't or shouldn't too difficult if they act soon. Brown...tougher call, he's got about $4.5 mil in re-structurere bonuses the next 2 seasons plus about $8mil per in salary...CH is about $12 or $13 mil now...Timmons CH needs to come down, and imo Pouncey's too, but he's one more leg injury from being done maybe...not a good re-structure candidate.

 

[Superbelt]

Maurkice Pouncey games played:
2010: 16 (Injured in Conf, missed SB)
2011: 14
2012: 15
2013: 1
2014: 16
2015: 0
2016 Cap: 10.5MM
2017 Cap: 11MM
2018 Cap: 10.5MM
2019 Cap: 8MM


He's great, and borderline worth the money when he's playing. But we've had two full seasons now where Cody Wallace and his 1.5MM cap hit has played in his place and we've done VERY well.

 

[MISKO]

Maurkice Pouncey games played:
2010: 16 (Injured in Conf, missed SB)
2011: 14
2012: 15
2013: 1
2014: 16
2015: 0
2016 Cap: 10.5MM
2017 Cap: 11MM
2018 Cap: 10.5MM
2019 Cap: 8MM


He's great, and borderline worth the money when he's playing. But we've had two full seasons now where Cody Wallace and his 1.5MM cap hit has played in his place and we've done VERY well.

i agree im not a huge poncey fan because he is always hurt .. the money he is paid doesnt seam worth it .. it might be time to let him go

 

[Superbelt]

It's hard to say 'Go with the journeyman' with the Mansfield/Webster/Dawson/Hartings history.

Doubly so after the few years of hell between Hartings and Pouncey.

But it is what it is.

 

[Bridgeburner]

I'm all for handing the Pounce his walking papers. Good player when healthy but he's never healthy. And I'm just not sure we need to pay a center that much anyway. Not at the cost of losing other players anyway. I was never a fan of his new contract.

 

[Superbelt]

Pittsburgh Steelers Salary Cap - Over the Cap

Name/dead/savings

Pouncey / 3.5M / 7MM
Allen / 1.35MM / 4.4MM
Suisham / 1.1MM / 2.4MM

You can get some good players (or retain productive talent) with this money.

Trade Timmons / 6.3MM / 8.7MM (This is rough and I don't see it happening.)

Pouncey is untradeable, too much cap hit, negative savings.
Suisham is untradeable, 3.3MM cap hit, only 200k savings. Not worth a 6th round pick or worse.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

There was a place for Will Johnson and Roosevelt Nix this season. Don't see why they can't use them both again next season.

Cockrell, yes. And try to keep Boykin, too.

Blake and Allen need to go.

Nix & W. Johnson...yeah, both pretty versatile...and cheap players...Will played under 1.5 last year, and Nix will again be league min, so $2 mil for 2 productive players is pretty efficient...a situation we need to watch.

Boykin...I expect him to get a solid CB3 job somewhere paying more than what PIT will offer considering that Golson is probably slated to take over nickel next yr.

Blake...they will let him test the waters, and if he doesn't stick anywhere, Tomlin will bring him back to compete, but I don't expect him to be any higher than CB4.

 

[MISKO]

I also hope we keep D williams we would be crazy not to .. how long of a contract did he sign ?

 

[Superbelt]

Boykin...I expect him to get a solid CB3 job somewhere paying more than what PIT will offer considering that Golson is probably slated to take over nickel next yr.

Boykin should be a starting outside corner here. So better than CB3 somewhere else.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Allen & Sushaim are as good as gone.

Pouncey...it's a bad contract, but Wallace is really not a 16 game center, I'm surprised the OL did as well as they did. Tribute to Munchak I guess...I wouldn't have a problem moving on past Pouncey either, but he's a lot better than Wallace....his CH is just too high for an interior OL. But as you said, his contract is not very trade friendly, look for Pouncey to be back.

Timmons...I'm pretty sure they will get his deal figured out...he's not the coverage beast, but still a pro bowl level player at least next yr and maybe the one after that....time to look at transitioning maybe in '17. Williams looks to be the heir apparent on the roster, but I would not be shocked to see a ILB drafted 1st 3 rounds this yr.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Boykin should be a starting outside corner here. So better than CB3 somewhere else.

If you listen to the powers that be...he didn't get much consideration to play outside here as he didn't in PHI....The Steelers want and need at least 1 CB with size and skill to play outside...Cockrell really was the best they could put out there this season.

So essentially you're thinking he can unseat Gay?

 

[Superbelt]

Sure, you may want a CB with size, but if your two best CB's aren't tall guys, you still run with them, over a guy who has the size but can't play as well.

As much as they have 3 CB's on the field anyway, I wouldn't mind going into next season with Gay, Boykin and Cockrell as the guys.

 

[MISKO]

DeAngelo Williams RB 32 10 2 yr $4,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,130,000 2017

didnt realize that williams had a 2 year contract

Pittsburgh Steelers Contracts

lists all the contracts

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Sure, you may want a CB with size, but if your two best CB's aren't tall guys, you still run with them, over a guy who has the size but can't play as well.

