James Daniels - OL

[Ice]

Actually reading 2,483 is a little jarring. I knew it was bad, I knew it was last, but numbers, man. Sheesh.

[DP39]

The Steelers still have a ton of flexibility on the OL when it comes to contracts.

Only $9.75m of Chuk's contract is guaranteed. He can be cut with only a $6m cap hit next season if he doesn't work out (or $3m in 2023)
In a similar vein, Green, Dotson, and Moore are all on cheap rookie contracts and can be released at any time with a minimal penalty.
Finney and Turner are both UFAs and shouldn't be resigned.
Hassenauer is an ERFA, so he might be worth keeping because he doesn't cost anything.


Line basically looks like this:
Moore - Daniels - Cole - Dotson - Okorafor
Backups: Green, Leglue, Hassenauer

Neither Banner nor Haeg will count much against the cap if cut (and it would save $5m and $2.6m, respectively). Banner can't stay on the field and Haeg sucks. I'd prefer both are sent packing.

I agree with Ice that the Steelers have the interior locked up, but an OT is still very much in play.

Thanks for writing that out, Pabst. As soon as I saw Chuks G$ was only $9.25M (only 31% of his total contract -- I believe the average is well into the 40s%) I read the tea leaves exactly as you spelled them out. That extra $7.6M from cutting both Banner and Haeg will come in handy, too.

[Jizz Mop]

Zach Banner has been an amazing Steeler for his time here

Will miss all of his contributions

[955876]

There was all kinds of commentary at year end how our rush defense was putting up numbers that made them worst in past 40 years or some shit like that.

And Mick is coming in here talking nonsense that but but but we had two all pros.

Ummm and?

We were still historically bad against the run so AS A UNIT that front 7 was historically bad.

Defense is played as a unit. But yay we had a couple great players.

[955876]

Zach Banner has been an amazing Steeler for his time here

Will miss all of his contributions

Don’t worry. He will be on his couch waiting for a call in the event we lose too many guys to injury.

Only guy making easier money is Tuitt

[Jizz Mop]

Zach Banner has been an amazing Steeler for his time here

Will miss all of his contributions

Don’t worry. He will be on his couch waiting for a call in the event we lose too many guys to injury.

Only guy making easier money is Tuitt

Speaking of

At what point can Tuitt let the Steelers know of his intentions?

Wtf

I wish they’d speak to the situation because I’ve never seen anything like this

[Jobu]

Zach Banner has been an amazing Steeler for his time here

Will miss all of his contributions

Don’t worry. He will be on his couch waiting for a call in the event we lose too many guys to injury.

Only guy making easier money is Tuitt

Speaking of

At what point can Tuitt let the Steelers know of his intentions?

Wtf

I wish they’d speak to the situation because I’ve never seen anything like this

C’mon man…he told Colbert he has an “interest” in returning. That should be enough to get another free ride until at least mid season…

[DP39]

Zach Banner has been an amazing Steeler for his time here

Will miss all of his contributions

Don’t worry. He will be on his couch waiting for a call in the event we lose too many guys to injury.

Only guy making easier money is Tuitt

Speaking of

At what point can Tuitt let the Steelers know of his intentions?

Wtf

I wish they’d speak to the situation because I’ve never seen anything like this

While I agree that I want Tuitt to make up his F'n mind already -- after taking a year off! It wouldn't surprise me if Colbert even knew that he would share it until after the draft. Good info to keep close to the vest, if that's even possible.

[Mick]

if a group with 2 all pros is ‘worst in decades’, that’s pretty much definition of ‘spoiled fanbase’.

This is just so lame it’s worth commenting on twice.

Last season the Steelers defense gave up 5 yards per carry. Good for dead fucking last in the NFL.

Last season the Steelers defense gave up 2,483 yards total on the ground which was good for dead fucking last in the NFL.

Last season the Steelers defense gave up 24 runs of 20+ yards. Good for dead fucking last in the NFL. The next worst was only at 16

Last season the Steelers defense gave up 144 first downs on the ground. Good for dead fucking last in the NFL. Oh wait, this one only tied them for dead fucking last in the NFL.


