Free agent SAFETIES

[teegre]

Here they are:

Tre Boston
Morgan Burnett
Eric Reid
Kenny Vaccaro
Lamarcus Joyner
TJ Ward
Kurt Coleman

We might be about to add one more:

Tyrann Matthieu

[BlackAndGold]

From reports, Joyner is going to get franchise tagged so we can sadly forget about him.

Boston is the best fit. Turning 26 years of age, good coverage skills, can create turnovers. Give him MM contract and I believe he'll sign.


But if Mathieu does indeed get cut...Someone recruit him!!!

[86WARD]

Mathieu and Boston for me as well...

[Psycho Ward 86]

Based on price and quality projections I'll take:

1) Lamarcus Joyner
2) Tre Boston
3) Eric Reid
4) Morgan Burnett
5) Kenny Vaccaro
6) TJ Ward
7) Kurt Coleman

in that order. Im not sure about Mathieu, dude averaged over $12 million a year on whats probably one of the biggest safety contracts of all time? hopefully the safety market depresses this year

[BlackAndGold]

Mathieu already has two torn ACL's in his NFL career so he brings some injury risk.

He'll want another payday but not sure some team will match the contract Arizona gave him, which was 5 years for $62mil($40m guaranteed)

Rest of his contract details.
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/arizona-cardinals/tyrann-mathieu-12350/

[Mojouw]

Here they are:

Tre Boston - Best case, emerging playmaker at the position. Worst case, Mike Mitchell 2.0.
Morgan Burnett - for the right price he is a great solution (box, centerfield, slot corner he has done it all) but big $$$ to a 29 year old with lots of injuries?
Eric Reid - Pretty good as a SS. What can he do as a FS? Can Sean Davis really play FS?
Kenny Vaccaro - Meh? Never really won the faith and trust of New Orleans coaches and their DBs have been bad. Maybe best as a SS?
Lamarcus Joyner - Rams keep him, let Trumaine Johnson go and roll with Joyner and Peters
TJ Ward - In decline, rather just keep Mitchell
Kurt Coleman - no. Rather just keep Mitchell.

We might be about to add one more:

Tyrann Matthieu

For me it is Boston or Reid. What about a family reunion? Eric in FA and Justin in the 2nd round?

[SteelerFanInStl]

Mathieu will not be a Steeler. Some team is going to give him a huge contract and it's not going to be the Steelers.

Joyner will be re-signed by the Rams. They seem very intent on keeping him.

I also get the feeling that Boston is staying with the Chargers. I'm also a little wary of him because of his one big year when he was playing for a contract. Too similar to Mitchell.

Reid is the one that really interests me. I think he's got a lot of promise.

[teegre]

For me it is Boston or Reid. What about a family reunion? Eric in FA and Justin in the 2nd round?

I have felt that whichever team Eric Reid signs with, they’d also draft Justin.

Justin was all set to go to LSU, but Eric brought him out to the Bay Area to live with him (so that Eric could keep close tabs on Justin/maintain their close relationship). So, I could see Eric signing with a team, and then asking (pleading) that team to draft his brother.

Sort of like the Pouncey brothers (who had never spent more than a week apart in their lives... until Maurkice got drafted.)

Eric is the more physically gifted Reid brother. And, Eric is a thumper/strong safety. Justin is more cerebral (a free safety). He would compliment his brother verrrrry well in a secondary. “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”

Again, when the Pouncey played side-by-side, they were insanely good (at Florida).



All of that said, I think that the Steelers stick with Sean Davis (leaving only one available spot for the Reid brothers).

[teegre]

If... the Steelers wanted to get Eric and Justin Reid AND also keep Sean Davis, it could work.

Eric would be an ILB... who can play SS.

Davis could be a SS... who can play FS.

Justin could be a FS... who can play ANYTHING.

