2009 Offseason Will Be Critical For The Steelers

[mesaSteeler]

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2008/6/4/545537/2009-offseason-will-be-cri

2009 Offseason Will Be Critical For The Steelers

Dockett_tiny by cgolden on Jun 4, 2008 9:23 AM EDT in News

So I was bored this morning and was taking a look at the contract status the current roster and one thing kept jumping out at me: there are an awful lot of players who will be free agents. This past off season was a relatively easy one for the front office considering there weren't many free agents and outside of the Max Starks fiasco, there weren't many difficult decisions. February 2009 would be a completely different story though, here's a quick list of the free agents to be:
Player Position Player Position
Marvel Smith OT Charlie Batch QB
Max Starks OT Anthony Smith FS
Willie Colon OT Anthony Madison DB
Trai Essex OT Grant Mason DB
Chris Kemoeatu OG Bryant McFadden CB
Nate Washington WR ames Farrior LB
Willie Reid WR Arnold Harrison LB
Najeh Davenport RB Andre Frazier LB
Carey Davis FB

Ryan McBean
DE

Wow, in case anyone is counting that list of players has combined to start 295 games and play in over 500 games for the Steelers. Now to be honest some of these guys will be restricted free agents and several of these names are possible cut victims during camp. Willie Colon, Willie Reid, Anthony Smith, Anthony Madison, Grant Mason, Arnold Harrison and Ryan McBean will all be restricted free agents and Carey Davis might be as well but I'm not sure because he's actually been in the league since 2004.

Obviously the biggest losses will come on the offensive line. While one or two of these guys may get new deals in Pittsburgh, they simply can't all be retained. If I'm taking guesses, the most likely would seem to be Chris Kemoeatu, who might get a new deal before the season even starts. After Chris K, I'd have to think either Starks or Marvel, but that'll likely depend on who the front office/coaching staff sees as the future at left tackle. Essex is just a guy so I'd imagine with Hills being added to the mix, this is probably his final season in the Burgh.

Washington, Reid, Davenport, and Batch are probably playing their final season here, if they make it through the season. Reid and Davenport seem to be on the chopping block already. Washington's future took a shot with the drafting of Limas Sweed. Carey Davis will probably get a new deal even if he isn't a RFA, if for no other reason than he'll likely be very cheap.

For the defensive guys, the two big questions are obvious: what to do with McFadden and Farrior? Is Farrior worth a new deal at 33 years old and will he be willing to give a 'hometown discount?' Can McFadden stay healthy long enough to finally prove he's the playmaker that some of us think he is? I honestly don't know the answers to these questions and even though I'd really like to see both of these guys back in 2009 and beyond, it'll likely depend on whether they want to be here or not.

So who do you see as they guys we absolutely have to keep? Is this something we should be concerned about or does this look like a purge of mostly marginal players?

[Steel Conviction]

What happened to 2008? Did we win some games?

[Vader]

All off seasons are critical...

[Punxsutawney]

All off seasons are critical...

True, but depending on a combination of needs and player movement, some offseasons are far more critical than others.

With the lone exception of Hills, the Steelers were not able to address the o-line as thoroughly as they would have liked this offseason due to to how the draft fell into place. Also with Hampton and Smith getting older, d-line will be a top priority next offseason along with o-line.

With Hartwig replacing Mahan and with Hampton and Aaron Smith hopefully having 1-2 more prime years left, I feel that the Steelers could get by in 2008 with what they currently have, but it is essential that both the o-line and d-line are adressed prior to the 2009 season. With Marvel likely gone after this season, Hampton seemingly startingr to decline, and Aaron Smith suffering 2 separate injuries that caused him to miss games for the 1st time since he became a starter, it could get real ugly real soon for the Black and Gold if they do not start to draft some quality young talent along the trenches.

When was the last time the Steelers drafted an above-average lineman? Hampton in 2001?

[deljzc]

The 2008 off-season isn't over. We still have the prime season for locking up and extending players in the last years of their contracts (all the players listed above), which is from July through the beginning of the season in late August.

There will be a LOT of contracts reworked before August 31st, it's still just a matter of who and for how much.

