*** 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers: Watt in, Pickens out week 16 vs Ravens (22 Viewers)

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Starting the season with a banged up o-line really scares me. Plus the gauntlet at the end of the season. Plus no proven nickel. Plus no secondary depth. Plus no #2 WR (though maybe that is just Muth). Ugh.

Front 7 should be great. Top 2 CBs and safeties are a good group. If we can play 1990s football, there is a chance -- but that starts with the o-line . . . .

 

[fred_1_15301]

Live and die with the health of the defense but regardless there is no way this team is getting more than 9 wins with their schedule. Hopefully the O line continues to develop and ends up being a strength by the end of the year.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

If we can play 1990s football, there is a chance

Problem with that is most of the rest of league isn't doing it.

13-17 points ain't reliably getting you very many wins in 2024. Whatever chance they have seems fairly slim. With a hyper efficient QN maybe itd be more viable...but they dont have one of those.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Looks like Spencer Anderson start at LG this week. Jones RT and Moore LT.

 

[sm8680]

Leroy what's even scarier schedule is more difficult this year and last year it seemed like near the end of the year the Steeler's were playing against backup QBs and pulling out wins.

 

[karl.Racki]

Somebody on SM with a ton of followers already starting the Ja’marr Chase to Pittsburgh crap. Geez

 

[Grid71]

Heyward signed 3-years $45 mil.

Think Freiermuth comes next?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Heyward signed 3-years $45 mil.

Think Freiermuth comes next?

Yep.

 

[Godsbrother]

Leroy what's even scarier schedule is more difficult this year and last year it seemed like near the end of the year the Steeler's were playing against backup QBs and pulling out wins.

With Jackson, Burrow and Watson in the division there is a good chance that one or more will be injured by the time the Steelers play them

 

[infantsam]

Going to be tough to watch early.

I see only Pickens and Friermuth as viable fantasy starters. Score-Darelle about to ruin Najee and Jwarren.
Questions is can you even start either before you see whether or not Wilson can actually get off a play? Both are high end talents - but ex. I have Pickens as a flex that I could bench for say D Swift or etc. Watching that inept offense has been torture

 

[kupcho1]

Heyward signed 3-years $45 mil.

I like Cam, but he's well on the wrong side of 30.

 

[karl.Racki]

Going to be tough to watch early.

I see only Pickens and Friermuth as viable fantasy starters. Score-Darelle about to ruin Najee and Jwarren.
Questions is can you even start either before you see whether or not Wilson can actually get off a play? Both are high end talents - but ex. I have Pickens as a flex that I could bench for say D Swift or etc. Watching that inept offense has been torture

I have Pickens and starting him as WR3 with Hill and Diggs. I have no issue starting Pickens in a PPR league.

 

[steelers1080]

Heyward signed 3-years $45 mil.

Think Freiermuth comes next?

I'm happy about this. I think it's just a 2-year extension, but it probably reduces his cap hit this year by a fair amount. I read he's signed through 2026.
Some people will be down on this because of his play last season, but he was hurt all year. He could start getting hurt more and more often due to his age, but I'm happy he'll almost certainly retire a Steeler.

 

[kupcho1]

I remember when the Steelers would let a player move on a year (or two) early rather than a year (or two) late.
I also remember when they won Super Bowls.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I remember when the Steelers would let a player move on a year (or two) early rather than a year (or two) late.
I also remember when they won Super Bowls.

He was going to make $16MM this year regardless. It sounds like that is all he is guaranteed and it is likely all signing bonus. So, they can still cut him or pay him $15MM next year and/or the year after. Doesn't seem like a bad deal?

 

[steelers1080]

I remember when the Steelers would let a player move on a year (or two) early rather than a year (or two) late.
I also remember when they won Super Bowls.

He was going to make $16MM this year regardless. It sounds like that is all he is guaranteed and it is likely all signing bonus. So, they can still cut him or pay him $15MM next year and/or the year after. Doesn't seem like a bad deal?

But that takes looking at the details of the deal instead of just complaining.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I remember when the Steelers would let a player move on a year (or two) early rather than a year (or two) late.
I also remember when they won Super Bowls.

