Free Agency

[Orangesteel]

Has Fraudlin completely given up on Wilcox? He’s only 26 and with Mitchell’s cap hit next year can’t we give Wilcox a shot and dismiss Mitchell?

[Jobu]

Replace MM with anyone, even Golden
Demote Burns, promote Sutton
Davis
Haden

Better already just making moves w what you already have

Now go get me some violent young men in the draft

They can replace players, cut players, sign and draft new players...they keep running the same old schemes and system, it won’t mean shit.

[Legacy User]

No thread will ever stay on topic again. Draft forum and Pittsburgh sports till training camp opens. See ya in July, gents! Let's Go Pens!

Should have set the over under at 10. 16 was way too high.

The Tomlin Tourette's is worse than I thought.

[bradshaw2ben]

No thread will ever stay on topic again. Draft forum and Pittsburgh sports till training camp opens. See ya in July, gents! Let's Go Pens!

Should have set the over under at 10. 16 was way too high.

The Tomlin Tourette's is worse than I thought.

10??? Try 5, if you want to make it interesting. I’m still taking the under.

[Legacy User]

No thread will ever stay on topic again. Draft forum and Pittsburgh sports till training camp opens. See ya in July, gents! Let's Go Pens!

Should have set the over under at 10. 16 was way too high.

The Tomlin Tourette's is worse than I thought.

10??? Try 5, if you want to make it interesting. I’m still taking the under.

Are you guys for real?? X's or O's Jimmies or Joes...all goes back to the shades, or else go on pretending someone or something else is responsible.

[Steelafan77]

So tell me all you experts where did all that pressure and sack record get this team? A participation trophy for pressures and sacks? Where was all that fucking pressure and all those sacks in the postseason? I'll wait....

[Scunge]

I'll play Steelafan77. Where does all that pressure and sacks get you? Nowhere if you are still predominantly playing zone coverage.

Remember how late in the year we got Haden back and he was matched up one on one with Hopkins and followed him no matter where he lined up?

Remember how they had the heavy man coverage game against NE? Imagine if Shazier was in that game and was able to make an impact in man coverage too?

Prior to those two games, the Steelers were playing the same old same old. Not flipping their CBs, and playing predominantly zone coverage something like 88% of the time. That is not going to work and I don't care how many sacks per game you have.

They need to get that man coverage of 12% closer to 40-50% and then the sacks and pressure will mean more and be more impactful.

[Steelafan77]

It's also hard to get pressure/sacks when you can't stop the run. I do agree with the man defense Scunge. I also believe if there was another DLineman besides Alualu and Walton in the rotation would have been much more successful. McCullers is not returning and that roster spot needs filled. Preferably a player that does more than stand around on the sidelines in sweats.

Shea McClellin may be a cap casualty and could be good depth now that Moats is unlikely to return.
https://nesn.com/2018/02/ways-patriots- ... -cap-room/

[Steelafan77]

A.J. McCarron has won his grievance against the Bengals and been awarded unrestricted free agency. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports ... 335520002/

He'll get Paid!

[Steelafan77]

NFL teams are about to be bombarded with data that could change the way they scout opponents and evaluate free agents.

The NFL's Competition Committee recently signed off on a plan to release in-game player-tracking data on every NFL player to all 32 teams, and it's anticipated the league will begin releasing the data this spring, people with knowledge of the plan told NFL.com on Thursday. These people spoke on condition of anonymity because the plan had not yet been communicated to clubs, which had access to data only on their own players the past two seasons. The plan is to send league-wide data from 2016 and '17 to every team beginning in mid-April, and teams will receive the league-wide data on a weekly basis during the 2018 season, according to these sources.

While some NFL coaches and scouts remain skeptical of the value, access to league-wide data has "massive scouting potential," said an analyst for one NFL team that has been using the data. "More new metrics. Understanding if certain fields are slower or faster. Fatigue and injury prevention. Seeing which players are really explosive but maybe don't make plays because the scheme is bad."

The NFL has gathered the data since 2014 through tiny sensors in players' shoulder pads -- a partnership with Zebra Technologies that also generates the Next Gen Stats that networks have integrated into broadcasts.

Some teams have dedicated more resources to analyzing the data than others, and thus figure to get far more use out of the league-wide data. That has led to pushback in recent years from less-invested clubs about distributing any data because of the potential competitive impact. But after the Competition Committee's approval, the full data release is expected to proceed this year. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300000 ... r-tracking

Hmmm....

[Kodiak]

... plan to release in-game player-tracking data on every NFL player to all 32 teams,

Hmmm....

Right there with you. NE has already had this data the past two years

[bradshaw2ben]

NFL teams are about to be bombarded with data that could change the way they scout opponents and evaluate free agents.

The NFL's Competition Committee recently signed off on a plan to release in-game player-tracking data on every NFL player to all 32 teams, and it's anticipated the league will begin releasing the data this spring, people with knowledge of the plan told NFL.com on Thursday. These people spoke on condition of anonymity because the plan had not yet been communicated to clubs, which had access to data only on their own players the past two seasons. The plan is to send league-wide data from 2016 and '17 to every team beginning in mid-April, and teams will receive the league-wide data on a weekly basis during the 2018 season, according to these sources.

