Home 2014 Steelers Offseason Steelers Are Playing a Serious Game of ‘What if?’

Steelers Are Playing a Serious Game of ‘What if?’

by Steeldad

Heath Miller was selected to his 2nd career pro bowl in 2012Every National Football League team enters a season asking ‘What if?’

This question pertains to players, coaches, opponents and just about everything else.

For the Pittsburgh Steelers this question will carry more significance than it has in recent years because of recent decisions.

For starters, ‘what if’ Troy Polamalu doesn’t return to his 2013 form and instead reverts to the years prior where he missed games with nagging injuries?

‘What if’ Heath Miller doesn’t return to his Team MVP form of 2012 and reverts to his pretty average self from 2013? 

‘What if’ Jason Worilds and the Steelers can’t come to an agreement on an extension before the season starts?

‘What if’ Markus Wheaton doesn’t develop into the receiver many think he will?

‘What if’ Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t get an extension?

‘What if’ LaMarr Woodley doesn’t get cut? Or, ‘what if’ he does?

‘What if’ Ike Taylor doesn’t take a pay cut and is released?

‘What if’ Shamarko Thomas and Will Allen can’t get it done at free safety?

‘What if’ Maurkice Pouncey isn’t 100%?

‘What if’ this year’s draft picks don’t pan out?

You could certainly add many more ‘what ifs’ here but these are some I’ve been thinking about.

I understand that every team has these questions but for some reason the Steelers’ seem to be much more critical this year. If Miller and Polamalu aren’t worth their salaries in 2014 the front office is going to look pretty bad with each having two years left.

The questions will never stop but this is part of being an NFL GM as Kevin Colbert is. Like him or hate him, we all need the majority of these ‘what if’ questions to go his way.

Marc Uhlmann writes for and co-owns www.steelcityblitz.com. Follow him on Twitter @steeldad and follow the website at @SCBlitz. He can be heard Mondays on Trib-Live Radio at 730pm ET talking Steelers and is a blogger for ESPN 970 in Pittsburgh.

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8 comments

steelbydesign March 7, 2014 - 5:09 pm

While I agree they’re taking some risks… I gotta say I’ve liked every move they made thus far.

What kind of money Worilds gets on a long term deal will factor in greatly (and I’m about 95% confident he does get one). If Worilds ends up signing for somewhere between 6-8 million per year then I say it’s a win. Yes, Worilds is a risk to get hurt or to just not produce at a high level… But you’re carrying the same risk with Woodley and paying him more in the process. To me it’s actually pretty black and white. Pick Woodley or Worilds. Both carry risk, but Worild’s is a little cheaper and younger.

Most of the moves have been risky… but really they don’t have much choice. The ONLY other option would be to let Troy, Ike, Worilds, Woodley go… blow the whole thing up and really rebuild COMPLETELY which is just not their style.

steeldad March 7, 2014 - 6:01 pm

I just wonder if loyalty has its’ limits. Don’t get me wrong, Heath has been one of my faves since he was drafted as has Troy and I’m glad they will now retire as Steelers. That said, can you imagine the dialogue if one or both get hurt long-term or don’t produce? It’ll be a bloodbath.
These are the types of moves that Colbert is paid handsomely to make however.

steelbydesign March 8, 2014 - 4:03 pm

I don’t see Heath as much of a risk. He looked a little off last year, but honestly his hands seemed more inconsistent than his ability to get open (which has nothing to do with his knee). I chalk it up to a bad coincidence.

I can see Heath playing later than most guys because honestly he’s never been that fast.

I see your point though.

wadrules1 March 8, 2014 - 1:25 pm

I don’t see how the Polamalu or Miller moves are risks at all. They extended to lower the cap hit for this year with very little future risk other than what was already on the books. Nothing else is guaranteed. They could cut them after this year without any more of a penalty than it would have been to cut them now or let them play on their existing contract. So, to me, those are not risks.

steeldad March 8, 2014 - 2:08 pm

You’re absolutely right. Both players really did take one for the team here with little risk for the organization. My point is that by extending both guys I wonder what the long-term effect will be in terms of the draft and free agency. If both guys play well and fulfill their deals then these moves are without risk. If injuries and less than stellar performance occur, then I will say it was risky because they could have been reloading through the draft or free agency. I’m glad they’re both back but I have concerns about their durability.

Wayne March 10, 2014 - 1:09 pm

I still think they will address these positions in the draft. Where in the draft is anyone’s guess. I would love to see them take Ebron unless Mike Evans is available in the first round. I also think this is a very weak safety class too and don’t want to see them reach for a safety in the first round when none are deserving.

steeldad March 10, 2014 - 2:20 pm

Those are my top two favorites as well Wayne. Heath is going to be 32 years old and despite the fact I think he has a few good years left, an athletic tight end would be a great addition. Evans speaks for himself…

Wayne March 10, 2014 - 5:14 pm

I was also a fan of taking Eifert last year over Jones and even though it didn’t happen I am still standing by that right now.

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