*** 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers: Decline 5th year options for Harris and Fields (25 Viewers)

[sm8680]

Najee Harris is currently 26. He's been pretty much healthy with a heavy workload. His 5th year option was declined. Will the Steeler's sign him to a 2–3-year contract? I hope to a 2-year deal. Having over 1,000 rushing yards for the past 3 seasons was a stat that use to be impressive. He is the first Pittsburgh Steeler to run for 1k yards in each of his first 3 seasons.

But then there's the Matt Canada affect - Predictable play calling.
For further context, here’s a small round-up of the Steelers’ offensive resume in 2023:

• 30th in total yardage
• 29th in scoring
• 29th in expected points added (EPA), per RBDSM.com
• 28th in passing offense
• 30th in rushing offense
• 23rd in offensive DVOA efficiency, via FTN.com

Plus Kenny played horribly.

Do NFL running backs regress? Facts or fiction <-- Some of the charts are pretty interesting.

My uneducated guess is that the Steeler's don't view Najee as worth $6,790,00 million for his fifth year. You're thinking well duh that's obvious. But with improved QB play, OL play, and OC scheme's. Najee has the opportunity to increase his value. But father time is against him as well as metrics on running back's and how they tend to fall off a cliff performance wise.

Pittsburgh Steeler's are paying pennies on the dollar for their QB room. I felt that Najee should have had his 5th year exercised. I'm expecting both Jaylen and Najee to have better years.

Franchised running backs in 2024 the number is 12 million. Obviously, you're not looking at Najee as being a franchise RB this year. But what happens if he blows up. Due to better OL, QB play, and overall scheme. What happens if he plays even angrier hoping to get a big pay day. He will be an unrestricted free agent. My guess is regardless of what he does this year. The Steeler's will move on. Omar isn't afraid to walk away from Kevin Colbert's guys.

 

[Wingnut]

But yeah, I agree that the main reason for not extending him was probably his age. It doesn't make sense to pay a 30 year old RB

Harris just turned 26 in March.

 

[tbsteel]

To be blunt, Najee is a classic overrated Steeler, just like Terrell Edmunds was.

Najee is a replacement level player who has been significantly outplayed by his back up the past two years and another example of why you don't draft RBs in the first round.

 

[sm8680]

To be blunt, Najee is a classic overrated Steeler, just like Terrell Edmunds was.

Najee is a replacement level player who has been significantly outplayed by his back up the past two years and another example of why you don't draft RBs in the first round.

Certainly! Let’s compare the stats of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren:

1. Najee Harris:
   • Played in 51 games.
   • Accumulated 3,269 rushing yards.
   • Carried the ball 834 times.
   • Averaged 3.9 yards per carry (YPC).
   • Scored 22 rushing touchdowns.
   • Longest run: 25 yards.
   • Fumbled 5 times.
   • Averaged 64.1 rushing yards per game1.
2. Jaylen Warren:
   • Played in 33 games.
   • Accumulated 1,163 rushing yards.
   • Carried the ball 226 times.
   • Averaged 5.1 YPC.
   • Scored 5 rushing touchdowns.
   • Longest run: 21 yards.
   • Fumbled 5 times.
   • Averaged 35.2 rushing yards per game1.

In their most recent season (2023):

• Najee Harris:
  • Played 17 games.
  • Accumulated 1,035 rushing yards.
  • Carried the ball 255 times.
  • Averaged 4.1 YPC.
  • Scored 8 rushing touchdowns.
  • Longest run: 25 yards.
  • Fumbled 2 times.
  • Averaged 60.9 rushing yards per game.
• Jaylen Warren:
  • Also played 17 games.
  • Accumulated 784 rushing yards.
  • Carried the ball 149 times.
  • Averaged 5.3 YPC.
  • Scored 4 rushing touchdowns.
  • Longest run: 74 yards.
  • Fumbled 4 times.
  • Averaged 46.1 rushing yards per game1.

Based on these stats, Najee Harris has been more productive overall, but Jaylen Warren had an impressive longest run in his last season. Keep in mind that individual performance can vary based on team dynamics, play-calling, and other factors.

 

[karl.Racki]

Steelers apparently contacted Seattle about DK Metcalf.

 

[tbsteel]

To be blunt, Najee is a classic overrated Steeler, just like Terrell Edmunds was.

Najee is a replacement level player who has been significantly outplayed by his back up the past two years and another example of why you don't draft RBs in the first round.

Certainly! Let’s compare the stats of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren:

1. Najee Harris:
   • Played in 51 games.
   • Accumulated 3,269 rushing yards.
   • Carried the ball 834 times.
   • Averaged 3.9 yards per carry (YPC).
   • Scored 22 rushing touchdowns.
   • Longest run: 25 yards.
   • Fumbled 5 times.
   • Averaged 64.1 rushing yards per game1.
2. Jaylen Warren:
   • Played in 33 games.
   • Accumulated 1,163 rushing yards.
   • Carried the ball 226 times.
   • Averaged 5.1 YPC.
   • Scored 5 rushing touchdowns.
   • Longest run: 21 yards.
   • Fumbled 5 times.
   • Averaged 35.2 rushing yards per game1.

