Weekly Steelers News and Rumors

• The biggest news of the weak was obviously the contract extension of Ben Roethlisberger.  Everyone knew that it was coming at some point, but that does not take away from its huge impact.  The Steelers will have to rely on Roethlisberger and the rest of the the offense if they want any chance to return to the playoffs

• On the same day, the Steelers were able to sign free agent running back DeAngelo Williams to a two-year deal.  Williams will see a decent amount of carries next season as the main backup to Le'Veon Bell.  He is also expected to be the starter during Bell's suspension.

• The Steelers will host a couple of defensive backs this week.  Ian Rapoport reported that former first rounder Patrick Robinson will be in for a visit and Josina Anderson found out that Sterling Moore will also be making a visit.  Obviously the secondary is a major hole on the team's roster and many additions are expected by the end of the offseason.

• Before Jason Worilds decided to retire, he was reportedly seeking $50 million.  The Steelers offered as much as $12 million in guaranteed money before letting Worilds know he should check out the market for his services.  Obviously, God was the apparent winner of his services. 

• The Steelers re-signed Arthur Moats to a 3-year, $7.5 million contract.  As was discussed in the free agency breakdown article, this was not only expected but also a good move by the team.

• According to Jason La Canfora the Steelers are in search of a returner for the 2014 season.  While Antonio Brown has been good as a punt returner, the kick return game has been less than stellar the last few years.  Additionally, every punt return Brown takes is another chance for an injury.

Steeler Way is Pretty (Damn) Successful

I would think that 3 AFC Championships, 2 Super Bowl titles, a combined 103-59 record, 6 postseasons appearances, 4 division titles, an 8-4 postseason record, and one of only two teams (Patriots) in the last 10 years without a losing record would leave Steeler fans a happy bunch (I know I am) but all I hear this offseason is how this organization is clueless and pathetic. Criticism of how the organization has run things this offseason. How they have yet to sign a big name free agent so far. In case people haven't been paying attention, this is how they have operated things for the last 20-30 years and I would say that they have been pretty damn successful just by looking at the above statistics let alone having actually watched every single game. Pittsburgh Steeler fans just sound like a bunch of spoiled brats.

Granted this team does have flaws, mainly on defense. They lack an elite pass rusher and no difference makers in the secondary, two things that have been mainstays since 2001. With the likes of Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, Joey Porter, Ike Taylor, and even Ryan Clark the back seven of the Steelers defense has consistently been one of the best in the league. They no longer can say that. Yes, a big name such as Darrelle Revis or Brian Orakpo would have been great additions. They would be for any team, especially one as flawed as the Steelers. But the Steelers have never and will most likely never go the free agency route. They have built through the draft, with a key free agent sprinkled in here or there but most of those have been under the radar additions that did not have much fanfare i.e James Farrior, Ryan Clark, and Jeff Hartings. Over the last few years we have seen teams such as the Redskins, Eagles, Broncos, and Raiders go on spending sprees and last time I checked none of those teams managed to win the Super Bowl. In fact it can be argued that the last ten Super Bowl winners have mostly been built through the draft. The only one that possibly could be argued against is the New Orleans Saints who won with a free agent addition at the most important position on the field. The Steelers (2), Giants (2), Colts, Ravens, Seahawks, Packers, and Patriots have developed most of their main players through the draft. And with the success of those teams who is anyone to argue with the approaches.

Another criticism of the Steelers has been how they do not spend money. That could not be further from the truth. They are constantly up against the cap which as been one of their biggest problems over the years. They just signed Ben Roethlisberger to a huge 5- year, $99 million contract. A cheap team does not do that.  They have been a team that has found ways to keep their best players around for a long time.

If you want your favorite team to be one that is a huge spender in the free agent market then I suggest that you go find another team to cheer for because under the Rooney ownership the Steelers will never be a big spender and who am I to argue with their approach.    

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.