As much as they have 3 CB's on the field anyway, I wouldn't mind going into next season with Gay, Boykin and Cockrell as the guys.

My big concern here is two organizations think Boykin is better suited to play nickel, and have largely ignored his plea to play outside....they see him everyday in practice....more than 2 organizations missed or passed on Honey Badger ( I will note...they played him at a position he could excel at...nickel) so I'm with you on the size & playmaking ability.

It think it was more than just buzz in camp last year, a lot of people like the Golson kid's game...imo Gay and Cockrell outside and Golson in nickel...and I'm starting to think Grant is moving to SS and Golden becomes the wiley vet.

Think about it...if Tomlin/Butler think Golson is even close to Boykin, and I think they do, the CH makes it much easier to go with the rookie contract player.

 

[Superbelt]

1 of those organizations is run by Chip Kelly.

The other is the organization that let Keenan Lewis walk to retain Cortez Allen.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

1 of those organizations is run by Chip Kelly.

The other is the organization that let Keenan Lewis walk to retain Cortez Allen.

Good point and true, but 100%...the way I saw Lewis...the blunder was committing one more deal to Ike...that money should have gone to Lewis, early ala Brown...when Lewis won the job and balled out...they couldn't afford him...Allen was just the next man up really.

The great thing about this debate...he's a urfa...there's a good chance we're going to see how it works out for Boykin.

Organizations...lol..speaking of...the last drafted talent at the position to amount to much has been Lewis....I know they just missed out on Fuller a yr or so ago, but they need to revisit something in the process...it can't just be buzzard's luck.

 

[SteelersPride]

bouchette said mike adams is gone today, and u cant lock bell up off the injury his value has never been higher right now, you let me him come back and franchine tag him at worst.hes gonna command top dolalr u better make sure hes able to play at that level again first

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Couple more transactions to note...

Contract Extension:
CB Ross Cockrell

Future/Reserve Contract:
FS Jacob Hagen
OT Brian Mihalik
K Ty Long
RB Daryl Richardson
QB Dustin Vaughan


Cockrell was a no-brainer. Cheap option and a young talent.

Only person that jumps out at me on the F/R Contracts is Daryl Richardson. More because he's the only name I recognize lol. After finishing his rookie contract in STL he bounced around PS's (NYJ, HOU, CLE).

Kind of wondering if this Ty Long character is evidence of Suisham getting the boot. I've never heard of the Steelers having more than 2 kickers in TC, and considering they already have 2 UC you have to think they are going to cut 1. As discussed earlier, Boz is the easy keeper choice. Suisham is older, more expensive, and doesn't have as strong a leg.

Been reading up on the rest... Hagen seems like an interesting prospect. UDFA for STL last season that made a name for himself in camps. Not sure what happened, injured or simply cut, but the paper trail goes dead after last preseason. Small school kid, great coverage & ball skills.

Vaughan is another camp body. Highly doubt he has any chance of unseating Landry. But QB3 is up in the air at the moment. It will be interesting to see what the Steelers do. Is Gradkowski worth bringing back? Vet min for a QB3? I think so. Nothing to lose with that sort of deal. He's a savvy vet that knows the offense. It's insurance, plain & simple. I think its safe to say the Vick experiment is over.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Been going over draft needs... IMO, the most obvious need is Safety. Mitchell is the only trustworthy starter. Will Allen wanted to retire last season but from a personal request from Mike Tomlin he decided to play again. The allure of the 7th Lombardi should be enough to entice anyone, but considering how close he was to retirement I have my doubts. Golden proved to be a capable player. He made a great leap this past year, so I would feel fairly comfortable with him as a starter. He's not a great talent, but he's capable. I'd feel more comfortable with him as a rotation player. That leaves Shamarko, Ventrone, Dangerfield & the Vinopal kid out of PITT. The ceiling on all 4 is ST. Sorry Shamarko, but you're "above the neck" skills are just nonexistent. There's a dim hope for you, but that door is almost shut.

Looking at the draft... There's almost zero chance they land a 1st round talent in the draft since there's really only one, Jalen Ramsey. He's projected to be top 10. So trading up is the only shot they would have at him. Outside of him I think Kearse (Clemson), Bell (Ohio St), or Cash (Duke) are borderline 1st rd talents. But more likely 2nd rounders. I'd much rather draft a stud O-lineman or D-lineman over any of those guys. In other words, BPA. I think if Colbert & Kahn can create some cap magic by retaining the majority of the FA's, then it's highly probable the team will try to move draft picks. Trading up seems very plausible this year given the team doesn't have any HUGE needs unless some of their FA's walk. The only glaring need is in the secondary. So for me, the options would either be trading up for Ramsey or signing a FA. If they don't want to trade up, then the FA pool has some interesting prospects out there.

1. Gipson CLE... Probably would demand the highest asking price out of the group.
2. Weddle SD... Probably too expensive, and getting up there in age
3. Nelson CIN... Age is a concern. Injury history.
4. Iloka CIN

I've also heard rumors that Jarius Byrd might become a cap casualty down in 'Nawlins.