In their most recent season (2023):

• Najee Harris:
  • Played 17 games.
  • Accumulated 1,035 rushing yards.
  • Carried the ball 255 times.
  • Averaged 4.1 YPC.
  • Scored 8 rushing touchdowns.
  • Longest run: 25 yards.
  • Fumbled 2 times.
  • Averaged 60.9 rushing yards per game.
• Jaylen Warren:
  • Also played 17 games.
  • Accumulated 784 rushing yards.
  • Carried the ball 149 times.
  • Averaged 5.3 YPC.
  • Scored 4 rushing touchdowns.
  • Longest run: 74 yards.
  • Fumbled 4 times.
  • Averaged 46.1 rushing yards per game1.

Based on these stats, Najee Harris has been more productive overall, but Jaylen Warren had an impressive longest run in his last season. Keep in mind that individual performance can vary based on team dynamics, play-calling, and other factors.

Lol this is such an intellectually dishonest post. You mean the guy that has over 600 more carries has more rushing yards and more TDs than the other guy? Interesting!....

I like how you just brush off the difference in one guy averaging 5.1 yards per carry over two seasons and the other guy averaging 3.9 as if that's just some silly little stat equally comparable to who had the longest run. Let me clear, that is an ASTRONOMICALLY HUGE DIFFERENCE. One # is absolutely elite and one of the best #s in the league, and the other is the exact opposite, one of the lowest, least effective, and worst #s in the league. And it's not a small sample size. It's over the course of two years.

Let me put it another way. One of these things is not like the other:

1. Lamar Jackson
2. Christian McCaffrey
3. Jaylen Warren
4. Justin Fields
5. Jahmyr Gibbs

These are the top 5 guys last year, in order, in yards per carry. And here's some more info on each guy:

1. 2023 League MVP
2. 2023 Offensive POTY
3. Backing up a guy who averages 3.9 YPC and only 6 yards per catch
4. Owns the single-game QB rushing record in NFL history, 3rd fastest QB in NFL history to reach 2K rushing yards
5. 2023 PFWA all-rookie team and Pro Bowler

Jaylen Warren absolutely deserves to be the primary rushing option on the Steelers until he proves that he can't do it. Najee's best role is a guy you bring in as a change up in the second quarter and fourth quarter and tell him to just blindly run as hard as he can for 10-12 carries. Which is basically what he does, since he doesn't have any natural vision or instincts at the running back position and runs like he's wearing horse blinders.

And don't even lazily try to come in and here and claim Warren's stats are inflated because he just comes in on 3rd and 17 when we're down two scores in the fourth quarter and rips off a 10 yard run. He has 16 total 3rd down carries in 2 years. 7% of his total carries. And his splits and eye test show he's just as good in the first three quarters than he is in the fourth. Basically any situation, first down through fourth, ahead, tied, or behind, first or second half, Warren is dramatically better than Najee.

 

[sm8680]

November 21 Matt Canada was fired. If you look at the stats over the last 7 games. Both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren averaged the same number of yards per carry around 4.2. Prior to that the Canada offense was so vanilla that the opposing teams could gear up on the play. There are 2 things that Jaylen has over Najee better in open space and hands. I'm sure there are others. But I wouldn't discredit Najee so passionately as you are. Keep in mind once Mason become the starter the offense started to click more.

 

[Gold Fox]

Jaylen fumbles 3x more often than Najee. It’s the part of his game that worries me the most. It’s very obvious in bad weather games.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I think Najee is important to the offense and is a freak and great teammate. $6mm doesn’t seem like much. Hopefully they extend him and Fields.

I don’t see Warren as an every down back.

 

[Grid71]

I just want them both to stay healthy. It’s a long season and both will get plenty of touches.

I’ve been drafting both in Fantasy best ball this year though much heavier on Warren because I think his home run ability and vision will make him far more effective. Still expect Najee to get enough to outpace his ADP. Think Detroit where both Jahmyr Gibbs and Montgomery are both worth starting every week. Achane and Mostert. Chubb and Hunt a few years back.

Arthur Smith offense with QBs who excel in play action? I’m buying while others are fading. My biggest concern is needing another outside WR to compliment Pickens. Without a second weapon, Pickens can be schemed out. Is Roman Wilson good enough?

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I just want them both to stay healthy. It’s a long season and both will get plenty of touches.

I’ve been drafting both in Fantasy best ball this year though much heavier on Warren because I think his home run ability and vision will make him far more effective. Still expect Najee to get enough to outpace his ADP. Think Detroit where both Jahmyr Gibbs and Montgomery are both worth starting every week. Achane and Mostert. Chubb and Hunt a few years back.

Arthur Smith offense with QBs who excel in play action? I’m buying while others are fading. My biggest concern is needing another outside WR to compliment Pickens. Without a second weapon, Pickens can be schemed out. Is Roman Wilson good enough?

Not to play on the outside and win as a rookie. He has some tools that mean he could develop to the outside, but I think he is slot only. Unless that big trade is coming, there is a huge problem.

 

[crushedspirit]

I just want them both to stay healthy. It’s a long season and both will get plenty of touches.

I’ve been drafting both in Fantasy best ball this year though much heavier on Warren because I think his home run ability and vision will make him far more effective. Still expect Najee to get enough to outpace his ADP. Think Detroit where both Jahmyr Gibbs and Montgomery are both worth starting every week. Achane and Mostert. Chubb and Hunt a few years back.