He was going to make $16MM this year regardless. It sounds like that is all he is guaranteed and it is likely all signing bonus. So, they can still cut him or pay him $15MM next year and/or the year after. Doesn't seem like a bad deal?

But that takes looking at the details of the deal instead of just complaining.

Not sure if this is confirmed yet, but it sounds like there will be enough cap savings this year, that if they don't sign anyone else, and cut him next year, the cap rollover will cover most/all of the dead money. And if we save cap space that allows us to acquire someone good, and there is dead money, the team still benefitted. This isn't a crazy contract.

 

[kupcho1]

I remember when the Steelers would let a player move on a year (or two) early rather than a year (or two) late.
I also remember when they won Super Bowls.

He was going to make $16MM this year regardless. It sounds like that is all he is guaranteed and it is likely all signing bonus. So, they can still cut him or pay him $15MM next year and/or the year after. Doesn't seem like a bad deal?

But that takes looking at the details of the deal instead of just complaining.

Not sure if this is confirmed yet, but it sounds like there will be enough cap savings this year, that if they don't sign anyone else, and cut him next year, the cap rollover will cover most/all of the dead money. And if we save cap space that allows us to acquire someone good, and there is dead money, the team still benefitted. This isn't a crazy contract.

So if I'm reading this correctly, they extended him this year to free up cap space that they'll use next year should they choose to get rid of him. But if we have an opportunity to use that cap space for someone good, we'll have to keep him.
Genius!

Seems like they're kicking a can down the road that they didn't need to kick.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I remember when the Steelers would let a player move on a year (or two) early rather than a year (or two) late.
I also remember when they won Super Bowls.

He was going to make $16MM this year regardless. It sounds like that is all he is guaranteed and it is likely all signing bonus. So, they can still cut him or pay him $15MM next year and/or the year after. Doesn't seem like a bad deal?

But that takes looking at the details of the deal instead of just complaining.

Not sure if this is confirmed yet, but it sounds like there will be enough cap savings this year, that if they don't sign anyone else, and cut him next year, the cap rollover will cover most/all of the dead money. And if we save cap space that allows us to acquire someone good, and there is dead money, the team still benefitted. This isn't a crazy contract.

So if I'm reading this correctly, they extended him this year to free up cap space that they'll use next year should they choose to get rid of him. But if we have an opportunity to use that cap space for someone good, we'll have to keep him.
Genius!

Seems like they're kicking a can down the road that they didn't need to kick.

No -- you don't have to keep anyone. Just would be dead money associated with the signing bonus. And it's not that much.

 

[steelers1080]

I remember when the Steelers would let a player move on a year (or two) early rather than a year (or two) late.
I also remember when they won Super Bowls.

He was going to make $16MM this year regardless. It sounds like that is all he is guaranteed and it is likely all signing bonus. So, they can still cut him or pay him $15MM next year and/or the year after. Doesn't seem like a bad deal?

But that takes looking at the details of the deal instead of just complaining.

Not sure if this is confirmed yet, but it sounds like there will be enough cap savings this year, that if they don't sign anyone else, and cut him next year, the cap rollover will cover most/all of the dead money. And if we save cap space that allows us to acquire someone good, and there is dead money, the team still benefitted. This isn't a crazy contract.

So if I'm reading this correctly, they extended him this year to free up cap space that they'll use next year should they choose to get rid of him. But if we have an opportunity to use that cap space for someone good, we'll have to keep him.
Genius!

Seems like they're kicking a can down the road that they didn't need to kick.

They extended him 2 years, but it's not guaranteed so they can cut him after this year or after next year if he's not performing. There is 0 downside to the Steelers, the $$ owed is the same it's just would it be owed this year or next year, and it gives us more flexibility this year if we decide to sign or trade or extend someone.

