Steelers Free Agency: It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye
By Kim Myers
Brett Keisel
Nov 17, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel (99) celebrates at the end of the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. The Steelers defeated the Titans 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Da Beard. Steeler Nation almost had to say goodbye to Keisel last season. The Steelers signed Keisel just before the end of the preseason in 2014 and went from being a possible mentor and backup to the defensive line to a starter in almost no time. Then, in a late season game against New Orleans, Keisel was out with a torn triceps and has been rehabbing ever since.
He is still under contract with the team so it is a very real possibility that he does return to the Steelers in 2015. In his place rookie defensive end Stephon Tuitt got valuable playing time and Steeler Nation saw a preview of what’s to come out of the young defensive end out of Notre Dame. If Keisel remains with the Steelers for this upcoming year, he’s more likely to be in that mentor/backup role that was envisioned last season but not realized.
As much as Steeler Nation loves Da Beard and what he brings to the field, locker room, and community, the defense can’t afford to stunt the growth of a player like Tuitt for the sake of keeping Keisel on the field for comforts sake.
Keisel is one player I feel like would actually hang up his cleats before playing for another team. He was on a plane headed to Arizona last summer when the Steelers called and offered him a contract. I just don’t see him wanting to continue his career with another team just for a season or two just for the sake of playing time. I think when his time is up with the Steelers, his time will be up in the league and then he can go hunt bears with his bare hands or whatever it is he does in his spare time.
Next: Troy Polamalu