I have a feeling that they are going to let some of their FA's walk this offseason. They have to be thinking about the future contracts of Le'Veon & Antonio. So signing a FA would have to come at a low cost. Only player on that list that seems worthy is Iloka. But is he that much better than Golden? Tough sell.

Other draft needs:

CB... Too risky to draft very high. 2nd Rd is the ceiling IMO. 3rd or 4th Rd more likely. Golsen is waiting in the wings to prove his worth. Cortez is a failure and lost all trust from the coaches. UC, but should be cut. Hopefully Willie Gay comes back relatively cheap. I'd like to say that Blake doesn't come back, but the love affair between him & Tomlin proved to be very strong. Gay, Cockrell, Golsen & Grant are good building blocks but outside of Gay its all question marks again. Keeping Boykin would be awesome, but I doubt he would want to return. He wanted to be a top CB, but got treated like a forgotten outcast here in PIT. Sad but true. If Boykin doesn't return, then throwing in a draft pick is a must.

OG/OT... Foster & Beachum are UFA. Would be wise to bring back Foster because of the cohesiveness & vet leadership, but he'll likely want around $3mil. If the FO gets down to brass tacks then he's probably going to be the odd man out. AVill made Beachum expendable so i don't think Beach comes back next season. Wallace & Hubbard are both capable replacements for Foster. Arguably just as good. That still would leave depth concerns. Mike Adams is a question mark. DeCastro is going to want to be paid like a top 10 OG soon, as he should be. That's who the FO has to be focused on. But they need new blood for depth regardless how FA shakes out.

D-Line... Previously noted by others, McLendon is a FA. He's a good player, but for how little he is used I don't see how they could justify paying him as much as he wants. McCullers could make the leap and fill the void. Even if they keep McLendon, that still leaves a lot of depth concerns. Heyward & Tuitt were logging over 90% of the defensive snaps. Sometimes close to 100%. You could see how gassed they were in the 4th quarter. That's a huge concern for me. They have young talent on-board, but its all question marks. Walton & Lyons are the only other DE's UC. I'd like to see what Walton does because he earned his spot IMO. But he needs to make a big leap to start logging meaningful snaps. Cam Thomas is a UFA, and I will be praying for him not to return. It would have been nice if Geathers hadn't gotten injured in TC last offseason. He would have been a huge boost to this defense. He's a UFA in 2016, so pending health he could be an option to bring back.

OLB... Dare I say another 1st rounder? lol not likely, but wouldn't be surprised. BPA candidate maybe. Harrison is mulling retirement. JJ is a proven pass rusher, but not very trustworthy in run coverage. Dupree is solid. Moats is still UC and as a great depth guy. He's sort of like JJ though, lacks the run-coverage presence. Don't forget that Z-man was waived but went unsigned so he got placed on PIT's IR. Not sure what that means, but I think the team has the option to bring him back? Still without Deebo there is a depth concern at this position.


Sorry for the long post... Got the week off from work so you might see some late night ramblings all week lol.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Couple more transactions to note...

Contract Extension:
CB Ross Cockrell

Future/Reserve Contract:
FS Jacob Hagen
OT Brian Mihalik
K Ty Long
RB Daryl Richardson
QB Dustin Vaughan


Cockrell was a no-brainer. Cheap option and a young talent.

Only person that jumps out at me on the F/R Contracts is Daryl Richardson. More because he's the only name I recognize lol. After finishing his rookie contract in STL he bounced around PS's (NYJ, HOU, CLE).

Kind of wondering if this Ty Long character is evidence of Suisham getting the boot. I've never heard of the Steelers having more than 2 kickers in TC, and considering they already have 2 UC you have to think they are going to cut 1. As discussed earlier, Boz is the easy keeper choice. Suisham is older, more expensive, and doesn't have as strong a leg.

Been reading up on the rest... Hagen seems like an interesting prospect. UDFA for STL last season that made a name for himself in camps. Not sure what happened, injured or simply cut, but the paper trail goes dead after last preseason. Small school kid, great coverage & ball skills.

Vaughan is another camp body. Highly doubt he has any chance of unseating Landry. But QB3 is up in the air at the moment. It will be interesting to see what the Steelers do. Is Gradkowski worth bringing back? Vet min for a QB3? I think so. Nothing to lose with that sort of deal. He's a savvy vet that knows the offense. It's insurance, plain & simple. I think its safe to say the Vick experiment is over.

When you dive in, you dive in the deep end I see...lol

Suisham and Beach have been replaced by lower ch players...

QB2...idk if this the yr to maybe take a stab at another QB of the future, but of one of the highly touted guys that are destined for the 2nd rd slips...I would consider it. Ideally I'd only want them to sit for 2 season, so maybe next yr...I see them going into '16 with Landry and Gradk...Vick won a game I think so he was worth is contract.

Now if Landry happens to beat out Gradk for QB2...they might go younger for QB3.