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Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 players who need to be resigned in 2019

By Noah Strackbein

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 23: Eli Rogers #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a two-point conversion during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 23: Eli Rogers #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a two-point conversion during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 08: Jay Ajayi #23 of the Miami Dolphins rushes against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the Wild Card Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 8, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 08: Jay Ajayi #23 of the Miami Dolphins rushes against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the Wild Card Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 8, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a list of free agents this spring that they need to resign before they hit the open market.

It’s not the time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to fill unnecessary holes. With Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell and Morgan Burnett wanting out and things to fix on both sides of the ball, this team isn’t in a condition to move on from players they need to keep their team together.

Not everyone need to return. Some players filled their roles during their time here and aren’t need moving forward. But some are essential for future success. There’s no need to make changes they don’t need to, meaning contract extensions get handed to these three players before free agency.

Daniel McCullers

Last season was a prove-it year for Daniel McCullers. The 26-year-old didn’t do much during his rookie contract and Pittsburgh wasn’t looking to keep him long-term. But they decided to give him one more shot and McCullers ran with it.

McCullers’ stat line isn’t great. Five tackles and one sack in 2018 isn’t noteworthy. It wasn’t what he produced, though, it’s how he played. When called upon in each game, McCullers plugged holes and pressured the quarterback.

His biggest game came when he and Javon Hargrave ran the middle in Denver. The two big men were a brick wall up in the middle, giving the Steelers an advantage they didn’t know they had.

Expect to see McCullers back next season. He’s earned another contract and with Tyson Alualu not returning Pittsburgh wants to have a reliable backup on the defensive line.

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