Really. Justin played all of these positions at Stanford:
-strong safety
-free safety
-perimeter corner
-slot corner
-nickel back
-dime back
-X (a small ILB)

[Mojouw]

I like it! BUT...it all hinges on the assumption (one I have been making as well) that Sean Davis can play FS. Then, to be a total downer, I think about Sean Davis organizing the back-end of the defense, calling plays, and patrolling center-field. Then I think about how as a SS (supposedly his better position)he is late to rotate, takes odd angles in run support, and is prone to brain freeze.

Makes me think the Reid family re-union is a bad idea and it is Tre Boston or bust...?

But man I really like the Reid brothers idea...

[Iron Steeler]

I want all of em!

[teegre]

I like it! BUT...it all hinges on the assumption (one I have been making as well) that Sean Davis can play FS. Then, to be a total downer, I think about Sean Davis organizing the back-end of the defense, calling plays, and patrolling center-field. Then I think about how as a SS (supposedly his better position)he is late to rotate, takes odd angles in run support, and is prone to brain freeze.

Makes me think the Reid family re-union is a bad idea and it is Tre Boston or bust...?

But man I really like the Reid brothers idea...

Last season, Davis had 8 passes defensed... versus 800 missed tackles in run support.

IMO, I feel he’s more suited to play FS.

[pczach]

Last season, Davis had 8 passes defensed... versus 800 missed tackles in run support.

IMO, I feel he’s more suited to play FS.


I've always stated that Mitchell was better suited to play SS. When they got Davis, I openly stated that I thought they might move Mitchell to SS and Davis to FS. It never happened.

I know Davis has 8 passes defended, but at times it seemed like he was being targeted and saw a lot of action. This is one of those moves that makes you wonder why it didn't happen already. Maybe he just isn't as capable as we hoped when he was drafted.

This is a big year for Davis. He really didn't play well for a large part of the year. It would be nice to see him take a big step forward this year. We'll find out more about where he'll be playing when we see who they sign in free agency and who they take in the draft. Ultimately, we'll find out when training camp starts.

[teegre]

I've always stated that Mitchell was better suited to play SS. When they got Davis, I openly stated that I thought they might move Mitchell to SS and Davis to FS. It never happened.

I know Davis has 8 passes defended, but at times it seemed like he was being targeted and saw a lot of action. This is one of those moves that makes you wonder why it didn't happen already. Maybe he just isn't as capable as we hoped when he was drafted.

This is a big year for Davis. He really didn't play well for a large part of the year. It would be nice to see him take a big step forward this year. We'll find out more about where he'll be playing when we see who they sign in free agency and who they take in the draft. Ultimately, we'll find out when training camp starts.

I hope it’s just the “sophomore slump”.

[Mojouw]

I hope he isn’t just dumb. I’m starting to think that Davis and Burns are just slow learners at best and too dumb to be believed at worst.

[tube517]

So, DK is suggesting that the Steelers are considering moving Cam Sutton to Safety.

Also, apparently the Steelers are talking to Wilcox about taking a pay cut and staying next year.

970135975174246400


https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2018/3/2/17069686/steelers-consider-retaining-j-j-wilcox-rather-than-mike-mitchell-to-bolster-safety-position-rumors

[SteelerFanInStl]

So, DK is suggesting that the Steelers are considering moving Cam Sutton to Safety.

Also, apparently the Steelers are talking to Wilcox about taking a pay cut and staying next year.

Why would Wilcox consider staying when they sat him on the bench and he never got a chance to play? That doesn't make any sense to me.

[Born2Steel]

So, DK is suggesting that the Steelers are considering moving Cam Sutton to Safety.

Also, apparently the Steelers are talking to Wilcox about taking a pay cut and staying next year.

970135975174246400




https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2018/3/2/17069686/steelers-consider-retaining-j-j-wilcox-rather-than-mike-mitchell-to-bolster-safety-position-rumors

I know Haden will eventually make the move to safety, he said as much himself. That indicates to me that Sutton should stay at CB to replace Haden in the next couple years. Allen is a better candidate to make that move now, IMO. On the other hand, Sutton has played the role of DB play caller and making sure everyone is in their correct 'spot'. So, from that view, I could see that experiment making sense as well. Sutton could backup Haden AND Mitchell. Puts him on the field more worst case, which is a good thing.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I hope he isn’t just dumb. I’m starting to think that Davis and Burns are just slow learners at best and too dumb to be believed at worst.

