Steelers in Memoriam: All those that were lost this offseason

Vince Williams (2013-2021)

Vince Williams has been one of the best leaders and seasoned veterans for this defense. The time he put into this franchise since being drafted in the late rounds of the draft in 2013 has been outstanding. He overplayed his draft status two-fold and became a starter for one of the best defenses over the past couple of years.

His cap number was too high and he was shown the door, It is a tough business in the NFL and the Steelers just couldn’t bring the man back. He was a great blitzer and run-stuffer but we will never forget the issues he had in coverage throughout his career as he would be matched up against a slot receiver.

Steven Nelson (2019-2021)

Steven Nelson was somewhat of a surprise when it came to the saving in the cap space department. He and Joe Haden have become one of the best corner tandems in the NFL and Nelson was rumored to get an extension this offseason. The relationship between the team and player was hurt during the negotiating period and this player was let go. He seeks money for his outstanding play over the past two seasons and he deserves it. Nelson is one of the best players graded at his position ever since joining the team.

Was it him or was it being a part of one of the best defenses in the NFL? That story will have an answer in due time as the Steelers and Nelson settled on a divorce.

Vance McDonald (2017-2021)

Vance McDonald joined the team after being acquired via trade with the San Francisco 49ers. McDonald was promising but a slew of injuries and down seasons never really allowed him to become what the team envisioned.

The fans will never forget his physicality and that amazing stiff-arm touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a couple of seasons ago. Enjoy the farm during your retirement big guy, it suits you well.

Maurkice Pouncey (2010-2021)

Maurkice Pouncey has been the leader of the offensive line for many years now but he is now leaving the team for retirement. Both he and his twin brother announced their retirements simultaneously and that just makes total sense.

Fans will never forget what he brought to the team in his early years as one of the best at his position in the league. They will also never forget the diminished abilities that he carried with him during the ladder parts of his career and still somehow getting into the Pro Bowl almost every season. Enjoy retirement, it is well-deserved though this is a huge blow to the team going forward.