By: G.Stryker, Twitter @SNStryker and Instagram @SNStryker
SteelerNation.com
Free agency is a great way for players to get paid and find a fresh start with a new team. Artie Burns left because the Pittsburgh Steelers had sufficient depth ahead of him on the roster. The Chicago Bears signed Burns to a $1M veteran minimum contract. It was a 1-year performance deal to show the rest of the NFL that this former first round draft pick can still play at a high level and help his team. He was already reported to be running with the starting defense opposite of Kyle Fuller when he injured his ACL in padded practice, and will now be lost for the year.
Javon Hargrave left the Steelers for different reasons. On a team loaded with talent, the Steelers simply could not pay everyone on this defense. Hargrave was an excellent backup, and filled in masterfully when Stephon Tuitt tore his pectoral muscle and was placed on injured reserve last October. Since Hargrave was a luxury to play behind Tuitt and All-Pro Cameron Heyward, the Steelers loss became the Philadelphia Eagles’ gain in free agency as they signed him to a lucrative 3-year $39M contract. Hargrave was injured in their first padded practice and it was initially reported as a pectoral muscle tear. Eagles fans feared he may be lost for the season. Updated reports now state that his injury is a pectoral strain, and the team is optimistic on his ability to play the opening game.
As a Steeler fan, I always wish for the best when our talented players leave the team for greener pastures. Let’s just hope that Hargrave can return quickly and show us all that he can expertly transition from a 3-4 nose tackle to a 4-3 right defensive tackle.
Do you think the Steelers should have kept Burns or Hargrave? Let us know below!
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