You talking about Davis? Doesn't he speak 3 different languages... lack of ability to learn doesn't seem to be a phrase to use with him.

[Psycho Ward 86]

So, DK is suggesting that the Steelers are considering moving Cam Sutton to Safety.

Also, apparently the Steelers are talking to Wilcox about taking a pay cut and staying next year.

970135975174246400


https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2018/3/2/17069686/steelers-consider-retaining-j-j-wilcox-rather-than-mike-mitchell-to-bolster-safety-position-rumors

Man, the combination of those moves just looks stupid to me. Cameron was looking good at cornerback, and Burns needs to be pushed for a starting spot, why mess with that? You have an entire free agency period and draft to get a safety.

[Mojouw]

You talking about Davis? Doesn't he speak 3 different languages... lack of ability to learn doesn't seem to be a phrase to use with him.

Didn't know that. Hopefully, Davis is just still young and figuring it out, but I'm not sure I want him "quarterbacking" the secondary. He just doesn't seem to have that kind of football mind. I'm likely being too harsh on him, but I honestly feel that he had a terrible year and he makes mental mistakes consistently.

- - - Updated - - -


Man, the combination of those moves just looks stupid to me. Cameron was looking good at cornerback, and Burns needs to be pushed for a starting spot, why mess with that? You have an entire free agency period and draft to get a safety.

Only thing I can come up with is that isn't Sutton supposed to be crazy "football smart"? He was the one who was whiteboarding the entire defense in the draft interviews, right?

I would guess the plan would be to get that football mind on the field to help call your defense. Losing Shazier and Mitchell means you have lost the 2 guys who organized your defense. I think we can all agree that the defense, and secondary in particular would benefit from someone helping ride herd on their "communication issues" -- looks directly at Artie Burns.

[teegre]

Only thing I can come up with is that isn't Sutton supposed to be crazy "football smart"? He was the one who was whiteboarding the entire defense in the draft interviews, right?

Yep

Tennessee produced the two smartest players from that draft: Cameron Sutton and Josh Dobbs.

[teegre]

But man I really like the Reid brothers idea...

The Steelers had an informal and a formal meeting with Justin Reid. Tomlin was a part of both.

The Steelers are meeting tonight with Ronnie Harrison. (Does anyone know if this meeting is a dinner???)

[teegre]

@BlackAndGold

The Steelers met with Jessie Bates.

[BlackAndGold]

@BlackAndGold

The Steelers met with Jessie Bates.

Great to hear.

A lot of hype starting to surround Justin Reid.

One of Evans/LVE/Reid could be the guy at #28.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Great to hear.

A lot of hype starting to surround Justin Reid.

One of Evans/LVE/Reid could be the guy at #28.

Yeah, I'm good with that. A lot of fans will say "I don't want a safety in the 1st, we need an ILB", or " why draft a TE in the 1st round when we have other needs like Safety and ILB". The reality of the situation is that the Steelers will likely try and fill a position that is thin with BPA and if it turns out to be Safety, ILB, TE or even another OLB....they will likely pick the player of best value at the position.

[BlackAndGold]

Yeah, I'm good with that. A lot of fans will say "I don't want a safety in the 1st, we need an ILB", or " why draft a TE in the 1st round when we have other needs like Safety and ILB". The reality of the situation is that the Steelers will likely try and fill a position that is thin with BPA and if it turns out to be Safety, ILB, TE or even another OLB....they will likely pick the player of best value at the position.

Correct.

Also, it's very likely they will address one of those areas(ILB, or safety) via free agency. Which one? who knows but I expect something.

[Mojouw]

Correct.

Also, it's very likely they will address one of those areas(ILB, or safety) via free agency. Which one? who knows but I expect something.

