Ranking the Steelers Unrestricted Free Agents

1. Jason Worilds:

Worilds has yet to fully live up to his talent level, but has produced enough to earn the top spot on this list.  It is highly likely that Worilds will have several dominant seasons on his resume by the time his career is finished.  Chances are that will not happen with the Steelers though.   

Probability of Return: <10%.  

My Expectation: While the Titans seem like an obvious choice, I expect Worilds to go to the highest bidder. 

 2. Arthur Moats

Moats showed flashes of being a valuable linebacker in the years to come.  In his limited playing time Moats was able to compile 4 sacks and recover two fumbles. While that may not be much in the way of on-field production, there is enough potential to warrant a high ranking on this list.  At 26, there is good reason to believe he will find a starting job somewhere in the next couple years.  It probably won't be with the Steelers this year.

Probability of Return: 25%

My Expectation: I think that Moats will find a team that offers him a starting spot and jump at that opportunity.

3. Brice McCain

Like much of the Steelers secondary, McCain had a bit of an up and down season, however, he was able to pick off 3 balls and take one back for a score.  Two of those interceptions were keys in defeating the Bengals in week 17.  While there were other factors the Steelers D seemed to improve after McCain was added to the starting lineup.

Probability of Return: 50%

My Expectation: I could definitely see the Steelers attempting to bring back McCain next season.  There appears to be a lot of turnover coming to the secondary, so adding a little more continuity may help.  However, he will have other suitors around the league.

4. James Harrison

Harrison was a major surprise for the Steelers this year in his successful homecoming.  He believes that he can still play in the league and has no plans of retiring.  Unfortunately, he saw little interest in him before the 2014 season and being a year older there may not be good reason to wish for more interest this year.  Even with the productive 2014, most teams will fear that LeBeau's system played a large role in his success. 

Probability of Return: 33%

My Expectation:  I see possibilities for Harrison: Steelers, Titans, and retirement.  Each has equal chance in my opinion. 

5. Will Allen

Allen has had a solid career and is a veteran player who you know you is going to give you a solid level of production.  With the almost guarantee that Troy Polamalu will not be returning next year, it might be smart to keep him around for another year. 

Probability of Return: 60%

My Expectation: For some reason, I am pretty confident that he will be returning to the Steelers in a similar role as last season. 

 6. Ben Tate

Tate spent little time with the Steelers last year and appears to be on his last legs in the NFL.  However, he has enough left to give somebody about ten productive carries a game.  His days as a main back were short lived but he will like find a home somewhere in the league this year.  It will not come with the Steelers in any scenario I can imagine.

Probability of Return: <5%

My Expectation: I am not sure where he will go but as I stated earlier I do not see how he wouldn't find a job somewhere.  Maybe a feel good return to Houston is a possibility.

7. Matt Spaeth

Spaeth has built a solid career for himself as a backup tight end and blocking specialist.  He is now in the final stretch but will not be hanging them up just yet. 

 Probability of Return: 55%

My Expectation: There is little reason to expect Spaeth not to find a team next year.  And I think it is more likely than not that it will be with the Steelers.  

8. Darrius Heyward-Bey 

You cannot teach speed so Heyward-Bey is sure to find at least one more job in the league.  He saw the field with the Steelers even after the breakout of several receivers so he still has the respect of coaches in the NFL right now.  He will always be seen a bust, but he seems like a good vet at this point.

 Probability of Return: 10%

My Expectation:  He will be on somebody's roster next year.  There is a chance it could be with the Steelers in some "why not" scenario.  He may feel he has a better chance of seeing the field with another team though. 

9. Michael Palmer

Palmer definitely passes the look test for an NFL tight end and the Steelers coaches appeared to like what they saw from him in practice.  He was even able to score a touchdown in 2014.

 Probability of Return: 75%

My Expectation: I just feel as though the coaches like Palmer and plan to give him another look next year.

 10. Greg Warren

Long-time long snapper for the team, not much more to say.

Probability of Return: 85%

My Expectation: Most enjoy the comfort of continuity so there doesn't seem to be good reason to break-up this marriage.