So that’s my evidence supporting my point that last years front seven was historically bad.

Do you have anything else besides that unit fielding two all pros?

they were awful against the run. But (1) that’s only half their job; they had 55 sacks which is probably close to league leading and were overall good against passers, which is more important than run defense (2) part of that is by design, i.e., staying in nickel against run heavy fronts (3) they were more in control than they looked. They gave up over 200 yards on the ground 4 times, which is ridiculous, but they only lost one of those games, and it wasn’t because of any competence on offense.

[955876]

40 year lows against the run means the front seven was bad.

You can’t sugar coat 40 year lows Mick.

TJ is a stud. We put up great sack numbers.

Doesn’t change 40 year worst in run D.

They were bad. Look at the dline we fielded. Cam can’t do it alone.

Look at our middle linebackers.

Show me a time the Steelers run D was dead last man.

Nothing to do with being “spoiled”. It’s simply commenting (accurately) bout what they put on tape.

[Jizz Mop]

40 year lows against the run means the front seven was bad.

You can’t sugar coat 40 year lows Mick.

TJ is a stud. We put up great sack numbers.

Doesn’t change 40 year worst in run D.

They were bad.

#gouged #sieve #partingofthesea #runninglanes #wesucked

[Pabst]

they were awful against the run. But (1) that’s only half their job; they had 55 sacks which is probably close to league leading and were overall good against passers, which is more important than run defense (2) part of that is by design, i.e., staying in nickel against run heavy fronts (3) they were more in control than they looked. They gave up over 200 yards on the ground 4 times, which is ridiculous, but they only lost one of those games, and it wasn’t because of any competence on offense.

I agree that an underappreciated aspect of the Steelers' poor run D was the offense's inability to possess the ball, let alone score points. That said....

Wormley is fine as a rotational guy & pass rusher, but holy shit is he bad vs. the run.
Mondeaux sucks
Buggs & Davis were never healthy.

The run D became noticeably better when Adams signed (2 game sample, but still).

Even if Tuitt returns, a starting D-line of Tuitt-Alualu-Heyward is pretty dang old. Adams is a solid backup and Loudermilk showed promise. Beyond that, its pretty stark. This unit needs youth and depth in a bad way. If they can't sign anyone, the Steelers need to draft a d-lineman in the first two rounds.

[DP39]

Heck, the $7.6M you get from cutting Banner and Haeg is close to covering our 2022 cap hit (after displacement) for Cole ($2.7M), Daniels ($3.3M) and Chuks ($3.5M) combined ($8.5M). It's only costing us $.9M more in 2022. That's some fine salary cap work there by KC and Mr. Kahn.

A nice improvement in talent for sure, too.

[Jobu]

Heck, the $7.6M you get from cutting Banner and Haeg is close to covering our 2022 cap hit

Who’s the swing tackle/6th O-lineman if you cut both?

[Scunge]

Why do people keep saying that Haeg is getting cut?

He has that versatility to be the swing tackle, to line up as the jumbo 3rd TE, and can play guard.

He has a roster bonus of $500,000 due this coming Sunday, March 20th. After that, he has a base salary of some $2 million for 2022.

The Steelers just signed a bunch of guys like Spillane, Marcus Allen, Dwayne Haskins that all got $2.54 million one year offers. You think they are going to cut Haeg to save $2 million?

And as the old saying goes in cap space, 'after displacement, top-51, blah, blah, blah'

You cut Haeg and his $2 million base, and he is replaced on the roster by somebody making $825,000. The result? You only saved $1,175,000.

Haeg as one of your 4 tackles is just fine.

If you want to cut players, at least pick the whales, go big or go home.

Joe Schobert, $7,952,000
Zach Banner, $5,000,000
Stephon Tuitt, $4,295,000

That is $17,247,000. If you keep Tuitt, that is $12,952,000. I want a definitive answer from Tuitt, are you going to play or not? If not, then retire. If you don't want to play for us and want to move south and be closer to family then tell us now so that we can trade you. Either way you save $4.295 million.

