Pittsburgh Steelers: Kevin Colbert confirms Ryan Shazier will be on roster in 2019

The Pittsburgh Steelers won’t see Ryan Shazier on the field for a long time, but they’ll keep him on the roster in 2019.

Pittsburgh has made it clear the last two years that they’re doing anything possible to stand by Ryan Shazier. The inside linebacker continues to work to play football again, and as much of a long-shot as that may seem, the Steelers are staying behind him until it’s certain he won’t be able to return.

During his NFL Combine interview, Steelers General Manager addressed Ryan Shazier’s situation this season. Following their 2018 ending, Shazier became a free agent, but Colbert reiterated that the team will keep Shazier on the roster once they sort out the details.

There is an understanding that Shazier will not be playing next season, but it is important to both sides to make sure he’s still capable of staying with the team while he recovers.

Shazier was $8.7 million in 2018 but won’t have a final number to his contract until discussing with the Steelers. That number might not be too significantly lower moving forward, as Pittsburgh tries to help him with the rehab he requires.

This is positive news for a press conference that consisted mostly of Colbert talking about Antonio Brown and his trade rumors. While it is good news that more teams are looking for Brown, and that the Steelers will remain strong when considering compensation for him, it’s even better to turn the conversation away from AB.

Keeping Shazier around means the Steelers have a veteran presence to help guide whoever they bring into fill the inside linebacker role. People expect Jon Bostic to become part of a team of three with Vince Williams and hopefully, a rookie. Having Shazier around provides the leadership and teachings a young rookie will need when entering the NFL.