I think they address both in free agency or by not cutting someone we sorta expect (Mitchell and/or Wilcox). When is the last time Colbert went into the draft with a total blank spot on the starting 22 depth chart? While it often means there is not a great player penciled in, rarely (if ever) is there just a total donut hole.

So I expect to see a significant signing at ILB and a lot of movement of existing players around the roster to wallpaper over the safety spot.

Then after the draft, there will be another reshuffling of the cards at both spots.

[teegre]

Great to hear.

A lot of hype starting to surround Justin Reid.

One of Evans/LVE/Reid could be the guy at #28.

Reid is the player du jour who is linked with the Steelers...

[hawaiiansteeler]

would Su'a Cravens be a better safety than anyone the Steelers could draft in Round 3?

Washington holds firm on its price for Su’a Cravens

Posted by Mike Florio on March 10, 2018

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/03/10/washington-holds-firm-on-its-price-for-sua-cravens/

[Shoes]

would Su'a Cravens be a better safety than anyone the Steelers could draft in Round 3?

Washington holds firm on its price for Su’a Cravens

Posted by Mike Florio on March 10, 2018



http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/03/10/washington-holds-firm-on-its-price-for-sua-cravens/


Why did he quit? And why does he want to come back?

[Born2Steel]

would Su'a Cravens be a better safety than anyone the Steelers could draft in Round 3?

Washington holds firm on its price for Su’a Cravens

Posted by Mike Florio on March 10, 2018

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/03/10/washington-holds-firm-on-its-price-for-sua-cravens/

I asked about Cravens in a different thread. He has apparently had a very real issue with concussions and I don't think he would be a wise choice here. I loved him in the draft and thought we may even take him in the first round. I wouldn't trade a box of donuts for him now.

[Shoes]

I asked about Cravens in a different thread. He has apparently had a very real issue with concussions and I don't think he would be a wise choice here. I loved him in the draft and thought we may even take him in the first round. I wouldn't trade a box of donuts for him now.

In that case...Ladarius Green, lesson learned, hopefully.

[SteelerFanInStl]

Just say NO to Cravens. Concussion issues and questionable desire.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Eric Reid says owners haven't signed him because of protests

Nick Wagoner
ESPN Staff Writer

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22783800/free-agent-safety-eric-reid-says-protests-national-anthem-keeping-finding-new-team

http://a2.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2017%2F0809%2Fr241934_1296x729_16 %2D9.jpg&w=570

[BlackAndGold]

Eric Reid says owners haven't signed him because of protests

Nick Wagoner
ESPN Staff Writer

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22783800/free-agent-safety-eric-reid-says-protests-national-anthem-keeping-finding-new-team

http://a2.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2017%2F0809%2Fr241934_1296x729_16 %2D9.jpg&w=570

Actually Eric Red, no safety has been signed as of yet.

[steelreserve]

Eric Reid says owners haven't signed him because of protests

Nick Wagoner
ESPN Staff Writer

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22783800/free-agent-safety-eric-reid-says-protests-national-anthem-keeping-finding-new-team




Ignoring the fact that there are several similarly talented safeties out there and all of them haven't signed either ... yeah, it must be racism or some secret conspiracy.

I know if I was hiring someone, for anything from NFL safety to McDonald's janitor, the loudly outspoken guy who's telling me I'm an asshole, and at the same time making a public spectacle of himself in ways that probably a third of my customers don't like ... well, among candidates of roughly equal qualifications, that guy is going to be last on my list. In fact, he'd better be head-and-shoulders above the rest to even be worth considering. Reid may be a decent safety, but he's not superlative compared to the other options out there.

Sorry dude. Players are always talking about how pro football is a business. And the only political stance that makes sense for a business to take is no political stance.

[86WARD]

No thanks. I’d take Mitchell back before this guy...lol.

[hawaiiansteeler]

No thanks. I’d take Mitchell back before this guy...lol.

after reading that article I agree with you...

