My Offseason Plan

[smithessmokin]

Cuts & Savings
Preston Smith - $13M (already happened)
Larry Ogunjobi- $7M
Cole Holcomb- $6M
Cordarrelle Patterson- $2.8M
Dean Lowry- $2.5M
Montravius Adams- $2.25M
Cameron Johnson or Corliss Waitman- $1.5M/$1.1M

This would give the team roughly $82M in cap space.

Free Agent Signings:
Justin Fields, QB, Steelers (UFA)
This pretty much feels what the Steelers are going to do. It doesn't appear that Russell Wilson will be back. I'd love for the Steelers to trade up for a guy like Cam Ward, but just don't see it happening. Quite a few QBs in this class with question marks. I think we give Fields 2 yrs $45M. If he balks at that, sign Daniel Jones.

Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers (RFA)
I would look to see if you can extend him to a 3 year $12M, but if not you can always do the Right of First Refusal (ROFR) tender for $3.2M. With how good this RB class is, I doubt anyone really considers trying to make a move. When is the last time you saw RFA actually pursued by another team? Warren has a been a blessing considering we found him as a UDFA.

Milton Williams, DT, Eagles (UFA)
This dude is hell on wheels. Super twitchy guy who hasn't been a starter, but has been a huge part of the Eagles rotation. You always hear about Jordan Davis and Jaelen Carter, this guy has been equally as important. The contract I had in mind was a 4 year, $60M. With the amount of cap space, I'd suggest front loading the contract and fully guaranteeing the first two years. He's the premier interior defensive linemen in free agency, I want to be aggressive in getting him.

Charvarius Ward, CB, 49ers (UFA)
Another guy, when healthy, is one of the better CBs in the league. Dude isn't afraid to help out defending the run either, the guy throws his body around. I'm not as high on Cory Trice as some others are, so we need another guy who can step in seamlessly in across from JPJ. 3 years $33M.

Elandon Roberts, LB, Steelers (UFA)
Dude is about the only ILB the Steelers had last year that was good against the run. He's a hammer and a locker room guy, and he won't break the bank. Thinking a 2 year, $4M deal.

Josh Palmer, WR, Chargers (UFA)
Is he the big offseason splash we want? Nope. But whenever this guy is asked to step up for the Chargers, he does. He's a true outside WR and is only 26 years old. The added benefit here is that he's not going to break the bank. We'll give him a chance to start while also covering ourselves with a WR in the draft as well. I can't really guess a contract at this point, but my guess is we could get him for $3/4M year on the high end.

TJ Watt, LB, Steelers (extension)
We all know its coming. I give him a 3 yr, $115M extension. We all know that a completely healthy TJ Watt is what stirs the drink on defense.

These moves would give the Steelers the ability to truly go best player available in the draft. With the above moves, that would give the Steelers $22M to sign their draft class and have room to work in the season.

[Orangesteel]

I like it Jeremy. 82M in space is insanity. They have room to make a serious FA splash they just better get the BEST guys, not guys that look like Steelers (cuz that shit hasn’t been working out).

[K_C_]

I like your plan but I have a feeling the Steelers like Daniel Jones a lot more than they like Fields.

I'm sure Arthur Smith believes he can turn Daniel Jones around (ala Ryan Tannehill) and while Jones has looked awful far more often than he's looked good, Jones's season 2 years ago will give any team hope that he can become a high level starter.

I think Fields is the back up plan in case Jones ends up elsewhere but we'll see.

I'll add that if they do sign Jones, I will then be certain the Steelers first round pick will be a WR to help Pickens out and that WR will either be Luther Burden, Emeka Egbuka or Matthew Golden.

The failure to add a quality #2 receiver was last year's biggest fuck up and the Steelers will fix that on day one in April.

[Jams]

I would back load contracts, people are predicting that the Cap might go up a lot, with the new streaming contracts and the TV deal will needing renewed soon. Some people are saying maybe upwards near 50 million a year.

[955876]

Until changes are made at the top my offseason plan is to not give a shit what they do.

Standards is the standard. Results will be the same.

Excuses will be made. We will get some “ah shucks” and comments from vets like Cam Heyward bout how the defense needs to communicate better and get on the same page.