[Pabst]

Why do people keep saying that Haeg is getting cut?

He has that versatility to be the swing tackle, to line up as the jumbo 3rd TE, and can play guard.

He has a roster bonus of $500,000 due this coming Sunday, March 20th. After that, he has a base salary of some $2 million for 2022.

The Steelers just signed a bunch of guys like Spillane, Marcus Allen, Dwayne Haskins that all got $2.54 million one year offers. You think they are going to cut Haeg to save $2 million?

And as the old saying goes in cap space, 'after displacement, top-51, blah, blah, blah'

You cut Haeg and his $2 million base, and he is replaced on the roster by somebody making $825,000. The result? You only saved $1,175,000.

Haeg as one of your 4 tackles is just fine.

It's more about the roster space than saving $ with Haeg. To me, he's just not any good and I'd rather pick up a T on day 2 or 3.

If it comes down to Haeg or Banner, then yes, keep Haeg and send Banner on his way.

[Kodiak.]

I want a definitive answer from Tuitt, are you going to play or not?

What would it matter, really? Money talks, bullshit walks. The guy made something like $10-$14M last year sitting out for personal, non-football reasons. You really going to take him at his word as to what his intentions are?

If he shows up out-of-shape, I hit him with the max fine every day. If I have any concerns about his commitment, I make another last ditch attempt to trade him (I'd be ACTIVELY shopping him now) before cutting him.

The guy screwed over his teammates last year and stole paycheck after paycheck. At some point, you have to draw a line and make an example.

If he truly want to be a Steeler - and PLAY - then he needs to make a show of good faith by taking a significant paycut. That is the ONLY "definitive" answer that should carry weight.

[bradshaw2ben]

With all of the holes the Steelers have I expect that they will consider OL mostly done for 2022. I think they could take a tackle in R1 if someone like Cross were to fall there, but that's highly unlikely. The tackle draft is super deep, so they could likely go for a high end prospect who needs some development later in the draft.

This is not a great draft for IOL after you get by the top 3 guys. At least one of them will be there at 20, but i seriously doubt they go that direction now.

I hate to say it, but Colbert is methodically putting the pieces in place to allow him to take Willis in R1.

Bridge QB who isn't a statue? Check
Leaky OL bucket patched? Check
SS, CB, IOL vets on solid but affordable deals coming soon.

Gonna take a high end corner in r2
Gonna let JuJu walk and draft a Mike Wallace one trick pony type in the 3rd or 4th (or keep JuJu on the cheap and still get the speed guy)

I don't know where you're getting it's not a year for high end IOL after the first three guys... it's a really good interior class.

[bradshaw2ben]

The thing about the OL they have today––after these moves-- they still don't have a RT who fits a power run game, which is what fits Najee. Of course, that doesn't fit the OC, who's known for motion and misdirection and horizontal motion. I haven't the slightest idea how they think this is going to work.

[JackLambert58]

Why do people keep saying that Haeg is getting cut?

He has that versatility to be the swing tackle, to line up as the jumbo 3rd TE, and can play guard.

He has a roster bonus of $500,000 due this coming Sunday, March 20th. After that, he has a base salary of some $2 million for 2022.

The Steelers just signed a bunch of guys like Spillane, Marcus Allen, Dwayne Haskins that all got $2.54 million one year offers. You think they are going to cut Haeg to save $2 million?

And as the old saying goes in cap space, 'after displacement, top-51, blah, blah, blah'

You cut Haeg and his $2 million base, and he is replaced on the roster by somebody making $825,000. The result? You only saved $1,175,000.

Haeg as one of your 4 tackles is just fine.

If you want to cut players, at least pick the whales, go big or go home.

