The first few days of free agency offered very few surprises for the Steeler Nation. After all, we are used to our team doing very little that would be classified as “splashy” when it comes to signing free agents.
The only exception to that has been the signing of running back DeAngelo Williams who comes over from Carolina. I think Williams is a good signing if his injury problems don’t come back. Running back was a significant need for the team.
The frustration many of us are feeling though is that outside of Williams and Ben Roethlisberger’s new deal, the team has done absolutely nothing. Some have accused General Manage Colbert of being “asleep at the wheel” and I honestly can’t argue that sentiment.
This organization has done more in free agency with less cap room years prior so what’s the problem?
The Steelers entered free agency desperate for help at cornerback and have seen that desperation grow with Brice McCain signing in Miami. The team has entertained Patrick Robinson of New Orleans and Sterling Moore of Dallas but neither appears likely to be signing here.
If Colbert and Head Coach Mike Tomlin are planning for Cortez Allen to have a rebound season then I would say that’s a huge gamble. Not only is Allen coming off a highly disappointing season but he’s also coming back from injury too.
There were times when the Steelers could play this same game when it came to free agency because they had depth from good drafts. That’s no longer the case and to rely on a potential rookie to start at corner is a risk in and of itself.
I do understand that that the price for free agent corners was higher than expected but not bringing in anyone is a serious shortfall to this point. Any thoughts of getting Keenan Lewis back from New Orleans are over too. He now has a re-structured deal with the Saints.
No one was expecting the moon and the stars in free agency this year but the total lack of urgency is something I find troubling and other fans do as well.
photo courtesy pennlive.com