While some NFL coaches and scouts remain skeptical of the value, access to league-wide data has "massive scouting potential," said an analyst for one NFL team that has been using the data. "More new metrics. Understanding if certain fields are slower or faster. Fatigue and injury prevention. Seeing which players are really explosive but maybe don't make plays because the scheme is bad."

The NFL has gathered the data since 2014 through tiny sensors in players' shoulder pads -- a partnership with Zebra Technologies that also generates the Next Gen Stats that networks have integrated into broadcasts.

Some teams have dedicated more resources to analyzing the data than others, and thus figure to get far more use out of the league-wide data. That has led to pushback in recent years from less-invested clubs about distributing any data because of the potential competitive impact. But after the Competition Committee's approval, the full data release is expected to proceed this year. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300000 ... r-tracking

Hmmm....

When this makes it to the college ranks... Say, every player identified as an NFL prospect gets a chip and data set... it will revolutionize evaluation. You'll be able to track the bend, COD, burst, speed... all with pads on & in a game situation.

[Steelafan77]

The 2018 salary cap, which should be announced before the end of the month, is expected to rise by $10 million to $177 million. If Bell signs for an average of $15 million a season and Shazier’s fifth-year option of $8.7 million is factored in, the Steelers’ top 10 players would be signed for roughly $119 million, accounting for roughly 67 percent of their cap. http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/stee ... 1802190079

How will this effect free agency? 10 [possibly] players for 67% of the teams cap? What about the other 43 players? Free agents have to know it's slim pickings in Pittsburgh and likely avoid their phone calls. Thoughts?

[Lynch]

The 2018 salary cap, which should be announced before the end of the month, is expected to rise by $10 million to $177 million. If Bell signs for an average of $15 million a season and Shazier’s fifth-year option of $8.7 million is factored in, the Steelers’ top 10 players would be signed for roughly $119 million, accounting for roughly 67 percent of their cap. http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/stee ... 1802190079

How will this effect free agency? 10 [possibly] players for 67% of the teams cap? What about the other 43 players? Free agents have to know it's slim pickings in Pittsburgh and likely avoid their phone calls. Thoughts?

Perhaps this is indicative of most successful teams in the league... Perhaps it is even a reflection of our capitalist economy... Perhaps Nicolai79 will chime in, and expound on the prevalence of communism in the xfl.

[steelmann58]

The Steelers will restructure a few more deals to get more cash possible extension for Ben. But don't be surprised to see the Steelers being very active in signing a ILB early

[Jobu]

The Steelers will restructure a few more deals to get more cash possible extension for Ben. But don't be surprised to see the Steelers being very active in signing a ILB early

I would be very, very surprised.

[steelmann58]

Jobus I usually agree but think this year be different this team window is really closing on this team.

[Jobu]

Jobus I usually agree but think this year be different this team window is really closing on this team.

Sorry steelman, with all due respect, we do this here at Steelerfury every year. We believe this will be the year that the Steelers finally become a major player in FA. But of course, they don’t...they do what they do. They’ll sign a vet ILB...but it won’t be early. They’ll do their annual bargain bin diving to fill the hole before the draft. If you believe differently, you’re likely to be disappointed.

[steelmann58]

I think because of the major injury to Ryan they can't afford to be bargin looking.

[Scunge]

I wish people would tell me who these ILBs are that we are going to sign in free agency. I just don't see anybody worth signing.

I think that once the draft is over there will be some cuts from teams that decide to go with younger talent, with their shiny new draft picks.

That is how Vance McDonald became available to us. 49ers drafted a TE in George Kittle and then were in a position to deal McDonald.

The current list of ILBs are underwhelming to me, but in May, June there may be a vet player that is cut and would be a nice pickup.

[Steelafan77]

I agree to a point Scunge. I think they look to add depth to the pass rush as well. I think with moats being at the end of his road in Pittsburgh they look to replace him with a bargain basement FA. ILB may not be that easy this season. The draft is pretty deep at ILB this year. I think they draft one for sure. I think they grab a stop gap ILB in the mold of a FA like the moats signing a few years ago. I think the ILB FA depth this year is also very deep. You're only talking a 1 year prove it deal anyway. They can look at 4-3 OLB's as well as 3-4 ILB's for stop gap player as their shiny new toy learns the ropes. Got to do something. Fort, Matakevich are not even stop gaps at this point. Galambos and Kelsey are unknowns. Have no choice but to roll the dice on a FA LB'er likely before the draft.


Intriguing prospect as a free safety.
http://nfltraderumors.co/eagles-wont-te ... ted-offer/

[Steelafan77]

@missi_matthews
Today is the first day teams can designate Franchise or Transition Players.

#Steelers GM Kevin Colbert on Le'Veon Bell: "We will say our goal is to sign him to a long-term deal." https://twitter.com/i/web/status/965974788777881600

[Steelafan77]

Bucs release Doug Martin... https://twitter.com/DougMartin22/status ... -martin%2F

[DP39]

Bucs release Doug Martin... https://twitter.com/DougMartin22/status ... -martin%2F

Another guy that, physically, still has some left in the tank, but not sure his head and heart are there completely.