Joe Schobert, $7,952,000
Zach Banner, $5,000,000
Stephon Tuitt, $4,295,000

That is $17,247,000. If you keep Tuitt, that is $12,952,000. I want a definitive answer from Tuitt, are you going to play or not? If not, then retire. If you don't want to play for us and want to move south and be closer to family then tell us now so that we can trade you. Either way you save $4.295 million.

At the risk of being called a Tuitt hater, I'd be absolutely fine with jettisoning those three. It's not like Tuitt has contributed anything in a while. He may have all the talent in the world, but absolutely no ability to stay on the field. Then again, he'll probably do a Conner and go and help AZ.

[fractalsteel]

Why do people keep saying that Haeg is getting cut?

He has that versatility to be the swing tackle, to line up as the jumbo 3rd TE, and can play guard.

He has a roster bonus of $500,000 due this coming Sunday, March 20th. After that, he has a base salary of some $2 million for 2022.

The Steelers just signed a bunch of guys like Spillane, Marcus Allen, Dwayne Haskins that all got $2.54 million one year offers. You think they are going to cut Haeg to save $2 million?

And as the old saying goes in cap space, 'after displacement, top-51, blah, blah, blah'

You cut Haeg and his $2 million base, and he is replaced on the roster by somebody making $825,000. The result? You only saved $1,175,000.

Haeg as one of your 4 tackles is just fine.

If you want to cut players, at least pick the whales, go big or go home.

Joe Schobert, $7,952,000
Zach Banner, $5,000,000
Stephon Tuitt, $4,295,000

That is $17,247,000. If you keep Tuitt, that is $12,952,000. I want a definitive answer from Tuitt, are you going to play or not? If not, then retire. If you don't want to play for us and want to move south and be closer to family then tell us now so that we can trade you. Either way you save $4.295 million.

At the risk of being called a Tuitt hater, I'd be absolutely fine with jettisoning those three. It's not like Tuitt has contributed anything in a while. He may have all the talent in the world, but absolutely no ability to stay on the field. Then again, he'll probably do a Conner and go and help AZ.

It has been pointed out before but I'll go again.
Tuitt had a career year in 2020 and should have been in the pro bowl. 11 sacks a ton of TFL along with highs in QB pressures and hits.

I'm only defending what he has done. If and when the truth comes out about this past season and he fleeced the Steelers(and they allowed it) I will forever wish him gone.

Even if he is coming back(contract year I believe) I think the Steelers should be prepared to put draft capitol on the DL(assuming there are the players available) with premium picks this year.

[punum123]

40 year lows against the run means the front seven was bad.

You can’t sugar coat 40 year lows Mick.

TJ is a stud. We put up great sack numbers.

Doesn’t change 40 year worst in run D.

They were bad. Look at the dline we fielded. Cam can’t do it alone.

Look at our middle linebackers.

Show me a time the Steelers run D was dead last man.

Nothing to do with being “spoiled”. It’s simply commenting (accurately) bout what they put on tape.

I cannot remember a weaker group of linebackers. Bush is an absolute disgrace. When this guy is on the field it's like 11 versus 10 in favor of the opponent. My opinion

[Orangesteel]

The thing about the OL they have today––after these moves-- they still don't have a RT who fits a power run game, which is what fits Najee. Of course, that doesn't fit the OC, who's known for motion and misdirection and horizontal motion. I haven't the slightest idea how they think this is going to work.

Well, I myself and many others on here have been beating the “we need a complimentary RB” for a while now, and that hasn’t changed. You cannot just roll with Najee then have 2 other guys like Snell and McFarland/Ballage on the roster and expect to have a stout and fear-inducing running attack.

They need a speedy backup who can keep defenses guessing. Whether that is through the draft or a FA, I don’t care. But they absolutely need to make sure he doesn’t fit the mold of Snell/Ballage because we have too many of the same “type”. I know you think that Canada/AntMac’s prior work at Maryland might break through at some point, but I am 100 percent ready to move on from him (and several others on the current roster).

