Good Day Steelers’ Fans!
As they have been apt to do this time of year, the Steelers have made a trade. They have a sent a 2019 fifth round selection to the Oakland Raiders who have sent WR/KR/PR Ryan Switzer to the Steelers along with the Dallas Cowboys 2019 sixth round selection. The biggest question seems to be “why wasn’t this for an inside linebacker or tight end?” It’s a very fair question but I think those moves are still coming especially as we approach the final cuts which are slated for Saturday at 4pm Eastern. So what about Switzer? He is being brought in for the sole purpose of igniting the return game. At 5’10” 174 pounds, I don’t see him playing a lot on offense where he’d be a slot receiver. That doesn’t mean they won’t use him there but I can’t see very often given his small size. With Fitzgerald Toussaint not getting it done in kick returns, Switzer brings his career KR average of 25 yards per return to the Steel City. That’s on 24 chances so that’s pretty solid. But he will also take over as punt returner too. Goal number one there is to get Antonio Brown off the field in that situation. Goal number two is getting Eli Rogers (when and if he returns) off the field too. And goal number three is to just simply solidify the punt returner role. Special Teams’ Coach Danny Smith now has a new toy and it’s up to him get Switzer into positions to make plays.
As for the residual effects, Justin Thomas has been released. He was the former Georgia Tech QB trying to make the transition to wide receiver. Switzer’s arrival also means the Steelers are likely to keep six wideouts and I’m guessing that means one less running back. As I alluded to above, it also means Fitz Toussaint’s days are likely numbered. He’s been a solid, professional guy here in Pittsburgh but the end seems near.
Tweet of the Day… Welcome to the Burgh Ryan!
I’d rather everything go according to God’s plan than my own. One step closer to finding a home. Excited to be in Pittsburgh!
— Ryan Switzer (@Switz) August 27, 2018
We discussed the trade and much more on the Steel City Blitz Steelers Podcast presented by 26shirts.com/Pittsburgh last night. Ben and I were joined by former Steelers’ PR man Ryan Scarpino!
ESPN Steelers’ Reporter Jeremy Fowler is predicting the Steelers keep all four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. He argues the Steelers have invested too much in Josh Dobbs to let him go. I see his point but what I don’t see is four QBs on the roster. Just doesn’t make sense with how important those gameday actives are at certain positions.
After going down in the opening throws of Training Camp, Ramon Foster returned to practice this week. Good to have the Big Ragu back and healthy!
I really like a lot of what Jaylen Samuels has to offer (his poor pass protection aside) and I hope they can find a way to get him on the active roster. It’s going to be difficult though.
Have a great Tuesday Steeler Nation!
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