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The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an impressive off-season. Heading into free agency, they had a ton of cap space, but a ton of holes to fill. Many were wondering whether we’d see the same old Steelers and go through yet another conservative off-season. Kevin Colbert put that thought to bed and went out and was aggressive from day 1. From getting a starting QB, to solidifying the offensive line, the Steelers did a good job filling most of their holes during free agency. In this article, I will grade each signing and give my thoughts as well.
Kevin Colbert wasted little time in securing his starting quarterback. The Steelers and quarterback Mitch Trubisky reached an agreement within the first hour of the tampering period. At first look, this may not appear to be a wise decision. A former backup quarterback who struggled as a starter as well. However, there is a chance that this can be a great signing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Trubisky is a former number 2 overall pick who had a winning record as a starter and guided the Chicago Bears to the playoffs two times in his four years with the team. You could also argue that he was in a bad situation in Chicago and that going into a great organization such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, could result in improved play from Trubisky.
Initially, I was shocked when the Steelers re-signed Chuks Okorafor. Many expected them to rebuild the OL after such an abysmal season, but they believe in Okorafor and the contract proves it. You may think of it as a slight overpay but when you look at the details of this deal, but it’s not as bad as it seems. If he doesn’t work out in the first year, the Steelers have a way out. Overall, I like the deal, and given that he’s still a young tackle who continues to grow year after year, it’s a smart move.
This was one of the more interesting signings of free agency so far. I was surprised when I saw the contract terms and frankly was kind of disappointed. I believe the Steelers could have had him at a lower price later in free agency. That isn’t to imply Mason Cole isn’t a capable player. When you look at his skills, it’s easy to see why the Steelers went out and got him so early. He’s a good run blocker and he also provides experience playing across the OL. He started in 39 games, 32 at C and 7 at G. This move provides the Steelers with some extra flexibility along the OL as well as improving the run game.
This is by far my favorite signing. With Trai Turner set to become a free agent, the Steelers needed to find a replacement for him. They went out and acquired one of the league’s better guards. He is a mauler who will knock you down and play through the whistle. Simply put, he plays Pittsburgh Steeler football. Daniels, who is only 24 years old, has a wealth of experience, having appeared in 48 games. Daniels comes in and immediately upgrades the offensive line.
This may not appear to be a significant move, but it was one that the Steelers had to do. Adams was one of the few bright spots on the defensive line in what was a pretty underwhelming year for them. Given the uncertainty surrounding Stephon Tuitt’s future, signing Adams provides the Steelers with a sense of security. You add Tuitt and Tyson Alualu back in the mix and suddenly the DL becomes one of the Steelers’ strengths.
This is one of the more underrated signings in my opinion. With Joe Haden heading into free agency, the Steelers cornerback room was rather thin. They needed to add a starter, and they were able to do so with the signing of Levi Wallace. At great value, the Steelers get a reliable starter who has a knack for creating turnovers. Buffalo fans were upset by the Steelers’ ability to get him for such a low price, which tells you everything you need to know.
I mentioned before that Daniels was my favorite signing, but this is a close second. When the Jacksonville Jaguars released Myles Jack, he immediately became one of my top free agent targets. The Steelers went out and got a young, athletic linebacker to complement Devin Bush. Along with being a quality coverage player, Jack will help the league’s weakest run defense. You really can’t hate this move by the Steelers. They acquire a young and seasoned LB capable of playing all three downs.
This hasn’t been made official yet, but all indications are that it will happen. Witherspoon had a breakout season last year and was one of the players I wanted the Steelers to re-sign. Last year, he was by far the best corner on the team, and he continued to improve throughout the season. With the additions of Witherspoon and Wallace, what was a pretty thin CB room suddenly looks a lot better.
This is a move that screams Matt Canada. Gunner is a perfect fit for what Canada is looking for in a slot receiver. On the offensive side of the ball, he’s a quick player who can make plays, especially on jet sweeps. The Steelers didn’t bring him in solely for that reason. Gunner was one of the best, if not the best special teams player in the NFL last year and he gives the Steelers a real threat on punt returns. With the quarterback situation being unclear, having a returner who can flip the field and give the team strong field position is quite valuable. Overall, this is a really solid signing for the Steelers
What are your thoughts on the moves made by the Steelers this off-season? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
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QB Mitchell Trubisky (2 years, $14 million)
Kevin Colbert wasted little time in securing his starting quarterback. The Steelers and quarterback Mitch Trubisky reached an agreement within the first hour of the tampering period. At first look, this may not appear to be a wise decision. A former backup quarterback who struggled as a starter as well. However, there is a chance that this can be a great signing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Trubisky is a former number 2 overall pick who had a winning record as a starter and guided the Chicago Bears to the playoffs two times in his four years with the team. You could also argue that he was in a bad situation in Chicago and that going into a great organization such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, could result in improved play from Trubisky.