Even though they are running the same D for years under the same person.

[Steelafan77]

I would back load contracts, people are predicting that the Cap might go up a lot, with the new streaming contracts and the TV deal will needing renewed soon. Some people are saying maybe upwards near 50 million a year.

NFL salary cap projected at $277.5M to $281.5M per team for 2025 season https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-salary-cap ... 025-season

Like what you would. Cap space aside I believe the Steelers do what they do and resign Fields. We’ll see.

[cop1211]

I’d cut Connor Heyward , Leal, and Loudermilk as well.

I like CB Davis as a free agent, and I’d sign DT Reed who’s a good run stuffer, to add to your signings.

[bradshaw2ben]

It’s not a bad plan per se, but there’s no reason to rush into cutting Holcomb… if he’s recovered he’s their best coverage LB. It’s not like they’re desperate for cap space. Truthfully, though, the Patrick Queen signing really messes things up for them. He’s not as good a Buck/downhill guy as Roberts and he’s not a good enough coverage guy to be on the field every down or to long-term keep Wilson off the field, let alone a healthy Holcomb. But Tomlin is in love with him.

Also, love Milton Williams but he is going be the hottest FA of the season, so be prepared to not only have to match but exceed by a lot what contender teams offer.

I like the Palmer prediction—that seems doable for both sides, although any FA WR is going to looking at “how is this QB/offense gonna make me look?” It’s the WR equivalent of “does this dress make me look fat?”

[beerbrother]

What are your thoughts about acquiring more talent for the OLine?

Dan Moore & James Daniels are both free agents. Depending on Jones taking over as left tackle is a bit scary.

[Deebo]

What are your thoughts about acquiring more talent for the OLine?

Dan Moore & James Daniels are both free agents. Depending on Jones taking over as left tackle is a bit scary.

I hope they keep Jones at RT and let Fauntu take the LT. Sign a swing tackle in FA

[beerbrother]

What are your thoughts about acquiring more talent for the OLine?

Dan Moore & James Daniels are both free agents. Depending on Jones taking over as left tackle is a bit scary.

I hope they keep Jones at RT and let Fauntu take the LT. Sign a swing tackle in FA

I'm fine leaving Jones on the right side. Would like to see some competition for his position.

[smithessmokin]

What are your thoughts about acquiring more talent for the OLine?

Dan Moore & James Daniels are both free agents. Depending on Jones taking over as left tackle is a bit scary.

Saw something on Twitter the other day from one of the Steelers writers, the team is going to give McCormick competition for RG.

[steelmann58]

I will think MM will eventually move to LG

[Steelafan77]

A small list of Free Agents to keep an eye on.

In No particular order:

WR
Terrace Marshall 6’2 200 (24)
Simi Fehoko 6’4 218 (27)
Tyler Johnson 6’1 208 (26)

RB
Kenneth Gainwell 5’9 200 (25)
Javonte Williams 5’10 220 (24)
Cam Ackers 5’10 217 (25)

DE
Payton Turner 6’6 270 (26)
Dayo Odeyingbo 6’6 286 (25)
Malcolm Koonce 6’3 250 (26)
Janarius Robinson 6’5 260 (26)
Chase Young 6’5 265 (25)
Joseph Ossai 6’4 263 (24)

DT
Bobby Brown 6’4 332 (25)
Leki Fotu 6’5 335 (26)
James Lynch 6’4 295 (26)
Ta’Quon Graham 6’4 307 (26)

Safety
Israel Mukuamu 6’4 205 (25)
Jevon Holland 6’1 207 (25)
Trevon Moehrig 6’2 202 (25)
Andre Cisco 6’0 210 (24)
Jason Pinnock 6’0 200 (25)
Darrick Forrest 5’11 200 (24)

Corner
Asante Samuel Jr. 5’10 180 (25)
Nate Hobbs 6’0 195 (25)
Paulson Adebo 6’1 192 (25)
Ifeatu Melifonwu 6’3 210 (25)

[.Kodiak]

I'm fine leaving Jones on the right side. Would like to see some competition for his position.

We better hope he was battling injuries last year because he sure looks like a bust.

[.Kodiak]

I think we give Fields 2 yrs $45M. If he balks at that, sign Daniel Jones.

