2015 free agents

[Wingman]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...top-10-nfl-free-agents-who-could-be-on-market

Top defensive prospects possible that these guys could be available. A big name free agent could help our front seven a lot. While we are waiting to see what happens with the rest of the season it might be interesting to keep an eye on what might help the defense the most. Key to picking a free agent that is high profile and talent is it will likely help the entire unit. We definitely need a nose tackle and to get a shot at a commodity that might have more than 5 years left at a high level would be outstanding. Granted the Steelers almost never play in free agency, but with the dearth of talent on the team there is no way to improve it quickly with out playing in free agency.


1. Ndamukong Suh, Lions defensive tackle: It's exceedingly rare for superstars of Suh's age (27), talent level and pedigree to reach the open market, which is why he's poised to surpass J.J. Watt as the NFL's highest-paid defensive player. Because it would take a whopping $26.7 million to wield the franchise tag, the Lions are willing to let Suh explore free agency even if he notches a third All-Pro selection. In other words, Suh could be playing for the Giants, Jets, Cowboys or Bears in 2015.

quoted from his combine report.

Suh is an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism. He isn’t a massive body but has enough power to play as a nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme or as a 4-3 defense tackle or end. He utilizes excellent hand strength and quickness to control defenders. Suh is often unblockable for one offensive lineman and draws many double teams from opposing offenses. He shows great range to make plays outside the tackle box and is quick to shed blockers to get to the ball. Suh is a disruptive lineman that can create havoc with penetration versus the running game. Suh has developed an expanded pass rush package with counters coming off his initial power move. His production, power, athleticism, technique and versatility make him arguably the best interior defender in this years draft. Suh is a dominating player that projects as an impact defender in his rookie season.
Analysis
Strengths
Suh has a supreme blend of power and explosiveness from the defensive tackle spot. Possesses great size and strength to hold up at the point of attack in the running game or bull rush the pocket. Uses his athleticism and instincts to chase down running plays. Highly-competitive performer with a big-time motor. Terrific hand use to disengage against the run. Suh’s been a highly-productive and versatile player during his career.
Weaknesses
Not many weaknesses in Suh’s game. Durability is one minor area of concern. Sustained a knee injury in 2005 which required surgery and resulted in a medical redshirt. Dealt with another knee injury during spring drills in 2007. Did remain healthy from that point forward.

2. Justin Houston, Chiefs pass rusher: The Chiefs couldn't work out a deal with Houston last offseason. It's going to cost them even more to re-sign their premier pass rusher now that he's leading the NFL in sacks while rivaling Von Miller as the best defensive player not named J.J. Watt. The Chiefs really like Houston and don't want to let him get away, per NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, so the franchise tag is an option.

 

[JupiterBnG]

Suh's price tag virtually guarantees he won't be a Steeler... I can't imagine how much restructuring they'd have to do bring in one player at upwards of $25M/season. If he signs for anywhere near the tag figure, that's practically 20% of the projected salary cap figure of $140M for 2015.

 

[steelerscotty]

We won't be able to afford either player. I doubt the chiefs will let Houston hit the open market anyway. Tombert needs to do a better job drafting.

 

[Superman]

need to find someone closer to "c-level"
we hardly ever shop in the high-dollar areas

 

[POP]

I often lament at our refusal to seek quality talent in free agency, but I agree to not even consider Suh. He isn't the sum of his parts. He has immense physical talent, but his production rarely matches it. He is playing harder this season for his next contract, but he will very likely go into cruise control after his next deal. No thanks. It would be a very bad signing. And his attitude is fairly crappy.

 

[ZACKB]

I would gladly give Houston 10 mil a year, but the Chiefs won't let him just get away...they will franchise him. Some other 4-3 team will sign Suh. He wants to rush the passer, which our 3-4 MT does not.

I would rather sign a FA corner and Michael Roos to play LT, then draft Beasley (trade up if necessary)

I often lament at our refusal to seek quality talent in free agency, but I agree to not even consider Suh. He isn't the sum of his parts. He has immense physical talent, but his production rarely matches it. He is playing harder this season for his next contract, but he will very likely go into cruise control after his next deal. No thanks. It would be a very bad signing. And his attitude is fairly crappy.

 

[thesteelcity]

our big splash was Mike Mitchell on Day 1 of Free Agency this past year. I have little to no hope they get anyone in here worth a damn. The good players will get a boatload of coin and we all know where they are with the cap. Like Supe said, "C-level" players are on their radar.

 

[Troglodyte]

The Steelers will lose half of the defensive starters from last weeks roster. They will need to address some of these through free agency and they need to do one helluva better job than they did last season! Dear lord what a waste of money!

 

[Superman]

The Steelers will lose half of the defensive starters from last weeks roster. They will need to address some of these through free agency and they need to do one helluva better job than they did last season! Dear lord what a waste of money!

so ... what you're saying is ... we're at rock bottom now?

 

[Troglodyte]

so ... what you're saying is ... we're at rock bottom now?

When they signed Kiesel way late in training camp it was a bad omen.

 

[TDX27]

I can't see Suh getting that kind of money. He is too much of a risk. Another incident and he could easily get suspended for a year or more. I wouldn't even consider him for the Steelers unless he was dirt cheap.

 

[Drink IRON City]

I'd go after Huston, but money $$$$$$ will prohibit that venture. No Sue for me !!!!