Arthur Smith offense with QBs who excel in play action? I’m buying while others are fading. My biggest concern is needing another outside WR to compliment Pickens. Without a second weapon, Pickens can be schemed out. Is Roman Wilson good enough?

Not to play on the outside and win as a rookie. He has some tools that mean he could develop to the outside, but I think he is slot only. Unless that big trade is coming, there is a huge problem.

Wilson is a speedy vertical slot guy who will be used for PA looks. He's not an outside WR who can beat beat press/man coverages consistently.

I do agree that the Steelers still need an outside WR to compliment Pickens, but who knows what their WR usage plans are.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I just want them both to stay healthy. It’s a long season and both will get plenty of touches.

I’ve been drafting both in Fantasy best ball this year though much heavier on Warren because I think his home run ability and vision will make him far more effective. Still expect Najee to get enough to outpace his ADP. Think Detroit where both Jahmyr Gibbs and Montgomery are both worth starting every week. Achane and Mostert. Chubb and Hunt a few years back.

Arthur Smith offense with QBs who excel in play action? I’m buying while others are fading. My biggest concern is needing another outside WR to compliment Pickens. Without a second weapon, Pickens can be schemed out. Is Roman Wilson good enough?

Not to play on the outside and win as a rookie. He has some tools that mean he could develop to the outside, but I think he is slot only. Unless that big trade is coming, there is a huge problem.

Wilson is a speedy vertical slot guy who will be used for PA looks. He's not an outside WR who can beat beat press/man coverages consistently.

I do agree that the Steelers still need an outside WR to compliment Pickens, but who knows what their WR usage plans are.

If you look at Smith's past, they are likely running a lot of 12 personnel. They need someone to be available deep to take advantage of play action.

 

[steelers1080]

Both Najee and Warren are solid and will benefit from not having Canada's scheme holding them back. I think the front office just wants to see how Najee does with the new scheme. Also, Najee has always seemed self-motivated, but if the Steelers ever had an "all-in" year, it's this one with two incredibly cheap QBs. Players often have their best season in contract years, it might be as simple as wanting Najee to go HAAM this year before discussing an extension after the season.

 

[Godsbrother]

I like both Warren and Harris. However when evaluating them I don't think a side-by-side comparison of stats tells the whole story. For the most part Harris has a lot more 1st and 2nd down carries than Warren.

 

[steelers1080]

I like both Warren and Harris. However when evaluating them I don't think a side-by-side comparison of stats tells the whole story. For the most part Harris has a lot more 1st and 2nd down carries than Warren.

I would also love to see the defensive alignment comparison. It felt like Najee was being bashed against 10 man fronts within Canada's scheme since the play calling was so predictable. Warren had change of pace on 3rd down with much lighter pressure up front.

 

[steelers1080]

It feels like the annual trap of getting my hopes up. Last year it was how good the Steelers looked during preseason, but then we immediately fell flat when we started to face true defensive alignments.

This year it seems so obvious that we've upgraded at a lot of individual positions and areas in the coaching staff, but it might not actually come together.

• The upgrade from Canada to Arthur Smith is clear, but it felt like some of this play calling in Atlanta was questionable and that he underutilized some of his talent. He might have been held back by mediocre to bad QB play, or he was buoyed by Derrick Henry being awesome, too early to tell.
• O-line feels like it's way better moving on from Chuks, Cole, and Moore, but we're replacing two of them with rookies and potentially moving our solid but not spectacular RT to LT because that's his natural position (assumption). They could make a ton of rookie mistakes, or just not be as good as we hoped, but it's hard to envision the line being worse than last year.
• ILB was decimated by injury last year and we added a high priced FA and very talented rookie. But if Cole doesn't come back, Wilson gets hurt, and Queen isn't very good without Roquan, then we might be in the same boat as last year.
• Safety seems like it was more of a slight upgrade, same with CB, but right now slot CB is a big question mark, even if Jackson does play better than Wallace & Peterson.

Going into the season last year the Steelers had the 7th easiest schedule, this year the Steelers have the 3rd hardest, only behind the Browns and Ravens. We face the AFC West and NFC East so our opponents this year are the AFCN twice, Chiefs, Chargers, Eagles, Cowboys, Colts, Raiders, Falcons, Commanders, Giants, Jets. Unfortunately the Falcons and Jets are going to have solid vet QBs (assuming they return from injury). Though I'd rather face them than the Bills or Miami.

Feels like it could be another 10-7 season, even if our team is significantly improved. Here's hoping we can make the playoffs and surprise some people.

 

[Godsbrother]

I wish I could counter with anything you said but you summarize the question marks and concerns very well.

The one thing I will say is that I did not have high hopes going into last season. The preseason was encouraging but we pretty much knew that the quarterbacks, o-line and Matt Canada were problematic.

The team actually overachieved, if anything.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I wish I could counter with anything you said but you summarize the question marks and concerns very well.

The one thing I will say is that I did not have high hopes going into last season. The preseason was encouraging but we pretty much knew that the quarterbacks, o-line and Matt Canada were problematic.

The team actually overachieved, if anything.

The preseason last year gave me hope that I was wrong on KP. So I thought going into the season that we could be for real. Whoops!