I think it's way to early to say that Khan is holding onto players too long. Colbert did, 100%. And he failed to adequately prepare for Big Ben's retirement. Omar's signings:

• Pat P: Good deal, let go rather than keep too long
• Cole Holcomb: Playing well until injury
• Larry O: Still playing at a high level
• Elandon Roberts: Playing at a value compared to salary
• Seumalo: Playing solid when healthy
• Patrick Queen: Still young, on upswing of career
• Cameron Johnston: Older, but so far a clear upgrade at P
• Wilson and Fields: TBD but super cheap and only signed for 1 year
• Patterson: Could be a mistake, but one with low risk and provides depth
• He got rid of Chuks, Kendrick Green, Dotson, Trubisky, Mason Cole, Gunner, Witherspoon, Pickett, Harvin. Some of these players have played better on other teams, but they were not fitting in with the Steelers for whatever reason.

The next test will be TJ Watt, he's 30 and signed through 2024 and 2025. He's still a beast and I would be happy if we gave him an extension, but if it's a 4-year extension making him a Steeler through age 35, he might not maintain a dominant level throughout that contract.
We don't have very many older players and we don't have many players signed past 2025. I just don't think Omar has held on too long with any players yet.

 

[karl.Racki]

Freiermuth upped for 4 years.. 48 million..

Seems like alot for him TBH.

 

[Grid71]

Happy to hear we have Cam and Freiermuth locked up. If Muth is the #2 target earner, he will be a bargain at that price for years to come.

 

[sm8680]

I agree some of my thoughts on Pat. In no particular order.

1. This year should have been a prove it year like Najee.
1. Omar Khan has a time machine. He's definitely forecasting here hoping for the best.
2. This deal totally disrespects Najee. Najee 5th year wasn't picked up. Najee Harris said that the decision was due to the team being unsure of the direction of the offense.
3. Injury concerns. Pat is a soft player a below average blocking TE. Has had around 3 concussions. Tends to be injury prone. Steeler's love to run the ball. Pat tends to be more WR'ish
4. Although I keep hearing he will be end up being the 2nd option in the offense through no fault of his own. In 2-4 years, you hope Roman Wilson, or another player fills that 2nd option spot.
5. Inconsistent performance sure you can blame Canada and poor performance of the previous QBs not named Mason.
6. Darnell Washington potentially could blossom, or this could be a reason they overpaid Pat.
7. Steelers could have franchised him next year, drafted his replacement and/or trade/waiver wire pickup of a TE.
8. Last but not least. I hope Pat overachieves and ends up being worth his contract. Otherwise, we have another contract like Arobber and Larry O.verpaid.

 

[Grid71]

I agree some of my thoughts on Pat. In no particular order.

1. This year should have been a prove it year like Najee.
1. Omar Khan has a time machine. He's definitely forecasting here hoping for the best.
2. This deal totally disrespects Najee. Najee 5th year wasn't picked up. Najee Harris said that the decision was due to the team being unsure of the direction of the offense.
3. Injury concerns. Pat is a soft player a below average blocking TE. Has had around 3 concussions. Tends to be injury prone. Steeler's love to run the ball. Pat tends to be more WR'ish
4. Although I keep hearing he will be end up being the 2nd option in the offense through no fault of his own. In 2-4 years, you hope Roman Wilson, or another player fills that 2nd option spot.
5. Inconsistent performance sure you can blame Canada and poor performance of the previous QBs not named Mason.
6. Darnell Washington potentially could blossom, or this could be a reason they overpaid Pat.
7. Steelers could have franchised him next year, drafted his replacement and/or trade/waiver wire pickup of a TE.
8. Last but not least. I hope Pat overachieves and ends up being worth his contract. Otherwise, we have another contract like Arobber and Larry O.verpaid.

Per Gerry Dulac the extension makes it 5 years 49.88 mil with 23.38 guaranteed.

Muth is only 25. Signing for $10mil/year for that long will be a bargain especially when the league bumps up to 18 game season.
I'm concerned about his inline blocking as well though he does better in space than within the box. He isn't bad on the stretch/screen plays which AS dials up frequently. Washington will line up in the box more than Muth.
AS offense targeted the top 2 TE in Atlanta 160 times last season (going from memory, it's a big number). I'd love to see Washington blossom but he's just too big and slow. He will be targeted, but Muth is the better receiving threat. In this TE room, Muth has to be the lion share target earner. Ability is there. Why make him prove what we already know just so we can pay him more next year?