Salute the nation

 

[Stryker]

Suh is no Haynesworth. He won't phone it in after a new contract. Suh is a freak, and he plays with a mean streak. He gets penalties for tackling players too hard within the rules. Remember when he two hand pushed a QB to the ground and got a personal foul? He's the strongest defensive monster I've ever witnessed. I'd love to have him at the nose between Hayward and Tuitt. You don't think their games would drastically improve with Suh between them taking an extra blocker or two? How about our Linebackers being free to unleash hell at the LOS? Suh would be a game changer on our D. Too bad we can't afford him.

 

[thesteelcity]

Too bad we can't afford him.

You sold me Cope, until I got smacked back to reality and read your last line. Ho Hum. Would be nice to get that big piece we need and others would also covet. Life at 8-8 moves on.

 

[Wingman]

Suh is no Haynesworth. He won't phone it in after a new contract. Suh is a freak, and he plays with a mean streak. He gets penalties for tackling players too hard within the rules. Remember when he two hand pushed a QB to the ground and got a personal foul? He's the strongest defensive monster I've ever witnessed. I'd love to have him at the nose between Hayward and Tuitt. You don't think their games would drastically improve with Suh between them taking an extra blocker or two? How about our Linebackers being free to unleash hell at the LOS? Suh would be a game changer on our D. Too bad we can't afford him.

The thing I like about Suh is he could be the equivalent of Joe Greene for this defense. He is capable of 3/4 or 4/3. We are very weak at linebacker right now. We have no depth and one of our players has been franchised and is horribly over paid.

Think of this scenario, we go 4/3. Tuitt, Suh, McCullers / McClendon, Heyward. Back up Geathers. We let Thomas go, Kiesel will likely not be able to return Worilds can go or sign cheap, Harrison will likely retire. We have Timmons for the inside Jarvis on the outside and Shazier on the outside. In this scenario Suh is expensive but eliminates more than one other salary. We might then be able to get pressure with 4 guys like we did with the steel curtain. There would be a line that has 4 guys that are legitimate needs to be double teamed by the opposition. The high cost of Suh could be offset by not needing several other players.

Not saying it is likely to happen, just that there are scenarios that would allow it to make sense from a cost stand point. I'm sure some of you guys have cost numbers for various players close at hand but right now trying to draft enough players to fill the needs of our defense is likely to take at least 3 drafts and by the time it is decent we will be looking for Ben's replacement, we will be back to the 80s. One key to putting this together would be to get Ben on board with it as this could free up money and likely get him into the playoffs.

 

[Steelerfreak]

Suh is no Haynesworth. He won't phone it in after a new contract. Suh is a freak, and he plays with a mean streak. He gets penalties for tackling players too hard within the rules. Remember when he two hand pushed a QB to the ground and got a personal foul? He's the strongest defensive monster I've ever witnessed. I'd love to have him at the nose between Hayward and Tuitt. You don't think their games would drastically improve with Suh between them taking an extra blocker or two? How about our Linebackers being free to unleash hell at the LOS? Suh would be a game changer on our D. Too bad we can't afford him.

Our "unleash hell" package was highly over rated.

 

[TDX27]

Suh, within the rules? How many illegal hits has the guy been fined for and suspended for? One more and he should sit for a year. I would never consider the dude unless he was dirt cheap. No team can afford that salary and then to have him sit for one of his stupid moves on the field.

 

[Wingman]

Suh, within the rules? How many illegal hits has the guy been fined for and suspended for? One more and he should sit for a year. I would never consider the dude unless he was dirt cheap. No team can afford that salary and then to have him sit for one of his stupid moves on the field.

I think the only way you can deal with something like that is to work in a performance clause in the contract that would keep the steelers from paying him under those circumstances. The guy plays with the attitude of the 70s Steelers. Getting that focused could be huge.

 

[slashsteel]

I liked the idea of replacing the GM, time for a different approach.

 

[deljzc]

Here's the full list of projected Free Agents (before tags):

http://nfltraderumors.co/2015-nfl-free-agents-list/


Big list there....

 

[Joey Porters Taint]

That's awesome .....

The thing I like about Suh is he could be the equivalent of Joe Greene for this defense. He is capable of 3/4 or 4/3. We are very weak at linebacker right now. We have no depth and one of our players has been franchised and is horribly over paid.

Think of this scenario, we go 4/3. Tuitt, Suh, McCullers / McClendon, Heyward. Back up Geathers. We let Thomas go, Kiesel will likely not be able to return Worilds can go or sign cheap, Harrison will likely retire. We have Timmons for the inside Jarvis on the outside and Shazier on the outside. In this scenario Suh is expensive but eliminates more than one other salary. We might then be able to get pressure with 4 guys like we did with the steel curtain. There would be a line that has 4 guys that are legitimate needs to be double teamed by the opposition. The high cost of Suh could be offset by not needing several other players.

Not saying it is likely to happen, just that there are scenarios that would allow it to make sense from a cost stand point. I'm sure some of you guys have cost numbers for various players close at hand but right now trying to draft enough players to fill the needs of our defense is likely to take at least 3 drafts and by the time it is decent we will be looking for Ben's replacement, we will be back to the 80s. One key to putting this together would be to get Ben on board with it as this could free up money and likely get him into the playoffs.

 

[F83]

my list
DL Dan Williams
MT Cody
De Fua

let Deebo and the beard retire, sign Freeney, or Sam Acho

CB list
Skrine
House
Jackson Hou
Butler
Culliver

S N.Allen
Chung
Major Wright
'