5 predictions for Steelers that could come to fruition in 2021

Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images)
Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (53). Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Maurkice Pouncey officially retires

This was another decision that we thought we had sorted out weeks ago. Shortly after the Steelers lost to the Browns in the playoffs, it was reported that Maurkice Pouncey had plans to hang up his cleats for good. However, we haven’t heard from him since then, and no official retirement statement has been released.

Is he coming back to play with Ben Roethlisberger for another season? Is he still on the fence? I don’t think anyone knows for certain at this point. But despite his Pro Bowl recognition in 2020, I would have to assume that the long-time Steelers center is going to call it quits for good.

Pouncey was flat-out embarrassed at times last season – not only with his wild snaps but his inability to consistently anchor in the passing game and with the way he was bullied in the run game. He clearly doesn’t have the same play strength he used to and it’s been blatantly apparent on tape over the past two seasons. With the rumors surrounding his retirement immediately following the season, I’m predicting that the former All-Pro center follows through with something that has apparently been on his mind. I think he hangs it up for good.