[SOCALSTEEL]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers release DT Chris Baker


http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300000 ... hris-baker

[Kodiak]

#Steelers GM Kevin Colbert on Le'Veon Bell: "We will say our goal is to sign him to a long-term deal."

That's interesting. Does waiting to tag Bell make him think they might not tag him? And does that make him more difficult to sign hoping to hit FA?

I'm not sure what the advantage of waiting is unless you are seriously considering not tagging him.

[Lynch]

#Steelers GM Kevin Colbert on Le'Veon Bell: "We will say our goal is to sign him to a long-term deal."

That's interesting. Does waiting to tag Bell make him think they might not tag him? And does that make him more difficult to sign hoping to hit FA?

I'm not sure what the advantage of waiting is unless you are seriously considering not tagging him.

They're waiting for an opportunity to spike his agent's bagels with a compliance drug.

[jebrick]

#Steelers GM Kevin Colbert on Le'Veon Bell: "We will say our goal is to sign him to a long-term deal."

That's interesting. Does waiting to tag Bell make him think they might not tag him? And does that make him more difficult to sign hoping to hit FA?

I'm not sure what the advantage of waiting is unless you are seriously considering not tagging him.

They're waiting for an opportunity to spike his agent's bagels with a compliance drug.

Before Bell slips them a date rape drug

[DP39]

#Steelers GM Kevin Colbert on Le'Veon Bell: "We will say our goal is to sign him to a long-term deal."

That's interesting. Does waiting to tag Bell make him think they might not tag him? And does that make him more difficult to sign hoping to hit FA?

I'm not sure what the advantage of waiting is unless you are seriously considering not tagging him.

They're waiting for an opportunity to spike his agent's bagels with a compliance drug.

Before Bell slips them a date rape drug

So you're sayin'...Either way, somebody's getting f*ucked. Got it.

[Scunge]

I know, this may sound crazy to some, but I am really interested in some of the RFAs this offseason. Yes, you have to make an offer, and hope the other team does not match and then you have to give up a draft pick according to the tender that they put on that player.

My best RFA, that I think would be a great fit is the Los Angeles Rams Matt Longacre. He is an OLB/DE and was used in a rotation. At one point he was leading the team in sacks with 5.5. He is 6'3" 255-260 pounds. He plays special teams too. He was playing with a back injury last season and wanted to continue playing but the team thought it best to shut him down, let him have surgery and get it fixed. So, do they hope that other teams shy away from him because of that? Do they put a low tender on him? He was an UDFA originally. Do they put a 1st or 2nd round tender on him? Unlikely. He made $615,000 last season. Do they give him the low or original tender which may cost triple what he made last season, some $1.8 million?

I know many think hey just keep Chickillo around another year but man, I would love for the Steelers to be aggressive and pursue Matt Longacre. Sometimes there are players that are peaking at the right time, that are poised to break out and I think Longacre has a chance to do that with us. He could give Bud Durpee competition and force him to play to his potential or else lose snaps and playing time.

In terms of regular free agents.

I like Albert Wilson of Kansas City as a replacement for Eli Rogers. Just more explosive and shifty.

It is easy to get overlooked when you have a Pro Bowler like Linval Joseph and a super vet like Tom Johnson and former first rounder like Floyd, but Shamar Stephen of Minnesota played pretty well when called upon. He would be an excellent replacement for Dan McCuller, give us a quality DT/NT. If Hargrave's back issues are lingering it would be great to have a player like Stephen to fall back on.

I don't much care for Willie Gay and Coty Sensabaugh at CB, and who knows they may just move Brian Allen to safety. So, there is a need for a CB. Haden does have a history littered with injuries the past few seasons and that may be a trend that continues. I would like to see them take a chance on the Lions Nevin Lawson or KC's Terrance Mitchell. They are two talented CBs that have played well in the past but had down years last season. Now who knows how much the CB market may push up their respective contracts, but those are the two players that I am intrigued by.

At safety, I can see Kenny Vaccaro being a nice pickup if the money were right. He is an actual safety who can cover. Terrence Brooks was stuck behind two high draft picks with the JETs but he has some potential upside, he could be that nice veteran safety that we sign in addition to taking one high in the draft. I remember the Steelers were interested in him.

As far as ILBs go, I can only see two players that could come in and be good/great fits, be able to have an impact. Not replace Shazier but at least not have the gap from him be so damn huge as it was with Sean Spence. Avery Williamson of Tennessee and Kevin Pierre-Louis of KC. Avery is a natural fit because he has experience under Dick LeBeau and you would think he would not find our defense all that different. Pierre-Louis is the man that was eating into some of Derrick Johnson's playing time at KC. DJ was becoming a liability and they were turning to KPL.

If we let Bell just leave, I would like to see the team pursue Carlos Hyde of the 49ers. My other option would be to take a chance on a player that I had mocked to the Steelers, Thomas Rawls who is a RFA.

None of those players would be big free agent signings, maybe Hyde might be, I can see him signing for $6 million per year. Some of these players might sign for Tyson Alualu type deals, others might need a bit more than that.