Free agency is fast approaching, and given the Pittsburgh Steelers current cap situation, it’s no surprise that all discussion surrounding the team is monopolized by their list of 20-something names that they will either have to find a way to re-sign or let walk away.
There is a lot to be wary of going into the start of the 2021 season, but I promise it isn’t ALL bad. And instead of continuing to harp on the concerns and departures and negative cap space (did anyone mention the cap yet?), I wanted to hone in on the good.
There are a lot of guys returning to the team.
The focus last off-season was to sign defensive tackle Cam Heyward to a new deal, and they did. The ideal team player and ultimate leader, he will return to usher the Steelers’ front seven to success for yet another year - a front seven that will still consist of Stephon Tuitt, Devin Bush, TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Vince Williams. There are predictions of players to be cut as cap casualties - Williams was one, and cornerback Joe Haden was another. But given the aforementioned list of free agents, will the Steelers really need to cut these guys under contract? Especially given the importance of their presence on the field and in the locker room. I don’t think so. Neither does Joe.
I predict they don’t. https://t.co/pZ9QOgXf71
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) March 4, 2021
Speaking of secondary.
Minkah Fitzpatrick and Steven Nelson are both slated to return in 2021 and there are no indications that the team is interested in cutting Fitzpatrick, or Nelson for that matter. Their secondary has been the biggest struggle to confront and finally took big strides several seasons ago by bringing in Haden, then Nelson, then trading for Fitzpatrick. I doubt they have any interest in letting those guys walk prematurely.
And that’s just the defense.
Even though the offense struggled (not going into that…this is the good stuff remember?), there were notable moments where certain players shined. Diontae Johnson, for all the drops, continued to show flashes of superstar capability. His speed and brilliant route running stood out, and his potential is boundless. He’s a lock for the Steelers through the 2022 season. Unless he drops off a cliff, he isn’t going anywhere. Neither are Chase Claypool or James Washington. Claypool had a fantastic rookie campaign, using his speed and size to give the Steelers’ red zone game a serious upgrade. They didn’t utilize Washington much in the passing game, but when they did he was reliable, consistent, and made the big plays they needed when they needed them.
That is a wide receiver room that’s dressed to impress. And they’re all so young, there’s no telling how much better they’ll get as they gain experience.
The Steelers are in a tough spot, that much is certain. Try as we might we can’t sugarcoat the situation. But we can start to turn our attention to the positives heading into the official start of the 2021 - and there are more than enough to hold onto.
What could be better than that?
#SteelerNation