This season it feels like we need to fill a few holes still, but that the QB room is a 100% improvement and that we may actually play to the strengths of the talent on the team.

 

[McBokonon]

The one thing I will say is that I did not have high hopes going into last season.

Me either. I haven't had hopes for several seasons, really, and was advocating for a full blow up the year we drafted Pickett.

I'm more optimistic than I have been a long time this year, though. I wouldn't be surprised if we struggled early for all of the reasons cited above, showed inconsistencies, took a while to gel, and then snuck into the playoffs with increased cohesion and some momentum. Kind of like last year, but rounding into form at the right time instead of lumbering in with smoke and mirrors.

 

[3C's]

Depending how draft day goes I think Tyler Boyd could still be in play.

I don't

definitely not now.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

It feels like the annual trap of getting my hopes up. Last year it was how good the Steelers looked during preseason, but then we immediately fell flat when we started to face true defensive alignments.

This year it seems so obvious that we've upgraded at a lot of individual positions and areas in the coaching staff, but it might not actually come together.

• The upgrade from Canada to Arthur Smith is clear, but it felt like some of this play calling in Atlanta was questionable and that he underutilized some of his talent. He might have been held back by mediocre to bad QB play, or he was buoyed by Derrick Henry being awesome, too early to tell.
• O-line feels like it's way better moving on from Chuks, Cole, and Moore, but we're replacing two of them with rookies and potentially moving our solid but not spectacular RT to LT because that's his natural position (assumption). They could make a ton of rookie mistakes, or just not be as good as we hoped, but it's hard to envision the line being worse than last year.
• ILB was decimated by injury last year and we added a high priced FA and very talented rookie. But if Cole doesn't come back, Wilson gets hurt, and Queen isn't very good without Roquan, then we might be in the same boat as last year.
• Safety seems like it was more of a slight upgrade, same with CB, but right now slot CB is a big question mark, even if Jackson does play better than Wallace & Peterson.

Going into the season last year the Steelers had the 7th easiest schedule, this year the Steelers have the 3rd hardest, only behind the Browns and Ravens. We face the AFC West and NFC East so our opponents this year are the AFCN twice, Chiefs, Chargers, Eagles, Cowboys, Colts, Raiders, Falcons, Commanders, Giants, Jets. Unfortunately the Falcons and Jets are going to have solid vet QBs (assuming they return from injury). Though I'd rather face them than the Bills or Miami.

Feels like it could be another 10-7 season, even if our team is significantly improved. Here's hoping we can make the playoffs and surprise some people.

-Canada to Smith, got'cha, check
-OL, would be thrilled if Miami had done what the Steelers did by adding 3 young rookies to the OL, high prospects in the 1st and 2nd, some beef a little later in the draft that could work his way into the starting line up, no way the OL is as bad as last year, no bleeping way. Fautanu, Frazier and McCormick all should see a lot of playing time this year.
-Not tracking your ILB take, overthinking it IMHO, they did well landing Queen, one fo the best FA acquisitions they made
-DeShon Elliott is an upgrade IMHO at Safety, you already have Fitz in the other spot.

Good luck

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Not liking letting Boyd go to Titans for what looks like a cheap deal.

 

[ThaPenguin]

Not liking letting Boyd go to Titans for what looks like a cheap deal.

Seriously. Can't believe how cheap that deal was. We could have had a WR2 for 1 year at like $5m.

 

[steelers1080]

Not liking letting Boyd go to Titans for what looks like a cheap deal.

Has to be because they don't believe he's got much left. That's a reasonable contract for sure.

 

[C & C]

Not liking letting Boyd go to Titans for what looks like a cheap deal.

Has to be because they don't believe he's got much left. That's a reasonable contract for sure.

Wilson should be the slot/wr3. They need someone who can play on the outside and that's not Boyd. No idea who that is at the moment unfortunately.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Not liking letting Boyd go to Titans for what looks like a cheap deal.

Has to be because they don't believe he's got much left. That's a reasonable contract for sure.

Wilson should be the slot/wr3. They need someone who can play on the outside and that's not Boyd. No idea who that is at the moment unfortunately.

Who is left?

 

[sm8680]

Tyler Boyd

Not liking letting Boyd go to Titans for what looks like a cheap deal.

Titans head coach Brian Callahan was the Bengals OC in 2023. So, it makes sense why Tyler signed with Tennessee Titans. Awhile back Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan reported that the Steeler's offered a 2-year contract at 10 million. Tennessee Titans are shelling out some big bucks and no whammies to the WR position this year. I'm glad the Steeler's are more fiscally responsible per say. But like everyone else hoping that the Steeler's sign a true number 2 receiver. There's not much out there as the days go on the picking become slimmer.

As C & C was discussing Tyler Boyd is not someone who should be on the outside as the deep thread. On 93.7 The Fan they were discussing the exact situation.

 

[sm8680]

Not liking letting Boyd go to Titans for what looks like a cheap deal.

Has to be because they don't believe he's got much left. That's a reasonable contract for sure.

Wilson should be the slot/wr3. They need someone who can play on the outside and that's not Boyd. No idea who that is at the moment unfortunately.

Who is left?