[Craic]

I wouldn't want Reid, either. I don't care what he does or does not protest off the field. But to bring it into the locker room and onto the field... no thanks.

That being said, I'd much rather pick up a veteran FS and focus on LB and filling holes elsewhere in the draft. I'd even be willing to give up a middle round pick or two for a second in 2020 with an eye on bundling that and our 2nd with our first to move up for a QB. Of course, that's the type of thing the Steelers never do, but still...

[hawaiiansteeler]

5 free-agent safeties still on the market for the Steelers

By: Curt Popejoy

https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2018/03/18/5-free-agent-safeties-still-on-the-market-for-the-steelers/

[Mojouw]

Depth option visits

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2018/03/report-s-michael-thomas-visiting-steelers-today/


Assume for a moment that Thomas signs. That leaves a depth chart looking like this:

S. Davis -SS
???? -FS
Wilcox - SS
Thomas - Swiss Army Knife?

Man that still doesn't look real good.

[teegre]

Depth option visits

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2018/03/report-s-michael-thomas-visiting-steelers-today/


Assume for a moment that Thomas signs. That leaves a depth chart looking like this:

S. Davis -SS
???? -FS
Wilcox - SS
Thomas - Swiss Army Knife?

Man that still doesn't look real good.

Michael Thomas is a good special teamer. (They brought in Matt Slater, as well.)

It seems to me that the writing is on the wall for DHB.

[Mojouw]

Michael Thomas is a good special teamer. (They brought in Matt Slater, as well.)

It seems to me that the writing is on the wall for DHB.

That and I think i saw somewhere that Golden played like 350-400 special teams snaps and was in super important roles.

That needs replaced...

[teegre]

That and I think i saw somewhere that Golden played like 350-400 special teams snaps and was in super important roles.

That needs replaced...

Our current depth chart:

SS: no one, no one
FS: Davis, no one

Plus, that huge hole on special teams needs to be filled (hopefully the backups can play special teams). Our new secondary coach has two safeties in this draft.

With all of that in mind, could we see three safeties drafted???
R1/R2: Justin Reid/Jessie Bates/Kyzir White
R5: Allen, Penn St.
R7: Apke, Penn St.

Realistically, we will sign one free agent safety; so, we will most likely not draft three safeties. Then again...

Also, we should look at which late-round safeties are also great at special teams. I know that Apke is faaast, but I do not know how he plays (on special teams or as a safety).

[Born2Steel]

I know the rules on franchise QBs. However, with the talent hole in the middle of this defense, we should not go QB in the first round this draft. Just my opinion. We did not lose that playoff game because of lack of talent at the QB spot. And going forward I don't see winning many games unless we fix the defense. Your 3 safeties question is spot on. We could/should see something like that.

Will we see Mitchell or Golden get brought back? Mitchell is a maybe for less, but Golden didn't cost much to start with. A 1st round safety, possibly a 2nd round CB or safety could be the plan to get enough DBs on the field this season.

The Bostic signing reduces the need for a ILB like LVE, Jewell, or Kiser. Does not completely remove the need maybe but reduces the chances of a 1st/2nd round reach. IMO. Still need the Evans, Baker type ILB which I think will be available in the 3rd. Notice I said "type", not those 2 actual players probably. But perhaps a Genard Avery or Christian Sam could be there.

Also makes me think an early round edge rusher, which I thought was a lock, may not happen either. Unless one of those athletic freaks like Edmunds drops I think we will spend this draft fixing the safety and RB roles for 2019 and beyond.

[86WARD]

If your signing a player to “replace Golden” on special teams and that player isn’t going to start or contribute a lot on defense, it’s a waste of money and really bad cap move. Golden’s “replacement” is going to have to do more than Golden or its an epic fail.

[Bluecoat96]

Well, I see that we're supposedly signing Morgan Burnett from the Packers, so there's a start.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

[hawaiiansteeler]

Well, I see that we're supposedly signing Morgan Burnett from the Packers, so there's a start.



Eric Reid was right, the Steelers are obviously racist. :jerkit: