Let the Mini-Offseason Begin

[Chidi29]

You get to run the Steelers' "offseason". Tell us your plan.

List of Steelers' free agents, according to rotoworld.

Willie Colon
Nick Eason
Trai Essex
Keyaron Fox
William Gay
Anthony Madison
Mewelde Moore
Ike Taylor
Jonathan Scott
Daniel Sepulevda
Matt Spaeth
Shaun Suisham
Greg Warren

List of FAs
http://www.footballsfuture.com/freeagents.html

[Nadroj 20]

Just saw that we are 10.3 M over the cap, how much will that effect anything? They will have to make some adjustments thats for sure.

[Chidi29]

Just saw that we are 10.3 M over the cap, how much will that effect anything? They will have to make some adjustments thats for sure.

I'm pretty rusty on the cap aspect of football.

One thing does help us with the way contracts are usually drawn up. They're backloaded; the big money doesn't hit until later years. The cap hit won't be as bad in the first year than say, the fourth. I'm sure that'll allow us to push bonuses around too and clear up space.

I remember the Pats always re-structuring Tom Brady's deal to clear up cap space in the short-term. He'd get more money in the long-run but it allows short-term relief.

[Nadroj 20]

I'm pretty rusty on the cap aspect of football.

One thing does help us with the way contracts are usually drawn up. They're backloaded; the big money doesn't hit until later years. The cap hit won't be as bad in the first year than say, the fourth. I'm sure that'll allow us to push bonuses around too and clear up space.

I remember the Pats always re-structuring Tom Brady's deal to clear up cap space in the short-term. He'd get more money in the long-run but it allows short-term relief.

A bit rusty is far more then I know about it I'm sure

I don't think we have to worry about too much, as you said there are ways to clear up space.

We need to focus on Ike Taylor for sure. Try to get him signed to a good deal. Another guy is Colon, I would like to get him signed too.

[Chidi29]

I still doubt Colon's ability after coming off the Torn Achilles.

[Nadroj 20]

I still doubt Colon's ability after coming off the Torn Achilles.

I don't blame you. That is definitely something to consider.

[Craic]

The other problem is that there is no chance to sign these guys before FA hits. So it is going to be a real free-for-all.

[Craic]

As far as actual signings go:

1. Taylor is the biggest one, I'd work on getting him first and foremost.

2. Essex or Colon: I'd take Essex. Colon was the best O line player we had for two or three years. But he will still command quite a bit of money, there are doubts about his achilles heal, and we have a replacement for him already. Essex won't command as much money, I STILL think he is a better left tackle than right guard, and he is more movable on the line.

3. Sep. Remember all those punters we went through? Yeah. Me too. Bringing Sep. back is my numb. 3 priority.

4. We have to fix the CB's. But unless we pick up someone in FA, it won't happen this year. So out of Gay or Madison, I'd absolutely take Gay. His numbers trump Madison hands down, plus, he is quite a bit younger. Gay is the perfect third CB. for us, with 40 tackles, 8 assists, 2 sacks and 11 passes defended plus a Forced fumble.

5. Resign Fox, he's a good LB backup. Also resign Great Warren and Matt Spaeth. I know, everyone hates him. But he was hated even as a pick so why should that be any different. He has a 63% reception average career, which puts him just a bit higher than Ben's completion average last year (Meaning he is catching the average amount of passes that anyone else on the field is catching).

6. We give Squishy a decent contract with a decent bonus for making the team out of camp, then let him compete for a spot.

The rest we let walk. If Eason is will to come back to us, great. but we don't make the attempt.

So that means we let these players walk:
Colon,
Eason,
Madison,
Moore,
Scott.

Least, that's my thinking. THough to be honest, if we did sign Colon back I wouldn't cry about it. I really like the guy and his nastiness. Imagine having him and Flozell on either end and Pouncey in the middle? Wow. Can you say 15 yard penalty for unsportsman-like conduct? BTW, I have no problems with O-lines getting those penalties once in a while. It's that nastiness that's helped this line start to find it's grove again, and I believe Flozell and Pouncey were big in that.

[Chidi29]

A bit rusty is far more then I know about it I'm sure

I don't think we have to worry about too much, as you said there are ways to clear up space.

We need to focus on Ike Taylor for sure. Try to get him signed to a good deal. Another guy is Colon, I would like to get him signed too.

One piece of good news regarding the cap. From steelers.com

According to published reports, the 2011 cap is to be set at a little bit more than $120 million per team, which is a lower number than it was even in 2009, the final season under the old Collective Bargaining Agreement.

But the NFLPA didn’t negotiate a deal that would punish high-salaried veteran players, and so there is a mechanism in place to help teams deal with that. Teams will have roughly $3.5 million in what would otherwise be considered performance-based pay available to fund veteran player salaries. Teams could also “borrow” $3 million from a future salary cap that could be paid back.

How the Steelers stand in terms of the 2011 cap and what they plan to do about it are issues the team will be mulling in the next few days, but at this time it seems unlikely the Steelers will be forced into cutting high-priced veteran talent simply in order to get under the $120-plus million cap for the upcoming season.

[Chidi29]

As far as actual signings go:

1. Taylor is the biggest one, I'd work on getting him first and foremost.

2. Essex or Colon: I'd take Essex. Colon was the best O line player we had for two or three years. But he will still command quite a bit of money, there are doubts about his achilles heal, and we have a replacement for him already. Essex won't command as much money, I STILL think he is a better left tackle than right guard, and he is more movable on the line.

3. Sep. Remember all those punters we went through? Yeah. Me too. Bringing Sep. back is my numb. 3 priority.

4. We have to fix the CB's. But unless we pick up someone in FA, it won't happen this year. So out of Gay or Madison, I'd absolutely take Gay. His numbers trump Madison hands down, plus, he is quite a bit younger. Gay is the perfect third CB. for us, with 40 tackles, 8 assists, 2 sacks and 11 passes defended plus a Forced fumble.

5. Resign Fox, he's a good LB backup. Also resign Great Warren and Matt Spaeth. I know, everyone hates him. But he was hated even as a pick so why should that be any different. He has a 63% reception average career, which puts him just a bit higher than Ben's completion average last year (Meaning he is catching the average amount of passes that anyone else on the field is catching).

6. We give Squishy a decent contract with a decent bonus for making the team out of camp, then let him compete for a spot.

The rest we let walk. If Eason is will to come back to us, great. but we don't make the attempt.

So that means we let these players walk:
Colon,
Eason,
Madison,
Moore,
Scott.

Least, that's my thinking. THough to be honest, if we did sign Colon back I wouldn't cry about it. I really like the guy and his nastiness. Imagine having him and Flozell on either end and Pouncey in the middle? Wow. Can you say 15 yard penalty for unsportsman-like conduct? BTW, I have no problems with O-lines getting those penalties once in a while. It's that nastiness that's helped this line start to find it's grove again, and I believe Flozell and Pouncey were big in that.

Solid stuff Preacher, as usual.

Taylor is definitely the biggest priority. I don't tend to want to be in the "high school girl, need you in my life" desparation mode but might make an exception for Ike. Losing him puts a ton of pressure on the rest of the cornerbacks. I doubt Brown and Allen make any impact on defense this year because they're so far behind and the difficult nature of a Dick LeBeau defense. We've seen Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett struggle to get even a helmet in their first year despite having the benefit of OTAs and all that was lost in the lockout. You're counting a lot on Crezdon Butler to make a big leap and no matter what, you lack a standout corner.

Just as importantly, Ike is physical and willing to play the run. A must for Coach LeBeau. I've said it before; I would not want Asante Samuel or Antonio Cromartie on this team. I'll take McFadden over both of them (And to answer your question, yes I'm sober). That's how important physicality and run defense is to this team. It's an eleven man job and something that I get as much joy out of as an interception or sack.

Ike is the one guy who can match up against any WR we face, too. Can't have McFadden or Gay do it.

I'm "bleh" on Colon and Essex. Liked Colon a ton two years ago before the injury and feel bad that he got hurt but he may be a shell of himself now. Never liked Essex. Nothing more than a swingman, we now have a ton of those (Legursky, Gilbert, C.Scott,Foster) and a horrible pass protector. Maybe sign Essex just on that versatility if you're concerned about the youth/inexperience of Gilbert and Scott but just on the cheap for one year. End of the day though, I'd pass. Let Colon walk, too.