Best Remaining Wide Receiver Free Agents, 2024:​

• Tyler Boyd
• Michael Thomas
• Hunter Renfrow
• Zay Jones
• Mecole Hardman
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling
• Corey Davis
• Julio Jones
• Russell Gage
• Allen Robinson
• Alex Erickson
• Lynn Bowden
• Scotty Miller
• Jalen Guyton
• Randall Cobb
• Sterling Shepard
• Robbie Chosen
• Richie James
• Jakeem Grant

 

[Grid71]

It feels like the annual trap of getting my hopes up. Last year it was how good the Steelers looked during preseason, but then we immediately fell flat when we started to face true defensive alignments.

This year it seems so obvious that we've upgraded at a lot of individual positions and areas in the coaching staff, but it might not actually come together.

• The upgrade from Canada to Arthur Smith is clear, but it felt like some of this play calling in Atlanta was questionable and that he underutilized some of his talent. He might have been held back by mediocre to bad QB play, or he was buoyed by Derrick Henry being awesome, too early to tell.
• O-line feels like it's way better moving on from Chuks, Cole, and Moore, but we're replacing two of them with rookies and potentially moving our solid but not spectacular RT to LT because that's his natural position (assumption). They could make a ton of rookie mistakes, or just not be as good as we hoped, but it's hard to envision the line being worse than last year.
• ILB was decimated by injury last year and we added a high priced FA and very talented rookie. But if Cole doesn't come back, Wilson gets hurt, and Queen isn't very good without Roquan, then we might be in the same boat as last year.
• Safety seems like it was more of a slight upgrade, same with CB, but right now slot CB is a big question mark, even if Jackson does play better than Wallace & Peterson.

Going into the season last year the Steelers had the 7th easiest schedule, this year the Steelers have the 3rd hardest, only behind the Browns and Ravens. We face the AFC West and NFC East so our opponents this year are the AFCN twice, Chiefs, Chargers, Eagles, Cowboys, Colts, Raiders, Falcons, Commanders, Giants, Jets. Unfortunately the Falcons and Jets are going to have solid vet QBs (assuming they return from injury). Though I'd rather face them than the Bills or Miami.

Feels like it could be another 10-7 season, even if our team is significantly improved. Here's hoping we can make the playoffs and surprise some people.

No more Matt Canada with a "hey diddle diddle. Rogel up the middle" play design. That #*(@ made me sick. Couldn't stand to watch the offense it was far too predictable. That alone provides optimism. It's likely the offense will start off slow, yet it's hard to imagine they could be worse than the last few seasons.

Super mega bonus! We shed arguably the worst QB play in modern NFL era a year sooner than expected. Kenny and his pickett fence doe-see-doe dance banished to the other side of the state. Now we have two of the best play action QB in the NFL. Shots will be taken.

Shift from optimism to expectation. It could be a positive facing one of the toughest schedules this season. When the goal is Super Bowl or bust, temper the steel with fire, hammer and anvil. It'll make the team stronger or reveal cracks. Experienced SB winning QB can mask some of those issues. Soft schedules are better for playoff seeding.

To your point... "it might not actually come together." But tell me what the Steelers should have done this offseason that'd blank that statement? I think they did a Hell of a great job rebooting the offense and fix the ILB position.

Here we go!

 

[sm8680]

Grid71 you had me so laughing to the point that I was wondering what Eminem would rap if the subject was Kenny Pickett. Well here it is....

Uh, Kenny Pickett, listen up, I'm spittin' facts,
Your QB game's like a fumbled snap, that's a wrap,
You throw interceptions like they're free souvenirs,
Fans watchin', cringin', wonderin', "What's he doin' here?"

Your arm's like a wet noodle, can't sling it downfield,
Opponents cheerin', "Kenny's playin' for our team, for real?"
But it's a nightmare, not a dream, your passes flutter,
And your decision-making? Man, it's straight-up gutter.

(Chorus)
I'm beginnin' to feel like a Rap God, Rap God,
All my people from the front to the back nod, back nod,
Now, who thinks their arms are long enough to slap box, slap box?
They said I...

(Verse 2)
Kenny, you're like a broken record, stuck on repeat,
Throwin' ducks, missin' targets, can't find the beat,
Your playbook's a mystery, like a cipher code,
Opposing defenses feastin', they're in attack mode.

You scramble like a scared squirrel, no pocket presence,
Fans beggin', "Please, Kenny, show us some essence!"
But you're more lost than a tourist with a faulty GPS,
Your passes? More wobbly than a drunk game of chess.

(Chorus)
I'm beginnin' to feel like a Rap God, Rap God,
All my people from the front to the back nod, back nod,
Now, who thinks their arms are long enough to slap box, slap box?
They said I...

(Verse 3)
Kenny, you're the reason coaches lose sleep at night,
Your throws? More predictable than a rom-com's plot,
You're like a broken compass, always pointin' wrong,
Fans prayin', "Maybe next season, he'll finally belong."

But nah, Kenny, your legacy's etched in sand,
A QB carousel, a merry-go-round unplanned,
So take a seat, watch the game from the sideline,
Maybe grab a clipboard, draw some Xs and Os, fine?

(Chorus)
I'm beginnin' to feel like a Rap God, Rap God,
All my people from the front to the back nod, back nod,
Now, who thinks their arms are long enough to slap box, slap box?
They said I...

