Good Tuesday to you Steelers’ Fans!
In less than a week, many of the young men who we’ve seen wearing the Black and Gold since spring will be told their time in Pittsburgh is done. There are some decisions that are easier than others but it’s not easy for Coach Tomlin to cut any of these guys. It’s often been described as one of the tougher parts of a coach’s job. Some of these guys will be picked up by other teams and maybe will find their way to a practice squad. For many they will exist in a state of limbo where they will literally be waiting for guys to get injured in order for themselves to get a shot. There will also be a percentage who will never play again. Careers in the NFL now average about three years which is pretty brutal and quite telling in my opinion. I often find myself talking about who is getting cut and who isn’t which is of course part of what I do. Sometimes remembering that this really is the end for some of these guys brings some necessary perspective.
The Glaring Need
Sunday night’s game should have been exhibits A, B and C as to why the Steelers need help at tight end. I realize they will often utilize a swing tackle as an extra blocker in short yardage situations but that receiving threat is minimal at best. The Steelers must have a number two tight end who can block and be a receiving threat as well. Xavier Grimble offers a little of each but is that enough? There’s no argument that behind Grimble the team is thin – most teams are when it gets to the third string – yet this team is thinner than most. While I’m resolved to the idea that they may not go out and find someone I still believe it’s a good idea to do so.
Tweet of the Day… One of the great follows on Twitter nails it again.
— brandon (@Bentzburgh) August 27, 2019
The Case Against Four QBs
I’ve seen some conversation suggesting the Steelers could keep Mason Rudolph and Josh Dobbs on the roster and then have Devlin Hodges on the Practice Squad. Here’s why this is doubtful to happen. NFL practices are not exactly like what you may have encountered in middle school or high school. There are very few opportunities for meaningful, quarterback reps with three guys so it is highly doubtful the Steelers would keep four. This would mean almost zero reps for Dobbs and even fewer for Hodges. I’ve been wrong before but this is why I don’t see four QBs happening.
Anthony Chickillo is Not Getting Cut
There seems to be this belief that with Tuzar Skipper playing well that he could replace Chickillo as one of the immediate depth players at Outside Backer. I would be STUNNED if Chickillo were released. First of all, Kevin Colbert (not Mike Tomlin) made the decision to give him a 2-year $8 million contract after the Patriots were ready to sign him. He received a signing bonus of $2.15 million as well. According to spotrac.com, there is a potential “out” after the season that would cost the Steelers some cap space but it wouldn’t be unbearable. Still, Chickillo is a valuable special teams player and as a backup provides stability. If you’ve listened to our podcast then you know we aren’t huge fans of his but that doesn’t take away from the fact the Steelers paid him well and I just don’t see him getting cut.
Have a great day Steeler Nation!
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