Not certain why you bring up Najee related to Muth, but it was discussed previously in this thread.
Najee is a 26 year old RB with high mileage. 5th year option and a franchise tag could have blocked him from negotiating his first (non-rookie) contract until he turns 28. Not great. I think the Steelers did him a favor turning it down. Let Najee prove how valuable he is and get paid next year either here or with another team. While I'm a life long Steeler fan, also like to consider the players and happy to see situations where players aren't held hostage by teams flexing CBA terms. Also, a 3 year extension now pays Najee till he is 30. Lots of wear on those tires to make a big investment for a guy who is less efficient than Warren.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Sounds more and more like Fields starting.

Lots of people unhappy with the new strength and conditioning coach who had Russ pushing a sled causing this injury, and Semeolo apparently was blaming him for his injury as well for some reason ….

 

[irish eyes]

Sounds more and more like Fields starting.

Lots of people unhappy with the new strength and conditioning coach who had Russ pushing a sled causing this injury, and Semeolo apparently was blaming him for his injury as well for some reason ….

Go figure, another bad coach under Tomlin. Nothing new.

 

[Godsbrother]

Fields is starting today against Atlanta. I'm good with that (hopefully will be AFTER the game)

 

[tommyGunZ]

Is this bad for Pickens?

 

[Grid71]

Here we go!!! Excited to have Steelers football back. Time for Tomlin ball. Win with great Steelers D and put Fields in a good position to bring home the dub

 

[Godsbrother]

Is this bad for Pickens?

Not necessarily. Preseason didn’t show much for either except that Fields is much more mobile and prone to tuck the ball and run which is a surprise to no one

 

[Grid71]

Is this bad for Pickens?

Not necessarily. Preseason didn’t show much for either except that Fields is much more mobile and prone to tuck the ball and run which is a surprise to no one

Wouldn't over think it. If you drafted Pickens as a starter, play him. DJ Moore did well in Chicago last year with Fields. Similar situation here.

 

[Uncle Leo]

Is this bad for Pickens?

I believe it’s a positive. I expect Pickens to have a great day.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Someone left a matt canada page in the playbook.

 

[timschochet]

Fields is not exactly inspiring confidence.

 

[irish eyes]

Someone left a matt canada page in the playbook.

 

[pecorino]

I'm pleasantly surprised. Figured the O Line and Fields would be a horror show. We look darn near close to competent on offense. George Pickens, my goodness.

 

[pecorino]

Also, what a terrible call on the Pickens "push off." They almost never call that and it was mild taboot.

 

[belljr]

I've seen enough to just ride it out with fields for the year

 

[irish eyes]

I've seen enough to just ride it out with fields for the year

Agree, with that line at least he can make something happen.

 

[Cookiemonster]

A dub without a TD scored. Still feels better than when Kenny was QB.

 

[belljr]

One more week and we'll have the division locked up

 

[sm8680]

Just think about if Kenny didn't pitch multiple tantrums last year. He'd of started this game.

 

[karl.Racki]

So does Justin Fields performance today chance the Russell Wilson revenge game next Sunday?

 

[irish eyes]

So does Justin Fields performance today chance the Russell Wilson revenge game next Sunday?

I'd keep him in there. His running got them out of some bad situations

 

[Grid71]

Tomlin ball 1-0

Bill Cowher just said “there is no need to rush Russell Wilson back… right now Justin Fields, this is your team.”

 

[JoeSteeler]

TJ Wrecked that game. Now Garrett can get his 2 solo tackles and everyone can say how great he is.

 

[sm8680]

Does anyone know the latest on Cameron Johnston's injury?

 

[JoeSteeler]

Does anyone know the latest on Cameron Johnston's injury?

the only thing I saw is that Tomlin said it is a "serious injury".

 

[sm8680]

Does anyone know the latest on Cameron Johnston's injury?

the only thing I saw is that Tomlin said it is a "serious injury".

I hope not he's a big upgrade over the previous guy.

 

[infantsam]

Does anyone know the latest on Cameron Johnston's injury?

the only thing I saw is that Tomlin said it is a "serious injury".

Just don’t bring back Harvin.