(Outro)
Kenny Pickett, it's time to face the truth,
Your QB skills? More elusive than Bigfoot's hoof,
But hey, keep hustlin', maybe one day you'll surprise,
Till then, we'll be here, laughin', watchin' your demise.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Not liking letting Boyd go to Titans for what looks like a cheap deal.

Has to be because they don't believe he's got much left. That's a reasonable contract for sure.

Wilson should be the slot/wr3. They need someone who can play on the outside and that's not Boyd. No idea who that is at the moment unfortunately.

Who is left?

Best Remaining Wide Receiver Free Agents, 2024:​

• Tyler Boyd
• Michael Thomas
• Hunter Renfrow
• Zay Jones
• Mecole Hardman
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling
• Corey Davis
• Julio Jones
• Russell Gage
• Allen Robinson
• Alex Erickson
• Lynn Bowden
• Scotty Miller
• Jalen Guyton
• Randall Cobb
• Sterling Shepard
• Robbie Chosen
• Richie James
• Jakeem Grant

There aren't many people I think could even possible fill the role the Steelers need. There aren't many who can even out play guys currently on the roster. There are also a lot of slot guys left. The names that hold at least a little interest to me:

• Michael Thomas

He is a little bit interesting. He appeared to drop off a bit last year, but still played pretty well when healthy, but that is clearly is the issue

• Zay Jones

He is still under 30 and has the potential to be an average number 2 on the outside. That would be enough.

• Corey Davis

He was a name that occurred to me. Not sure he is even interested in coming back to the league though.




Need to find a trade.

 

[steelers1080]

I'm not 100% convinced that Jefferson, Watkins, or Mims is the answer across from Pickens. Jefferson and Mims had potential coming into the league, but would definitely be considered reclamation projects if they all of a sudden were solid WR2s.

It feels like we're going to trade for someone post June 1st, or pick up a WR during the cut down period.

 

[sm8680]

Not liking letting Boyd go to Titans for what looks like a cheap deal.

Has to be because they don't believe he's got much left. That's a reasonable contract for sure.

Wilson should be the slot/wr3. They need someone who can play on the outside and that's not Boyd. No idea who that is at the moment unfortunately.

Who is left?

Best Remaining Wide Receiver Free Agents, 2024:​

• Tyler Boyd
• Michael Thomas
• Hunter Renfrow
• Zay Jones
• Mecole Hardman
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling
• Corey Davis
• Julio Jones
• Russell Gage
• Allen Robinson
• Alex Erickson
• Lynn Bowden
• Scotty Miller
• Jalen Guyton
• Randall Cobb
• Sterling Shepard
• Robbie Chosen
• Richie James
• Jakeem Grant

There aren't many people I think could even possible fill the role the Steelers need. There aren't many who can even out play guys currently on the roster. There are also a lot of slot guys left. The names that hold at least a little interest to me:

• Michael Thomas

He is a little bit interesting. He appeared to drop off a bit last year, but still played pretty well when healthy, but that is clearly is the issue

• Zay Jones

He is still under 30 and has the potential to be an average number 2 on the outside. That would be enough.

• Corey Davis

He was a name that occurred to me. Not sure he is even interested in coming back to the league though.




Need to find a trade.

Corey Davis On March 14, 2024, Davis applied for reinstatement, and the Jets officially released him off of the reserve/retired list, making him a free agent. He's 29

Michael Thomas if healthy would be a great addition he'll be 31. Rumors Eagles, Bengals and Steeler's are interested. Another article says PAts, Chargers, Chiefs.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Not liking letting Boyd go to Titans for what looks like a cheap deal.

Has to be because they don't believe he's got much left. That's a reasonable contract for sure.

Wilson should be the slot/wr3. They need someone who can play on the outside and that's not Boyd. No idea who that is at the moment unfortunately.

Who is left?

Best Remaining Wide Receiver Free Agents, 2024:​

• Tyler Boyd
• Michael Thomas
• Hunter Renfrow
• Zay Jones
• Mecole Hardman
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling
• Corey Davis
• Julio Jones
• Russell Gage
• Allen Robinson
• Alex Erickson
• Lynn Bowden
• Scotty Miller
• Jalen Guyton
• Randall Cobb
• Sterling Shepard
• Robbie Chosen
• Richie James
• Jakeem Grant

There aren't many people I think could even possible fill the role the Steelers need. There aren't many who can even out play guys currently on the roster. There are also a lot of slot guys left. The names that hold at least a little interest to me:

• Michael Thomas

He is a little bit interesting. He appeared to drop off a bit last year, but still played pretty well when healthy, but that is clearly is the issue

• Zay Jones

He is still under 30 and has the potential to be an average number 2 on the outside. That would be enough.

• Corey Davis

He was a name that occurred to me. Not sure he is even interested in coming back to the league though.




Need to find a trade.

Corey Davis On March 14, 2024, Davis applied for reinstatement, and the Jets officially released him off of the reserve/retired list, making him a free agent. He's 29

Michael Thomas if healthy would be a great addition he'll be 31. Rumors Eagles, Bengals and Steeler's are interested. Another article says PAts, Chargers, Chiefs.

Either would be worth a shot if no trades. My guy has gone silent.

