Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Tuesday.
The Kickoff
Yesterday was a revolving door of activity for our Steelers. There were new guys coming in, some guys staying and several guys going. One thing you cannot say is that Omar Khan was asleep at the wheel. It was an active day that saw some potential wins and potential losses. I say “potential” simply because we have no clue how these decisions will work out. In case you haven’t seen what transpired, here’s an update.
–Swapped late round picks with Indianapolis for Michael Pittman, Jr who signed a three-year $59 million extension.
-Kenneth Gainwell left for Tampa Bay.
-Isaac Seumalo went to Arizona.
-Signed CB Jamel Dean to a three-year $36.75 million deal.
-James Pierre left for Minnesota
-Re-signed LB Cole Holcomb
-Re-signed CB Asante Samuel, Jr
-Signed RB Rico Dowdle to a two-year $12.5 million deal
-Re-signed Esezi Otomewo
Pittman
The 29-year old immediately adds a second wide receiver threat opposite D.K. Metcalf. He’s an excellent route runner and he’s able to play any of the X, Y or Z spots. Most importantly he could make life easier for Metcalf. I do not think the Steelers are remotely done at the position either. I think another free agent addition is possible and the draft will absolutely still involve a receiver – most likely one with speed to burn.
Dean
The seven-year pro has had a good career despite numerous knee surgeries in high school days. He’s a big, physical corner with long arms and he’s a perfect fit across from Joey Porter, Jr. He has yet to play a full season yet due to minor injuries so that is a concern. If he can be healthy for the majority of the season then this is a really good signing.
Dowdle
This one broke late yesterday and could end up being one of the better off-season moves they make. What was curious to me was that his deal wasn’t that far off from what Kenny Gainwell got from Tampa Bay. Dowdle however is a different running back altogether. He’s coming off back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons for Carolina and while he won’t blow anyone away with his speed, he’s become a very solid running back. He’s the type who has just enough to get outside but he seems to make his bread and better between the tackles. Mixing him with Jaylen Warren could be a ‘thunder and lightning’ type of thing. Not sure this speaks well of Kaleb Johnson either.
The Losses
Seumalo is 33-years old and is getting a nice bag from Arizona so I don’t blame him at all for leaving. The Steelers were never going to pay him $10 million per season for three years. Left guard becomes a big priority now for free agency and the draft… James Pierre probably wasn’t going to get what got either and in his case, he needed a better opportunity. The Vikings will likely give him a better chance to be a starter… Kenny G got paid and good for him. He will immediately make Baker Mayfield a better QB and he will be missed especially if Aaron Rodgers returns. There’s an argument that running backs are a dime a dozen but if you don’t get it right?? THAT becomes a problem.
So What About Rodgers?
I have a gut feeling he will decide this week if he’s returning or not. While losing his check down ace in Kenny Gainwell probably won’t sit well with him, he’s got to be excited over the obtaining of Pittman, Jr. I would also suggest that the fact the Steelers didn’t seem connected to any of the QBs yesterday may be another sign of his impending arrival. I’m ready to move on and bite the bullet for a season but we’ll see what the team has in mind.
Random Reads
The Raiders literally blew the lid off the Center market by signing former Raven Tyler Linderbaum to almost $28 million per season. The previous high was around $19 million if I recall… I also think that solidifies Mendoza to the Raiders with the first pick… Miami now has $99 million in dead money after releasing Tua Tagovailoa who will sign with Atlanta. Maybe teams will think twice before handing out these massive QB deals. Nah, they won’t… Keep an eye on the two Bears’ safeties that are free agents. Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Byard is 33 but can still play and Brisker is better in the box or coming downhill. Curious to see if the Steelers have any interest… Looking forward to another busy day of free agency and trades!
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