Good Monday to you Steelers’ fans.
The XFL debuted this past weekend (for the second time) to fairly positive results. I of course must caution all of us when I say that because I’ve seen this movie before. New league starts out with a lot of fanfare… New league folds up because people stopped paying attention. There are several interesting things that the NFL could take from the new XFL such as how they review plays, do their point after touchdowns and the kickoff but by and large this always comes back to the same thing. What is the product on the field like? Well, that’s the problem. If the NFL already has a problem with average to poor quarterback play then what would you expect from this new league? I actually hope the XL has some staying power because I think having a ‘minor league’ if you will would be very positive for the NFL. Giving back end roster guys a chance to get better could ultimately make the NFL an even better product than it is. Whether this happens or not I can’t say but I wasn’t overly impressed with what I saw. That doesn’t mean it can’t have an impact though.
Cut Ben?
One of the reasons I started Steel City Blitz was to offer Steelers’ fans news, thoughts and opinions that were realistic and honest. Outside-the-box thinking is encouraged but it should have a common sense piece to it as well. My reasoning was because I had grown tired of the ‘clickbait.’ Those articles that are so ridiculous that fans can’t help but to click. One appeared this past weekend at Bleacher Report and it suggested the Steelers cut Ben Roethlisberger now. To be fair, the author made his argument as well as he could citing the financial impacts and personnel impacts but the basic idea is just a bad one. First, no one will trade for Ben so that’s not worth discussing. Secondly, we have no indication one way or another that Big Ben won’t be able to play in 2020. Is it possible he can’t? Sure it is but what happens if he’s healthy? What happens if he does get back to 100%? We already know what happens if he doesn’t so why not think positively? Yes, the team could save about $8 million but the $25 million in dead money is a tough pill to swallow and don’t forget, you’d still have to bring in veteran QB and he wouldn’t be cheap.
Tweet of the Day… Always glad to re-post these tweets.
Ben announces 8 Pittsburgh area K9 grants from the #BenRoethlisbergerFoundation & @givingbackfund: https://t.co/ZbmfpbeSjY.
We couldn't do it without support from @ProCamps, @Sarris_Candies & #SteelersNation donations. Also, thanks to @SugarlandsShine for teaming up with us too! pic.twitter.com/WjjdowHmoc— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) February 10, 2020
Restricted vs Unrestricted
Let me explain the difference between what being a Restricted Free Agent (RFA) and a Free Agent (FA) is. If you’re a FA, you’re free to sign with whatever team you choose once the free agency period begins. If you’re an RFA, then there are some things we have to know. First of all, you need to have three accrued seasons with the same team. Then the team will place a ‘tender’ (no, not chicken tender) of the first, second, third or fourth round variety on said RFA. Each of those tenders has a monetary value with first being the most expensive and so on. If a team chooses to sign the RFA then the original team will be rewarded with that draft pick he was tendered at. The Steelers have this situation with Mike Hilton for example. They will have to set his tender at a value they are willing to pay but they also don’t want to place it too low or another team may be willing to pay to get him and sacrifice the draft pick. There’s even more to it than this but overall this is the general ‘gist of things.’
Have You Visited Our Store Yet?
We have a brand new design available on our online store at DC4L Custom Tees! “Minkahmania” is here so eat your vitamins and say your prayers brother!!
Have a great day Steeler Nation!
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