I suspect, for sure Starks is going to get something.
Either Kemo or Essex will probably get an extension.
McFadden will probably get an extension after hard negotiations.
Even after drafting Sweed, Washington could be signed long term.
I'd like to see Ward's and Farrior's deals reworked to save cap space and add a year or two, but that's not typical Colbert.
The rest you listed are year-to-year guys and bottom of the roster spots anyhow.

Let's see what this thread looks like before the season starts before we hit the panic button for 2009 already.

[Punxsutawney]

I'd like to see Ward's and Farrior's deals reworked to save cap space and add a year or two, but that's not typical Colbert.




I think it is fairly typical of him. How many times did he restructure the deals of Aaron Smith and Hartings? 50 each?

[Vader]

True, but depending on a combination of needs and player movement, some offseasons are far more critical than others.

With the lone exception of Hills, the Steelers were not able to address the o-line as thoroughly as they would have liked this offseason due to to how the draft fell into place. Also with Hampton and Smith getting older, d-line will be a top priority next offseason along with o-line.

With Hartwig replacing Mahan and with Hampton and Aaron Smith hopefully having 1-2 more prime years left, I feel that the Steelers could get by in 2008 with what they currently have, but it is essential that both the o-line and d-line are adressed prior to the 2009 season. With Marvel likely gone after this season, Hampton seemingly startingr to decline, and Aaron Smith suffering 2 separate injuries that caused him to miss games for the 1st time since he became a starter, it could get real ugly real soon for the Black and Gold if they do not start to draft some quality young talent along the trenches.

When was the last time the Steelers drafted an above-average lineman? Hampton in 2001?

The Steelers will do what they always do. They will bring in a 2nd tier FA to start until a draft pick finally makes the lineup. We thought the OL was a major concern last year and they did nothing to help it. They keep plugging along like it isn't a problem. So, in 2009 they will do the same thing even if they start Eason on one side and Kirchke(sp) on the other.

[Stlrs4Life]

By that list, I don't see it being that crirical.

[Superman]

Mahan can play DL. He knows how to keep a RB in the backfield and pressure the QB.

[Punxsutawney]

The Steelers will do what they always do. They will bring in a 2nd tier FA to start until a draft pick finally makes the lineup. We thought the OL was a major concern last year and they did nothing to help it. They keep plugging along like it isn't a problem. So, in 2009 they will do the same thing even if they start Eason on one side and Kirchke(sp) on the other.

They are more than aware that the lines are problem areas. They just did not have the means to address them as much as they would have liked, unless you considered it unwise of them to draft Mendenall over Duane Brown.

I look for them to much more agressive in addressing the lines in 2009, as they'll have to be.

[SteelerFan448]

By that list, I don't see it being that crirical.

I agree, as far as keeping our own. There are no superstars slated for a big payday. However, it may be key in bringning in new talent on both lines and possibly some contract extensions for guys coming to the end of their deals.

[markymarc]

By that list, I don't see it being that crirical.

I agree. The FO knows that in 2009 OL and DL will be our 2 biggest issues. They will resign a few on that list and get young depth in the draft. I have faith in the FO addressing any needs in 2009. Let's just finish up 2008 first :D

[deljzc]

I think it is fairly typical of him. How many times did he restructure the deals of Aaron Smith and Hartings? 50 each?

While Colbert loves to restructure deals without adding years (a policy I can't stand), when I was referring to Ward and Farrior, I was hoping Colbert would add years to the deal and lock both players up until they decide to retire.

That is unlikely under Colbert's M.O. Especially with Ward, since Ward has two years left on his deal.

[Vader]

They are more than aware that the lines are problem areas. They just did not have the means to address them as much as they would have liked, unless you considered it unwise of them to draft Mendenall over Duane Brown.

I look for them to much more agressive in addressing the lines in 2009, as they'll have to be.

That's a very myopic assessment. I guess the last two or 3 drafts don't count? The fact is last year they had an opportunity to draft several very good OL and took Timmons instead. This year they could have drafted an OL instead of another LBer in the 3rd round. And that doesn't count the OL they passed over in all the other rounds the past few years.