$23M per year?!?

Look, Fields was cheap last year for only an R6. There was little-to-no appetite for him as a starter. While he was much better than execpted last year, he was a game manager at best.

Fields looks like an "elite" backup. That's more in the $7-$8M range than $20M+.

The contract would have to be heavily loaded with incentives: starting 8+ games, 3000+ yards passing, 500+ rushing, Winning 9+ games. Playoff win. He does all that, sure $25M.

If he fizzles - and I'm assuming we don't have anyone else to throw in except maybe a flier on a late round QB we don't play until the last month (but knowing we're hunting NHALS, that's never happening). Long story short, maybe $12M per as the transitional QB he clearly is. I doubt there's much competition to pay more than that.

There's no one out there worth big money or draft capital that's going to be above average in Arthur Smith's system behind that OL. Also, I'm afraid TJ is slowing down and they are about to massively overpay him on a C3.

The fact they have waffled on targeting Fields even over Wilson says they weren't that impressed with what Fields did last year. I think they take the cheapest bridge option whether that's Fields, Daniel Jones or someone else. None of those guys are worth $5-$10M more per year than the other guys. Take the cheapest JAG

[bradshaw2ben]

I think we give Fields 2 yrs $45M. If he balks at that, sign Daniel Jones.

$23M per year?!?

Look, Fields was cheap last year for only an R6. There was little-to-no appetite for him as a starter. While he was much better than execpted last year, he was a game manager at best.

Fields looks like an "elite" backup. That's more in the $7-$8M range than $20M+.

The contract would have to be heavily loaded with incentives: starting 8+ games, 3000+ yards passing, 500+ rushing, Winning 9+ games. Playoff win. He does all that, sure $25M.

If he fizzles - and I'm assuming we don't have anyone else to throw in except maybe a flier on a late round QB we don't play until the last month (but knowing we're hunting NHALS, that's never happening). Long story short, maybe $12M per as the transitional QB he clearly is. I doubt there's much competition to pay more than that.

There's no one out there worth big money or draft capital that's going to be above average in Arthur Smith's system behind that OL. Also, I'm afraid TJ is slowing down and they are about to massively overpay him on a C3.

The fact they have waffled on targeting Fields even over Wilson says they weren't that impressed with what Fields did last year. I think they take the cheapest bridge option whether that's Fields, Daniel Jones or someone else. None of those guys are worth $5-$10M more per year than the other guys. Take the cheapest JAG

Listen, been shouting this to the heavens: IF you sign a veteran QB to be your starter, it would be MIRACULOUS to get him for under $40/year. I beleive Minshew is the only vet QB last year signed who didn't make that (cap inflation-adjusted), and it's unclear if: A. he was signed to to be the starter and B. if he had incentives such that he started all year, he'd get more like $30+.

IF Fields is signed to to be the starter, he'll make AT LEAST $15/per and, knowing the Steelers penchant for overpaying/negotiating against themselves + this C$2 being Fields best chance as a payday +the Jets interest+Steelers cap space, it might be significantly more. Regardless, he'll have incentives that drive the price up if he does end up starting the season and perhaps more.

[steelmann58]

If someone offers him 20 million let him go to that team.

[Ice]

Hopefully the Nick Chubb interest is clickbait.

[.Kodiak]

Listen, been shouting this to the heavens: IF you sign a veteran QB to be your starter, it would be MIRACULOUS to get him for under $40/year.

A proven guy, like Stafford, or possibly even Darnold.

But guys who've never had a good season and washed out at least once? PIT signed Trubisky, whom I think had comparable success to Fields (including being a backup prior to being a FA), for $14.3M over 2 years.

No way Fields should sniff $20M per unless he hits all the incentives. It could even be something like $12M with a Yr2 option of $25M. Fields has shown to be a backup - should be thrilled with an extra $4-5M and one last chance to prove himself as a starter.

Now, if I were Fields, I'd take LESS money to go somewhere else where I have a much better chance of developing and succeeding. But I think he may not get such an offer.

[bradshaw2ben]

Listen, been shouting this to the heavens: IF you sign a veteran QB to be your starter, it would be MIRACULOUS to get him for under $40/year.