[jebrick]

The thing about the OL they have today––after these moves-- they still don't have a RT who fits a power run game, which is what fits Najee. Of course, that doesn't fit the OC, who's known for motion and misdirection and horizontal motion. I haven't the slightest idea how they think this is going to work.

now why would you want to tailor your oline to your best weapon? That is crazy talk

[bradshaw2ben]

The thing about the OL they have today––after these moves-- they still don't have a RT who fits a power run game, which is what fits Najee. Of course, that doesn't fit the OC, who's known for motion and misdirection and horizontal motion. I haven't the slightest idea how they think this is going to work.

Well, I myself and many others on here have been beating the “we need a complimentary RB” for a while now, and that hasn’t changed. You cannot just roll with Najee then have 2 other guys like Snell and McFarland/Ballage on the roster and expect to have a stout and fear-inducing running attack.

They need a speedy backup who can keep defenses guessing. Whether that is through the draft or a FA, I don’t care. But they absolutely need to make sure he doesn’t fit the mold of Snell/Ballage because we have too many of the same “type”. I know you think that Canada/AntMac’s prior work at Maryland might break through at some point, but I am 100 percent ready to move on from him (and several others on the current roster).

Me? I think AntMac should have been cut two years ago and replaced with a guy off the street.

I know I say this every year, but this is DEFINITELY the year where UDFA RBs that fit whatever mold you would like will be available. This is especially true when looking for a backup or change of pace and not a bell cow. I'm just about to finish my 2nd full "live" mock and there are so many good RBs still on the board that it defies belief.

[bradshaw2ben]

The thing about the OL they have today––after these moves-- they still don't have a RT who fits a power run game, which is what fits Najee. Of course, that doesn't fit the OC, who's known for motion and misdirection and horizontal motion. I haven't the slightest idea how they think this is going to work.

now why would you want to tailor your oline to your best weapon? That is crazy talk

This is just a guess, based on the match of Canada + OL + Najee... it sure looks like they are in denial about Najee's ability to fit outside zone. "If we just block it better and if our QB can move and get some misdirection going, Najee can thrive as an outside runner and we'll get PA and waggle going, and before you know it we'll be unstoppable at getting 1st downs."

[SteelerDayTrader]

The thing about the OL they have today––after these moves-- they still don't have a RT who fits a power run game, which is what fits Najee. Of course, that doesn't fit the OC, who's known for motion and misdirection and horizontal motion. I haven't the slightest idea how they think this is going to work.

now why would you want to tailor your oline to your best weapon? That is crazy talk

This is just a guess, based on the match of Canada + OL + Najee... it sure looks like they are in denial about Najee's ability to fit outside zone. "If we just block it better and if our QB can move and get some misdirection going, Najee can thrive as an outside runner and we'll get PA and waggle going, and before you know it we'll be unstoppable at getting 1st downs."

It sure seems that way

[DP39]

The thing about the OL they have today––after these moves-- they still don't have a RT who fits a power run game, which is what fits Najee. Of course, that doesn't fit the OC, who's known for motion and misdirection and horizontal motion. I haven't the slightest idea how they think this is going to work.

now why would you want to tailor your oline to your best weapon? That is crazy talk

This is just a guess, based on the match of Canada + OL + Najee... it sure looks like they are in denial about Najee's ability to fit outside zone. "If we just block it better and if our QB can move and get some misdirection going, Najee can thrive as an outside runner and we'll get PA and waggle going, and before you know it we'll be unstoppable at getting 1st downs."

Ding! Ding! Ding!

I fear the same thing, b2b. Maybe "Roc da Naj" can get there, but I haven't seen any signs of it yet.

Sure looks like they are hell bent on trying it though.

One thing is for sure.....expect some "do-the-waggle-waggle" like you've haven't seen in decades, in the Burgh.

[KCSteeler]

6'-4" 327.

Is this guy a road grader?

Huge Iowa fan here, Daniels is a mauler. VERY excited about this signing.

[Orangesteel]

6'-4" 327.

Is this guy a road grader?

Huge Iowa fan here, Daniels is a mauler. VERY excited about this signing.

Someone get STD a new pair of shorts.