So you see it isn't just about a 1st rounder in this years draft.

BTW why should they be more aggressive in 2009? If another LBer, RB, WR ETC.. falls into their laps should they take them over an OL? They may not find value in the draft next year at the OL positions.

[Slaine]

With Mahan on the bench where he belongs the OL will get better. Three out of five starters, whoever they end up being have something to prove and the fifth (Smith) is playing for another big payday assuming that we don't extend him.

Kemo - wanting to show that he's a starter and to get more $$$s
Hartwig - to show the Panthers that they went with the wrong guy
Colon/Starks - to keep the other one on the bench

I'd love to re-sign Marvel before next year but I don't know if we'll have the cash to do it. Simmons is the only one that seems to be sitting pretty with minimal competition unless Zielein finally gets the zone blocking scheme in place and some sort of light goes on for Mahan at Guard instead of centre. Can't quite see it somehow but what do I know?

[Punxsutawney]

BTW why should they be more aggressive in 2009? If another LBer, RB, WR ETC.. falls into their laps should they take them over an OL? They may not find value in the draft next year at the OL positions.

Depending on whether or not they resign Smith and the development of Hills, the Steelers may be much more inclined to either trade up, or even reach, for a lineman in 2009 than they were in 2008.

Though they realized that upgrades were needed along the o-line prior to the draft, I think the Steelers felt good enough about the players they currently had, at least good enough not to take a lineman over other players that they had rated higher. That thinking could change drastically if Marvel leaves next offseason and Hartwig cannot stay healthy enough to upgrade the center position.

The Steelers needed o-line help this offseason. They could very well be desperate for it in 2009. There's a difference.

[K from Cal]

Most of these questions will be answered during thr 2008 season. Nothing to see here folks.

[Steelersrule]

Without the information as to who is going to get hurt this year, who is going to underperform, and who the Steelers will draft in 2009, a solid decision can not be made. Have that information to me by the morning.

[JEFFRO]

It is the offseason.

[TMC]

I really do not see the problem. I mean, what are we really looking at next offseason? Here are the breakdowns:
Unrestricted Free Agents
Marvel Smith OT
Charlie Batch QB-we have re-signed Batch before a reasonable money and he is not getting younger.
Max Starks OT-If he does not start, we lose a backup getting elite starter money.
Trai Essex OT-a guy everyone hates and Tony Hills can do what he does.
Chris Kemoeatu OG-a first year starter. If he turns out great, we will have the cash to throw at him.
Bryant McFadden CB-he cannot beat out Deshea Townsend. Until he does and becomes a shutdown corner, he is a backup with potential.
Nate Washington WR-we drafted Sweed to fill this role. If he leaves, he leaves.
James Farrior LB-We have Foote signed and either Timmons should be ready. At some point, we move forward.
Arnold Harrison LB-He can leave now.
Najeh Davenport RB-He can catch a ride with AH.
Andre Frazier LB-I hope AH owns a 4 door car because
Carey Davis FB-all of these guys can ride together.

Restricted Free Agents
Anthony Smith FS
Willie Colon OT
Anthony Madison DB
Grant Mason DB
Willie Reid WR
Ryan McBean DE
None of these guys go anywhere without us wanting them to go.

Now, the salary cap is stated to rise to a minimum amount of $123M next season. The Steelers are roughly at $95M right now, including Ben's extension and the other moves. That is $28M in salary cap space. I think, just my opinion, but I think if they want to retain a few of those guys, they can work it out.

Also, when you think that the 2009 draft looks to have interior linemen like the 2008 draft had tackles AND the OTs in 2009 are looking pretty damn good as well, there are options there. And, we get an extra 3rd because of Faneca. And, we do not know what free agents hit the market......we could end up chasing a guy like Chris Snee.

And, what if Tony Hills, Capizzi, Legursky, William Gay, Ryan McBean, or another young player steps it up? We could end up getting better because the light comes on for one of our young players.

IMO, if you are not sitting there worried sick about some part of our team heading into the 2008 season, there is no fucking need to start sweating 2009 until 2009 gets here.