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PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers know a few of what the longer term holds, however there may be loads of uncertainty as they look ahead to the offseason to start.
That is what we all know to this point. The Steelers need quarterback Ben Roethlisberger again however want to regulate his $41.25 million cap hit. Roethlisberger and the group will reportedly meet following the Tremendous Bowl and talk about methods to reduce the wage blow for the 38-year-old.
Likelihood is Bud Dupree is not headed again to Pittsburgh, as he laughed off the thought of a one-year, $6 million deal to return to the Steelers. JuJu Smith-Schuster will seemingly be a part of him as he interacts with followers about potential touchdown spots in free company.
Middle Maurkice Pouncey hasn’t introduced his retirement resolution, however expectations are that he’ll cling up his cleats and transfer on from the NFL this winter.
Then, there are the guesses. James Conner is probably going gone and can hit the open market. Matt Feiler, Cameron Sutton, Mike Hilton, Tyson Alualu, Robert Spillane, Alejandro Villanueva, Zach Banner, Marcus Allen and others can find yourself on both aspect of the free company resolution.
So, what’s prime of the checklist for the Steelers proper now? As they navigate into the offseason, their huge board highlights wants they imagine they’re going to have and begins with changing a Corridor of Famer.
1. Discover a Middle
Likelihood is Pouncey retires this offseason. The 11-year veteran has pretty much as good of an opportunity as anybody in Pittsburgh (outdoors of Roethlisberger) to search out himself in Canton, OH. within the subsequent 5 years.
For the Steelers, beginning J.C. Hassenauer isn’t an choice. This group’s greatest want this offseason is discovering how they will repair the working sport. Shedding Pouncey does not assist these efforts, and beginning Hassenauer does not assist an already struggling state of affairs.
The NFL Draft offers options on the offensive line and particularly at middle. Perhaps the Steelers do not discover Creed Humphrey or Josh Myers, however the choices are plentiful – and prime precedence.
2. Discover a Operating Again
The 1st step to fixing the working sport is enhancing the offensive line. Step two is discovering a working again.
Conner is headed someplace new in free company. Honestly, the shortage of religion Steelers followers have in him means it is best for him and the group if he heads in a brand new course this offseason, hopefully discovering some success in a special metropolis.
For the Steelers, they’re going to flip to the offseason searching for a three-down again. With Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland enjoying behind whoever they convey in, the backfield ought to/must function a robust beginning RB and two respectable compliments.
That is one other job that seemingly will get solved within the NFL Draft. Some have highlighted Najee Harris and Travis Etienne as potential first-round picks. Others imagine a mid-round choice like Chuba Hubbard is a possible choice.
Because the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens proved in 2020, you will discover a beginning working again in the midst of the draft. The Steelers will take an identical method this 12 months.
3. Reshaping the Offensive Line
Zach Banner let Steelers Twitter know that his exit interview went nicely. This leaves us to imagine he is headed again to Pittsburgh for at the very least one other season.
If the Steelers need to put the ending touches on this offensive overhaul, it should include powerful selections on the offensive line. Banner and Chuks Okorafor are actually potential starters on each the left and proper aspect of the road, Kevin Dotson ought to transfer right into a beginning position at guard, and hopefully, a newly discovered middle joins the combo.
It means Villanueva and Feiler and sure gone. A troublesome resolution for 2 veterans who’ve been a significant a part of this group for years, however one which must be made for the betterment of this offense.
At a minimal, Banner and Dotson ought to be a part of the beginning 5. A max, almost each place sees change.
4. Changing Vance McDonald
Ultimately, Vance McDonald wasn’t doing a lot within the passing sport for the Steelers. His contribution in run block was wanted with the addition of Eric Ebron, although.
Proper now, the Steelers’ prime choice behind Ebron is Zach Gentry. Perhaps a good third-string tight finish, however undoubtedly not somebody the Steelers need enjoying the 44% of offensive snaps McDonald performed in 2020.
Tight finish is hard as a result of different wants this group has to fill. Free company might be an choice, with names like Richard Rogers and Tyler Kroft as potential fillers.
Guessing which tight ends will likely be accessible and able to signal for an inexpensive deal is tough earlier than the market opens, however the Steelers will likely be spending time contemplating their choices.
Noah Strackbein is a Writer with AllSteelers. Observe Noah on Twitter @NoahStrack, and AllSteelers @si_steelers.
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