Perhaps it’s the time of the year. Maybe it’s just the way things are these days. I honestly don’t know… What I do know is that I’m hopeful we can all return to what matters as far as the Pittsburgh Steelers. For me, that’s a return to the discussion of football and this roster and what lies ahead in the coming weeks and months. I’ve had enough of the off-field, soap opera drama from former players to last me a decade.
In less than a month, the new league year will begin (March 11th) and that means free agency. While the Steelers aren’t overflowing with cap space, they are going to have a lot of options. Per overthecap.com, the Steelers are going to have just a touch under $45 million in cap space. Keep in mind however, that the team will move on from several guys too. I don’t see Jonnu Smith returning as an example. They could save about $7 million by sending him on his way.
In other words, there will be money available. Where the Steelers are focusing in free agency is something that we can only ponder at this point. Their successes and failures during free agency will then create a path for what (who) they are looking for in the Draft. As an example, if Omar Khan can find a way to land Colts’ WR Alec Pierce in free agency, does that take a wide receiver off the board in round one?
Those are the types of things that will come into play here in that regard. But the front office also has to decide on some of their own guys. Do they give Broderick Jones his fifth-year option? Personally I don’t think so… Do they let Calvin Austin III dip into free agency and test his market value or re-sign him? Plus, there are always moves that few see coming. T.J. Watt has been dead silent since leaving the locker room following the playoff loss. Is he and/or the team ready for change after a disappointing season?
While all of this goes on the preparation for the Draft does as well. The NFL Combine in Indianapolis is just a week or so away from beginning and that is usually the match-strike that sets the Draft process in frantic motion. It’s my genuine hope that between free agency, in-house decisions and the Draft, our focus returns to what is important and to what matters. Re-hashing the debate about Ben Roethlisberger’s leadership issues does little for me and I’m guessing for you it’s similar.
I’m looking forward to getting back to football today, not 15 or 20 years ago.
