SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘OTAs Rolling Along’ Edition

Good Tuesday to you Steelers fans.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are nearing the end of Phase Two of OTAs with the third and final phase (Mandatory Mini-Camp) coming up next week. The Steelers are just like everyone else right now. They have a lot of guys plugged into spots but they also have a handful of areas that remain serious question marks. Are they really satisfied with what they have at the number two receiver spot? Will they really let a 27-year old James Daniels walk after the season? Are they any closer to finding a true slot corner? How are things coming with Cam Heyward and what happens if he doesn’t show up at Mini-Camp? The questions are many and there are likely more of them but those seem to be at the top of my list and likely the list of most fans right now.

The Latest Podcast

You can catch episode 371 of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc of South Florida right here! Yeah, it’s the off-season but did you really think we wouldn’t find things to discuss? Lots of great Steelers’ talk as always!

James Daniels

I don’t think anyone is going to confuse James Daniels with Alan Faneca but I have yet to understand why the Steelers seem destined to let the young man enter free agency after this season. While it’s true that salaries for guards are skyrocketing, the same can be said for almost every other position save maybe for running backs. Daniels will be just 27 years old and letting him walk seems very strange to me until I consider these things.

• The team now has two first round offensive tackles that will need to be paid in the near future.
• While Isaac Seumalo is older, perhaps they are higher on him and want him to stick around.
• Their faith in rookie Mason McCormick must be significant.
• They must also feel that Nate Herbig can play substantial minutes at the position if needed.

I think we’ll get a much better idea of how the team is going to address Daniels once we get into Training Camp but for now anyway, it seems very odd to me that they wouldn’t want to lock him up long-term.

The WR Market

Just yesterday, Minnesota WR Jordan Jefferson became the highest paid football player (outside of QBs) in the game of football. His deal is for $140 million and includes $110 in guaranteed money. He will get over $88 million just for signing the extension. This comes on the heels of Miami’s Jaylen Waddle getting $76 million in guaranteed money. With this in mind, what do you think the Steelers would have to pay Brandon Aiyuk should they trade for him? He would probably be within his rights to ask for what? $30 million per year? I just don’t see the Steelers paying that.

Muth

After discussing James Daniels’ situation I’m reminded of that of tight end Pat Freiermuth. He is now in the final year of his rookie deal and there are questions about whether he will get a new one before the season begins. In his first three seasons, Muth has racked up three concussions, two hamstring injuries and a sprained MCL in his right knee. I honestly don’t know how they can pay him until they see what he does this season. The risk of course is that he could walk in free agency but then again, he could take less money to stay in Pittsburgh too. In his defense, his QB play dropped off significantly and therefore his catches did too going from 63 to 32 but he also missed five games last season as well. Will I be surprised if they extend him? No I won’t but I don’t think they should either.