You can't keep everyone, and you definitely can't roll with a similar team and expect better results next time around. The Pittsburgh Steelers are back to their old ways and continue to slide when the season starts to ramp up for those who show they are contenders. Unfortunately, the Steelers are revealing their true colors, and they appear to be no more than an average team relying on luck.
At the end of the season, 24 players will become free agents seeking new contracts.
Many will be let go by the Steelers if the team fails to make the postseason. Even if they manage to make the playoffs but come up short once there, the franchise would be wise to make monumental changes. This midseason skid should open some eyes and witness some pending free agents rush out the door.
Pittsburgh Steelers could lose countless free agents following this season
Darius Slay, CB
This appears to be a no-doubter in terms of both parties mutually parting ways. Unless something changes in a hurry for Darius Slay, the long-time starter should either retire or expect limited opportunities. He had a similar Steelers career to Patrick Peterson, which isn't a compliment. He appears old and slow, which has hindered the secondary throughout the season.
Slay hasn't worked out in Pittsburgh, and many should've seen the writing on the wall with his age. He isn't getting any younger, and his one-year contract with the Steelers will be his last with the club. There’s no reason to re-sign Slay; the team would be better off finding a younger, faster option. This offseason could see a partial rebuild of the secondary, which is desperately needed.
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Aaron Rodgers, QB
It was a magical start to Aaron Rodgers's career with the Steelers, but things have tapered off during the midseason slide.
He hasn't looked the same, and his wrist injury hasn't helped matters. He will turn 43 years old when next season ends, which makes him ancient on the football field. You can still see flashes of the player he once was, but his limitations in avoiding the pass rush have hindered him.
Unless Rodgers plays out of his mind and leads the Steelers to the postseason, it's hard to see a spot for him on the roster next year. He will become a free agent, and he's hinted he could retire after this season. Even if he decides to play, he could hunt for a better shot to contend with another team. Barring a miracle ending to the schedule, Rodgers will not be in Pittsburgh next time around.
Kyle Dugger, S
He was essentially sent to Pittsburgh as a contractual dump, but Kyle Dugger is rebounding well. If he maintains this level of play and limits dropping turnovers, he could return to the Steelers. Then again, he could price his way out of town with his current performance. The veteran safety struggled before being traded to the Steelers before the deadline, but he's doing well.
When he becomes a free agent, Dugger could locate a nice contract on the table.
With how things stand with him, it could result in a deal that's too much for the Steelers to consider. We will see how he plays the rest of the way, but his current output, the veteran safety, could have too many options. Pittsburgh would like to have him back, but there are no guarantees once a free agent hits the open market.