Grade: B
OT Chukwuma Okorafor (3 years, $29.25 million)
Initially, I was shocked when the Steelers re-signed Chuks Okorafor. Many expected them to rebuild the OL after such an abysmal season, but they believe in Okorafor and the contract proves it. You may think of it as a slight overpay but when you look at the details of this deal, but it’s not as bad as it seems. If he doesn’t work out in the first year, the Steelers have a way out. Overall, I like the deal, and given that he’s still a young tackle who continues to grow year after year, it’s a smart move.
Grade: B
C Mason Cole (3 years, $15.75 million)
This was one of the more interesting signings of free agency so far. I was surprised when I saw the contract terms and frankly was kind of disappointed. I believe the Steelers could have had him at a lower price later in free agency. That isn’t to imply Mason Cole isn’t a capable player. When you look at his skills, it’s easy to see why the Steelers went out and got him so early. He’s a good run blocker and he also provides experience playing across the OL. He started in 39 games, 32 at C and 7 at G. This move provides the Steelers with some extra flexibility along the OL as well as improving the run game.
Grade: C+
G James Daniels (3 years, $26.5 million)
This is by far my favorite signing. With Trai Turner set to become a free agent, the Steelers needed to find a replacement for him. They went out and acquired one of the league’s better guards. He is a mauler who will knock you down and play through the whistle. Simply put, he plays Pittsburgh Steeler football. Daniels, who is only 24 years old, has a wealth of experience, having appeared in 48 games. Daniels comes in and immediately upgrades the offensive line.
Grade: A
DT Montravius Adams (2 years, $5 million)
This may not appear to be a significant move, but it was one that the Steelers had to do. Adams was one of the few bright spots on the defensive line in what was a pretty underwhelming year for them. Given the uncertainty surrounding Stephon Tuitt’s future, signing Adams provides the Steelers with a sense of security. You add Tuitt and Tyson Alualu back in the mix and suddenly the DL becomes one of the Steelers’ strengths.
Grade: B
CB Levi Wallace (2 years, $8 million)
This is one of the more underrated signings in my opinion. With Joe Haden heading into free agency, the Steelers cornerback room was rather thin. They needed to add a starter, and they were able to do so with the signing of Levi Wallace. At great value, the Steelers get a reliable starter who has a knack for creating turnovers. Buffalo fans were upset by the Steelers’ ability to get him for such a low price, which tells you everything you need to know.
Grade: A-
LB Myles Jack (2 years, $16 million)
I mentioned before that Daniels was my favorite signing, but this is a close second. When the Jacksonville Jaguars released Myles Jack, he immediately became one of my top free agent targets. The Steelers went out and got a young, athletic linebacker to complement Devin Bush. Along with being a quality coverage player, Jack will help the league’s weakest run defense. You really can’t hate this move by the Steelers. They acquire a young and seasoned LB capable of playing all three downs.
Grade: A
CB Ahkello Witherspoon (2 years, $8 million)
This hasn’t been made official yet, but all indications are that it will happen. Witherspoon had a breakout season last year and was one of the players I wanted the Steelers to re-sign. Last year, he was by far the best corner on the team, and he continued to improve throughout the season. With the additions of Witherspoon and Wallace, what was a pretty thin CB room suddenly looks a lot better.
Grade: B+
WR Gunner Olszewski (2 years, $4.2 million)
This is a move that screams Matt Canada. Gunner is a perfect fit for what Canada is looking for in a slot receiver. On the offensive side of the ball, he’s a quick player who can make plays, especially on jet sweeps. The Steelers didn’t bring him in solely for that reason. Gunner was one of the best, if not the best special teams player in the NFL last year and he gives the Steelers a real threat on punt returns. With the quarterback situation being unclear, having a returner who can flip the field and give the team strong field position is quite valuable. Overall, this is a really solid signing for the Steelers
Grade: B-
What are your thoughts on the moves made by the Steelers this off-season? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
