Steelers free agency: fortifying special teams
By Justin Roem
Today, the Steelers addressed their potency on special teams by resigning safety Robert Golden and wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey.
While both players have made contributions at their listed positions, they have mainly served as special teams players and backups during their time with the Steelers. The Steelers’ front office and coaching staff will always value quality special teams players and that’s what Heyward-Bey and Golden have proven to be.
While Heyward-Bey sits far behind some proven talent at the wide receiver position, he has become an important cog in the Steelers’ kicking game. This has been a great revelation for the Steelers as Heyward-Bey rarely played special teams with the Raiders and Colts prior to being signed by the Steelers.
The team saw the wide receiver as a value add after the former first round pick had failed to live up to expectations early in his career. Now Heyward-Bey is a valued blocker and gunner in the kicking game while providing a veteran presence for a young wide receiver corp. He might not be as involved in the offense, but when called upon, Heyward-Bey makes the catch.
This past postseason, wide receiver Sammie Coates showed that he can make an impact for the Steelers’ offense. If Coates’ role with the Steelers grows, Heyward-Bey might find fewer opportunities on offense. He’ll have to continue to play unheralded football on “teams.” The Steelers are betting he will.
Next: Steelers sign Heyward-Bey
They’re also betting that Robert Golden will follow suit. The veteran safety was the Steelers’ 2015 special teams captain. His presence on special teams has been felt since early in his career. Where the safety has improved is his impact on defense. While Heyward-Bey provides veteran presence to the wide receivers, he doesn’t have much opportunity. Golden could be given a chance to play quite a bit on defense in 2016.
Fellow safety Will Allen missed time with injury in 2015 and Golden filled in nicely. Allen is also 33 and an unrestricted free agent. The Steelers very well might look for help at the safety position in free agency or the draft, but if they don’t find it Golden will have a shot at the job. That might allow them to worry more about locating a quality cornerback.