Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Tuesday.
The Kickoff
My overall expectations on the first (legal tampering) day of free agency are never sky high but I really did expect more of a haul yesterday from Omar Khan and the Steelers. The trade for D.K. Metcalf on Sunday evening seemed to be an excellent start but as the day wore on things never seemed to get going any traction. Justin Fields and Same Darnold both took other opportunities. We know the team was negotiating with Aaron Rodgers but the fan base is less than thrilled. That leaves the options pretty thin. But I also expected to see a defensive lineman or two coming to Pittsburgh and I’m not talking about 32 year-old Javon Hargrave either. On a day when they released Larry Ogujobi, I felt confident that a big name D-lineman was coming. It never happened. I do like the acquisition of Darius Slay. He’s 34 but still playing well and the signing of Malik Harrison was a good one albeit surprising. That meant Elandon Roberts wasn’t coming back (he signed with Vegas) which was very surprising. It also suggests the Steelers are putting a lot of faith into Cole Holcomb into staying healthy as well. There is a lot of time left and many good players are still available. I just expected more with so much cap room.
Craig Wolfley
I never had the chance to meet Craig Wolfley in person, but I spoke with him several times. Back in my earliest days of podcasting he was one of the guests that was willing to give us “newbies” a chance. He never spoke down to us. He was funny, wickedly knowledgeable, and loved to talk Steelers football. His stories were as amazing as he was. His passing has had a deeper effect on me than I thought so I can only imagine the struggles many inside the franchise are having today. He truly was one of the most unique people I’ve encountered. My best wishes to his family.
At This Point…
As far as quarterbacks go, it seems like Russell Wilson is destined to return. But what of his relationship with Arthur Smith? You’ll recall that the two didn’t see eye-to-eye over the last five games of the season. Is he the best option? Aaron Rodgers? You know what you get. He’ll make some throws but do we really want the drama and baggage that comes with him? Honestly, I’d rather the Steelers just signed another mid-level guy, draft a QB and then roll the dice. Are we really going far this season anyway?
Comp Picks
Because the Steelers have seen James Daniels, Justin Fields, Dan Moore, Jr and Najee Harris sign elsewhere, the Steelers stand to pick up some compensatory picks in next year’s draft. With comp picks now able to be traded, I have to think the Steelers will stockpile these in an effort to trade up for a QB in next year’s Draft. Just thinking outside the box a bit.
Random Reads
Justin Fields was a known commodity in Pittsburgh which makes him more difficult for fans to let go of but this is the right move for him. The Jets offered him way more than the Steelers would have and frankly, I just don’t know that Fields will ever get better as a passer… If it is Rodgers, the city of Pittsburgh will not be thrilled… I’m sure you’ve seen by now that Kenny Pickett has been traded again. He’s off to Cleveland who sent Dorian Thompson-Robinson to the Eagles… Keep an eye on Cooper Kupp. The Rams are likely going to cut him and he’d be another solid addition especially if George Pickens is going to be traded.
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