 

[Grid71]

probably not much movement till post 6/1 when teams can spread out cap hit or release players.

May should be a quiet month.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Not liking letting Boyd go to Titans for what looks like a cheap deal.

He is almost 30; his play dropped off last year; and he is a slot guy. I had 0 interest.

 

[steelers1080]

probably not much movement till post 6/1 when teams can spread out cap hit or release players.

May should be a quiet month.

I'm not so sure. Last May we released and signed a handful of players, including Markus Golden who went on to have a key role at OLB.

I would expect us to extend some players this May, especially if something big might happen post June 1st, we'll need to clear some cap space. Players in line for extensions:

• Highest Chance:
  • Pat Freiermuth
• Medium Chance:
  • James Daniels
  • Cam Heyward (I'm hoping for a 2-year extension with an out after 2025 if play falls off)
• Lower Chance:
  • Justin Fields
  • Najee Harris
  • TJ Watt (the price is only going up, would be good to lock down before Parsons, maybe a 3-year extension? That would take him to 35.)
  • Elandon Roberts
  • Donte Jackson

I would be pretty surprised if we don't extend anyone prior to the season, and some players can have their cap hit significantly reduced for this year if extended.

The TE franchise tag would be $12.7 million, Mark Andrews is getting $14m and Kittle gets $15m, I just can't see Pat getting $13m per year, but Njoku and Engram did. I think $12m per year is in line with where he currently stands, around Dalton Schultz but higher than Noah Fant and Taysom Hill. At this point, it would make sense to just tag Pat next season to reduce the long term risk in case of injury if the contract is around the same price per year and we have the cap space.

 

[3C's]

WE GOT OURSELVES A WR!!

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1788259969185333475

 

[Max55]

probably not much movement till post 6/1 when teams can spread out cap hit or release players.

May should be a quiet month.

The TE franchise tag would be $12.7 million, Mark Andrews is getting $14m and Kittle gets $15m, I just can't see Pat getting $13m per year, but Njoku and Engram did. I think $12m per year is in line with where he currently stands, around Dalton Schultz but higher than Noah Fant and Taysom Hill. At this point, it would make sense to just tag Pat next season to reduce the long term risk in case of injury if the contract is around the same price per year and we have the cap space.

I like Muth and he has flashed but he’s never been able to put it together for a full season.

Blame it on his health, Canada, Pickett, whatever but I wouldn’t give him $12m a year heading into this season unless it was very team friendly from the point of view he can be cut with a minimal hit.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Why even waste a bed at St. Vincent’s for Scotty Miller.

 

[Grid71]

probably not much movement till post 6/1 when teams can spread out cap hit or release players.

May should be a quiet month.

I'm not so sure. Last May we released and signed a handful of players, including Markus Golden who went on to have a key role at OLB.

I would expect us to extend some players this May, especially if something big might happen post June 1st, we'll need to clear some cap space. Players in line for extensions:

• Highest Chance:
  • Pat Freiermuth
• Medium Chance:
  • James Daniels
  • Cam Heyward (I'm hoping for a 2-year extension with an out after 2025 if play falls off)
• Lower Chance:
  • Justin Fields
  • Najee Harris
  • TJ Watt (the price is only going up, would be good to lock down before Parsons, maybe a 3-year extension? That would take him to 35.)
  • Elandon Roberts
  • Donte Jackson

I would be pretty surprised if we don't extend anyone prior to the season, and some players can have their cap hit significantly reduced for this year if extended.

The TE franchise tag would be $12.7 million, Mark Andrews is getting $14m and Kittle gets $15m, I just can't see Pat getting $13m per year, but Njoku and Engram did. I think $12m per year is in line with where he currently stands, around Dalton Schultz but higher than Noah Fant and Taysom Hill. At this point, it would make sense to just tag Pat next season to reduce the long term risk in case of injury if the contract is around the same price per year and we have the cap space.

Was referring to material acquisitions like all that smoke around trading for a starting WR. It could happen in May but more likely to come after 6/1

 

[steelers1080]

probably not much movement till post 6/1 when teams can spread out cap hit or release players.

May should be a quiet month.

I'm not so sure. Last May we released and signed a handful of players, including Markus Golden who went on to have a key role at OLB.

I would expect us to extend some players this May, especially if something big might happen post June 1st, we'll need to clear some cap space. Players in line for extensions:

• Highest Chance:
  • Pat Freiermuth
• Medium Chance:
  • James Daniels
  • Cam Heyward (I'm hoping for a 2-year extension with an out after 2025 if play falls off)
• Lower Chance:
  • Justin Fields
  • Najee Harris
  • TJ Watt (the price is only going up, would be good to lock down before Parsons, maybe a 3-year extension? That would take him to 35.)
  • Elandon Roberts
  • Donte Jackson

I would be pretty surprised if we don't extend anyone prior to the season, and some players can have their cap hit significantly reduced for this year if extended.

The TE franchise tag would be $12.7 million, Mark Andrews is getting $14m and Kittle gets $15m, I just can't see Pat getting $13m per year, but Njoku and Engram did. I think $12m per year is in line with where he currently stands, around Dalton Schultz but higher than Noah Fant and Taysom Hill. At this point, it would make sense to just tag Pat next season to reduce the long term risk in case of injury if the contract is around the same price per year and we have the cap space.

