Steelers Offseason: Five Main Priorities
By Levi Combs
The Pittsburgh Steelers improved in just about every aspect of the game this season compared to the past previous seasons. However, in order avoid being a one-and-done football team in the playoffs, there are several things the Steelers must do in the offseason to improve. Here are 5 main priorities this offseason for the Steelers.
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5. Address the Aging Veterans
Rumor has it that Dick LeBeau left because of the youth movement thats been going on for the past couple seasons, and the final wave of veterans will be leaving the Steel City this offseason. Those veterans are Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, Brett Keisel and Ike Taylor. If the latter is true, the Steelers need to make sure they indeed have talented players to replace the production that these 4 had. It seems the two secondary players are the biggest question marks to replace, as Shamarko Thomas has almost zero playtime to determine if he is the successor and cornerback is the biggest position to address in the offseason.
Dec 21, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker
Jason Worilds(93) reacts after recording a sack against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
4. Sign Jason Worilds
I may get some heat for this one, but I am a huge fan of Worilds and will lobby for a new contract. Rumor has it that the Steelers are done with James Harrison. Jarvis Jones is a big question mark heading into the offseason, however I believe he will become the feared sack machine that he was drafted be. Arthur Moats is talented, but he isn’t the long term answer. Worilds is the best pass rusher the Steelers have, and if they want to improve the pass rush immediately, a rookie isn’t going to get you there and a free agent will cost as much, if not more than Worilds would be to sign.
3. Extend Cameron Heyward and Kelvin Beachum
Yes, I believe Cameron Heyward is more of a priority than Worilds, and I believe many of you will agree with me. Heyward is the best defensive player along with Lawrence Timmons for the Steelers, and his production and leadership are irreplaceable. He continues to get better as the seasons go by, and if the Steelers have any chance in turning the production of the defense around, Heyward must be apart of it.
Beachum, as well, is a must this offseason to extend. It’s very hard to find a quality left tackle, and its starting to seem like it’s a hit or miss very early in the draft. For the Steelers, it was a hit in the seventh around. He may not be elite, but the Steelers don’t have the luxury or money to sign an elite left tackle. Beachum gets the job done and does it well, and keeping the core of the offensive line together will be huge for the continual improvement of the offense.
2. Address the Cornerback Position
Since I believe the Steelers have no other choice but to extend the two above, I’m putting addressing the cornerback spot above them because this is something the Steelers have proven in the past to skip over in free agency and the draft. Last year, they addressed the free safety position by getting a quality safety in Mike Mitchell, but failed to address the cornerback until the 5th round of the draft, who failed to make the team. That failure showed dramatically during the season. There are a lot of quality corners that can be found in the first 2 rounds of the draft, and with Cortez Allen also a question mark, drafting a
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Ben Roethlisberger(7) runs off the field during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
cornerback has become priority.
1. Extend Ben Roethlisberger
If the Steelers have any chance in winning another Super Bowl, they must extend Roethlisberger. I think we all believe that will happen, but it still must be number one on the list. He is the heart and soul of the team, and win or lose, it falls on Roethlisberger. The Steelers are fortunate enough to not only have a franchise quarterback, but one of the best. Expect a contract extension soon for Roethlisberger
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