A proven guy, like Stafford, or possibly even Darnold.

But guys who've never had a good season and washed out at least once? PIT signed Trubisky, whom I think had comparable success to Fields (including being a backup prior to being a FA), for $14.3M over 2 years.

No way Fields should sniff $20M per unless he hits all the incentives. It could even be something like $12M with a Yr2 option of $25M. Fields has shown to be a backup - should be thrilled with an extra $4-5M and one last chance to prove himself as a starter.

Now, if I were Fields, I'd take LESS money to go somewhere else where I have a much better chance of developing and succeeding. But I think he may not get such an offer.

QB Market has TOTALLY changed since then.

Gardner Minshew got $12.5/per a year later. And then there's that $40/per for Daniel Jones.

I think Fields is easily better on paper than Minshew and his numbers/effectiveness are better than Jones, too.

I would think $15M/per for Fields is the bottom––like if there's not a ton of serious interest

[.Kodiak]

QB Market has TOTALLY changed since then.

But Fields was basically free, for an R6, just last year....Nothing he put on tape last year would suggest teams are suddenly going to line-up to pay him $20M+ per year.

[bradshaw2ben]

QB Market has TOTALLY changed since then.

But Fields was basically free, for an R6, just last year....Nothing he put on tape last year would suggest teams are suddenly going to line-up to pay him $20M+ per year.

There were a lot more QBs available last year. Now aside from ancient guys or guys who will cost you draft picks, there's Darnold, Russ, & Fields.

[jeemie]

My off-season plan...post this meme over and over...have fun with it

Messenger_creation_D113A083-23B5-4ADE-B316-C58752AED40F.jpeg (127.71 KiB) Viewed 23543 times

[bradshaw2ben]

This is very nearly what my plan would be, and it’s written by a Philly eagles podcaster whose GF is a Steelers fan:

https://phillycovercorner.com/2025/01/w ... -steelers/

Other than re-signing Fields, damn near spot on.

[jebrick]

This is very nearly what my plan would be, and it’s written by a Philly eagles podcaster whose GF is a Steelers fan:

https://phillycovercorner.com/2025/01/w ... -steelers/

Other than re-signing Fields, damn near spot on.

I think i wrote that opening paragraph.

Too many bold moves for the Steelers to even consider it. This is a rebuilding and the Steeles never do that even when they are doing it.

[gojira5150]

This is very nearly what my plan would be, and it’s written by a Philly eagles podcaster whose GF is a Steelers fan:

https://phillycovercorner.com/2025/01/w ... -steelers/

Other than re-signing Fields, damn near spot on.

Awesome read. Too bad this Org/Jibba just don't think that far ahead. Jibba would NEVER trade his security blanket TJ. Should have traded Watt & Minkah this off season & accumulate draft picks for Arch next year. Could have gotten a 1st & 2nd for Watt. Maybe a 2nd or 3rd for Minkah.

[.Kodiak]

There were a lot more QBs available last year. Now aside from ancient guys or guys who will cost you draft picks, there's Darnold, Russ, & Fields.

But he wasn't worth a flier last year for a lot less. Nothing he put on tape last year is going to change that. Few trackers I've seen are pegging his contract a little bit above the top-tier backups, which is about right.

[Stillerz Bar]

There were a lot more QBs available last year. Now aside from ancient guys or guys who will cost you draft picks, there's Darnold, Russ, & Fields.

But he wasn't worth a flier last year for a lot less. Nothing he put on tape last year is going to change that. Few trackers I've seen are pegging his contract a little bit above the top-tier backups, which is about right.

It's all about the market and QBs now are significantly overpriced. Do I think Fields is worth $20M or more, no way... Do I think you can get a starter for under $20M in this market, sadly, no

No matter who we choose to start, it will cost at least $20M and more likely $30M or even $40M+

I don't disagree that Fields isn't worth that kind of money, but in today's crazy NFL, QBs just get paid a ton of money even if there are mediocre... or totally suck.

[Steelafan77]

Today's crazy NFL, QBs just get paid a ton of money even if there are mediocre... or totally suck.

Just ask Kirk Cousins. Made a career out of fleecing franchises.

He should start a business, How to fleece franchises for Millions as a mediocre journeyman QB.