Was referring to material acquisitions like all that smoke around trading for a starting WR. It could happen in May but more likely to come after 6/1

Fair, I'd expect any additions to be depth moves.

See Scotty Miller, WR6.

 

[sm8680]

WE GOT OURSELVES A WR!!

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1788259969185333475

Such an underwhelming move. I almost want to yawn.

Scotty Miller's NFL career statistics include 85 receptions, 1,085 receiving yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns as of 2023. That's 5 years of service in the league.

 

[sm8680]

probably not much movement till post 6/1 when teams can spread out cap hit or release players.

May should be a quiet month.

The TE franchise tag would be $12.7 million, Mark Andrews is getting $14m and Kittle gets $15m, I just can't see Pat getting $13m per year, but Njoku and Engram did. I think $12m per year is in line with where he currently stands, around Dalton Schultz but higher than Noah Fant and Taysom Hill. At this point, it would make sense to just tag Pat next season to reduce the long term risk in case of injury if the contract is around the same price per year and we have the cap space.

I like Muth and he has flashed but he’s never been able to put it together for a full season.

Blame it on his health, Canada, Pickett, whatever but I wouldn’t give him $12m a year heading into this season unless it was very team friendly from the point of view he can be cut with a minimal hit.

Pat Freiermuth hasn't been able to stay healthy. Sure, he's a good receiving TE and his blocking has gotten better. I just don't know how I feel about him. Personally, if he doesn't stay healthy and have a very good year. Then if I were the Steeler's I'd low ball him or let him move on. Darnell Washington pretty much did nothing last year. Connor Heyward pretty much the same didn't show much. I know alot of people are concerned about WR2. This TE group concerns me and I'm not even counting the Falcons cast off that the Steeler's signed.

 

[steelers1080]

probably not much movement till post 6/1 when teams can spread out cap hit or release players.

May should be a quiet month.

The TE franchise tag would be $12.7 million, Mark Andrews is getting $14m and Kittle gets $15m, I just can't see Pat getting $13m per year, but Njoku and Engram did. I think $12m per year is in line with where he currently stands, around Dalton Schultz but higher than Noah Fant and Taysom Hill. At this point, it would make sense to just tag Pat next season to reduce the long term risk in case of injury if the contract is around the same price per year and we have the cap space.

I like Muth and he has flashed but he’s never been able to put it together for a full season.

Blame it on his health, Canada, Pickett, whatever but I wouldn’t give him $12m a year heading into this season unless it was very team friendly from the point of view he can be cut with a minimal hit.

Pat Freiermuth hasn't been able to stay healthy. Sure, he's a good receiving TE and his blocking has gotten better. I just don't know how I feel about him. Personally, if he doesn't stay healthy and have a very good year. Then if I were the Steeler's I'd low ball him or let him move on. Darnell Washington pretty much did nothing last year. Connor Heyward pretty much the same didn't show much. I know alot of people are concerned about WR2. This TE group concerns me and I'm not even counting the Falcons cast off that the Steeler's signed.

Idk, I'm hopeful that our TEs can improve greatly with a better OC even if people think he underutilized Pitts. Pitts' yards per reception far exceeded Freiermuth.
Last year Pitts caught 100% of the balls thrown his way deemed "catchable"... 59% of the passes to Pitts were deemed catchable and he caught 58.9% of the passes throw his way. If we're able to have QBs that play better than Ridder, it's possible our TEs could do much better than in recent years.

Pat has to be more durable to be worth an investment, but I highly doubt we've seen the best he has to offer.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Why even waste a bed at St. Vincent’s for Scotty Miller.

This WR is really bad. I think his shot to make the club is decent.

 

[karl.Racki]

What a great start to the off season, but the end so far has been disappointing.. Might be one of the worst Wr cores in the league.

Is Van Jefferson the #2?

 

[steelers1080]

What a great start to the off season, but the end so far has been disappointing.. Might be one of the worst Wr cores in the league.

Is Van Jefferson the #2?

Roman Wilson is our WR2, just out of the slot. But Van/Quez are our WR3 currently.

Currently, we have the 2021 Titans Special. They had AJ Brown as their WR1, and an aged Julio Jones as their WR2 (434 yards that season). They were carried by Derrick Henry to a 12-5 record. Najee and Warren are going to combine to form Voltronhenry and lead us to success.

Though I still hope we make some kind of move for another WR that's in the top 50.

 

[karl.Racki]

What a great start to the off season, but the end so far has been disappointing.. Might be one of the worst Wr cores in the league.

Is Van Jefferson the #2?

Roman Wilson is our WR2, just out of the slot. But Van/Quez are our WR3 currently.

Currently, we have the 2021 Titans Special. They had AJ Brown as their WR1, and an aged Julio Jones as their WR2 (434 yards that season). They were carried by Derrick Henry to a 12-5 record. Najee and Warren are going to combine to form Voltronhenry and lead us to success.

Though I still hope we make some kind of move for another WR that's in the top 50.

So our top 2 is a unproven guy, who has miles of talent, but still hasn't put it all together, and a rookie, with a bunch of bums behind them?

My expectations are starting to diminish. Guess all the talk about Aiyuk, and even Boyd, was just talk. Nothing serious.