Big concern with Sep of course are injuries. Getting frustrating at this point. I'd bring him back because he's solid when healthy but have my fingers crossed the whole year.

Gay is a solid nickelback for us. Don't understand the critcism of him. Madison is nothing more than a gunner and as much as I appreciate what those guys do, teams go through them like water.

My disdain for Fox has wore off with time. You're right that he's a good backup and quality special teamer. Just needs to use his head sometimes.

Keep Warren.

Don't really care who our #2 TE is. He's going to be a glorified lineman. Spaeth is a solid run blocker with a big frame so if we want to keep him, I'm cool with it.

Suisham did really well for us I thought. No one else on the roster other than the occassional Swayze Waters hype which was just offseason/lockout boredom.

Jonathan Scott was probably the worst left tackle I saw in the league.

I wonder why so many are writing off Mewelde Moore. Not much as a runner but still valuable out of the backfield and as high-effort of a player as you'll see.

Eason could have value for one more year. Always nice to have veteran depth at an intricate and tough position like the five tech. One year, vet min, I'm game.

Here's my list of keep and let go.

Keep:
Taylor
Gay
Fox
Spaeth
Sepulevda
Warren
Suisham
Moore
Eason

Let Go:
Colon
Essex
Madison
Scott
Randle El (cut)
Aaron Smith (if shell of self after torn biceps and rotator cuff, no easy task to return from).

[The Duke]

would not want Asante Samuel or Antonio Cromartie on this team. I'll take McFadden over both of them

True, but there's still plenty others I'd take over BMac. Gotta give him that, he's not soft like cromartie

Don't really care who our #2 TE is

Me neither. As long as it's not Spaeth

Sign Jeff King!!

[Chidi29]

True, but there's still plenty others I'd take over BMac. Gotta give him that, he's not soft like cromartie



Me neither. As long as it's not Spaeth

Sign Jeff King!!

I've suggested King in the past and totally agree with you. Would be a good addition if Matt is let go. I'll post the rest of the FAs I want later.

[Chidi29]

Another free agent possibility.

Harvey Dahl/RG Atlanta: We need an upgrade at RG. It's been a revolving door since Kendall Simmons left. Bread and butter position in the run game and would allow us to pull from the right side instead of only the left. I thought Dahl would stay in Atlanta but it doesn't seem as likely now. It'll cost a lot of money but definitely worth it.

[Craic]

As far as actual signings go:

1. Taylor is the biggest one, I'd work on getting him first and foremost.

2. Essex or Colon: I'd take Essex. Colon was the best O line player we had for two or three years. But he will still command quite a bit of money, there are doubts about his achilles heel, and we have a replacement for him already. Essex won't command as much money, I STILL think he is a better left tackle than right guard, and he is more movable on the line. Maybe

3. Sep. Remember all those punters we went through? Yeah. Me too. Bringing Sep. back is my numb. 3 priority.

4. We have to fix the CB's. But unless we pick up someone in FA, it won't happen this year. So out of Gay or Madison, I'd absolutely take Gay. His numbers trump Madison hands down, plus, he is quite a bit younger. Gay is the perfect third CB. for us, with 40 tackles, 8 assists, 2 sacks and 11 passes defended plus a Forced fumble.

5. Resign Fox, he's a good LB backup. Also resign Great Warren and Matt Spaeth. I know, everyone hates him. But he was hated even as a pick so why should that be any different. He has a 63% reception average career, which puts him just a bit higher than Ben's completion average last year (Meaning he is catching the average amount of passes that anyone else on the field is catching).

6. We give Squishy a decent contract with a decent bonus for making the team out of camp, then let him compete for a spot.

The rest we let walk. If Eason is will to come back to us, great. but we don't make the attempt.

So that means we let these players walk:
Colon,
Eason,
Madison,
Moore,
Scott.

Least, that's my thinking. THough to be honest, if we did sign Colon back I wouldn't cry about it. I really like the guy and his nastiness. Imagine having him and Flozell on either end and Pouncey in the middle? Wow. Can you say 15 yard penalty for unsportsman-like conduct? BTW, I have no problems with O-lines getting those penalties once in a while. It's that nastiness that's helped this line start to find it's grove again, and I believe Flozell and Pouncey were big in that.

Let's see. So far,

Taylor-- Signed. Check.
Squishy-- Signed. Check.