Mojouw
03-16-2018, 11:38 AM
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/pittsburgh-steelers-opinions-reactions-news-updates/2018/3/16/17127312/the-steelers-way-of-doing-business-is-costing-them-free-agents-kevin-colbert-leveon-bell-nfl-news
The author makes an interesting point that the Steelers avoid guaranteed money like the plague. Other teams are not - at least in the early days of free agency. However, the author appears to be failing to account for talent. Like at all.
Do you want your team to give a WR with 90 career catches the same cash as Antonio Brown? I certainly wouldn't.
The author specifically focuses on the piles of cash that Hitchens, Williamson, and Davis got at ILB. Nowhere does he mention that Hitchens has to come off the field on passing downs. Davis often as well. Anyone remember Williamson having an impact in the Titans game last season? I don't. In fact I do remember their rookie LB making most of the plays. Gee....wonder why dude got released....
Finally, think about the play level of those three linebackers. Now think about them being paid 9-10 million per year. Now watch this draft breakdown of about the 10th or 12th ranked ILB prospect in the draft -- http://www.steelersdepot.com/2018/03/2018-nfl-draft-player-profiles-memphis-ilb-genard-avery/
Ok. What would you rather do:
A. pay 9-10 million per year with cash up front to guys that have limits to their game
B. Roll the dice on the draft and get a guy that can play all 3 downs and both the run and the pass?
But, sure. Let's be salty about contract structures and the fact that the 2018 Steelers defense will likely be a bit worse for rolling with a rookie. I mean why would a GM consider anything past 2018? Sure the 2019 and beyond defense would be far better and the cap sheet looks better....but screw that....
The author makes an interesting point that the Steelers avoid guaranteed money like the plague. Other teams are not - at least in the early days of free agency. However, the author appears to be failing to account for talent. Like at all.
Do you want your team to give a WR with 90 career catches the same cash as Antonio Brown? I certainly wouldn't.
The author specifically focuses on the piles of cash that Hitchens, Williamson, and Davis got at ILB. Nowhere does he mention that Hitchens has to come off the field on passing downs. Davis often as well. Anyone remember Williamson having an impact in the Titans game last season? I don't. In fact I do remember their rookie LB making most of the plays. Gee....wonder why dude got released....
Finally, think about the play level of those three linebackers. Now think about them being paid 9-10 million per year. Now watch this draft breakdown of about the 10th or 12th ranked ILB prospect in the draft -- http://www.steelersdepot.com/2018/03/2018-nfl-draft-player-profiles-memphis-ilb-genard-avery/
Ok. What would you rather do:
A. pay 9-10 million per year with cash up front to guys that have limits to their game
B. Roll the dice on the draft and get a guy that can play all 3 downs and both the run and the pass?
But, sure. Let's be salty about contract structures and the fact that the 2018 Steelers defense will likely be a bit worse for rolling with a rookie. I mean why would a GM consider anything past 2018? Sure the 2019 and beyond defense would be far better and the cap sheet looks better....but screw that....