dabills21

Definitely agree, we need a top tier pass rusher to pair with Jerry. Just like last year was the time to get our QB, this year is our time to land a franchise defensive end. Hopefully we won't be picking top 10 again for a long time. Foundation of this team would have the potential to have young blue chip players at each level of the defense (New def end, Edmunds/Milano, and Tre). On the other hand, I won't be upset if we spend the premium pick on an offensive lineman. One could certainly make the case that Oline is the bigger need...hopefully we can find 1-2 solid players in FA

I was a big Glenn fan myself, but he has had some misfortuane with injuries. Speaking of Dawkins at right tackle, that will be a curious possibility. I seem to recall that he initially struggled there, when Buffalo opened OTAs and camp in his rookie year. But with a new offensive approach and new line coach, it's something thatbim sure they will consider.

I completely agree that the offense needs a lot of focus this off season. Just because we have the money available in 2020 to give Shaq, doesn't mean we should automatically pick up the 5th year option. You have to balance if his value meets the contract and how it impacts other positional targets, just like you said. I think we need a better pass rush. Jerry is not getting any younger, either is Zo and he's not even under contract yet, Kyle just retired, and Murphy hasn't shown that he can stay healthy or provide a consistent pass rush either. Top 10 pick in a class with supposed top end talent, it might be the right time to retool the position. And save the 5th year option on Shaq, unless the front office thinks he's proven enough or on the correct projectory. You don't typically hand out the 5th year option for run setting defensive ends, but who knows, we shall see.

I might be the only one who was confused by Sal's tweet, but to clarify: 1. Shaq is under contract for the 2019 season (unless we trade or release him - unlikely) 2. 5th year option would be for the 2020 season. Even if Buffalo does not pick up the option, we'd still have the ability to sign as a free agent prior to the 2020 season At this point, I don't think Shaq has done enough to lock him up for 2020. Shaq seems like a great teammate and showed signs of improving this year, but his lack of consistent pass rush and slow burst off the ball is still a concern for me. This is a very good defensive end draft...if Beane stays true to his word (bpa), if expect that we find a DE in round 1 or 2

Can't agree more, excellent points. And yes, it's very difficult to change your mindset and handling of players 10+ years into the job. Tomlin is definitely in a pickle, as he will be going outside his normal coaching traits to correct this situation. Now this will get everyone fired up, lol...but this is exactly why I appreciate and think coach McDermott will succeed with his style of coaching/personnel decisions.

I like it...just my opinion, but I'm all for providing new opportunities as opposed to retreads who were fired elsewhere. Your option sounds like a good one

Hopefully this doesn't get buried here, but relevant to the topic... Any scoop on possible replacements? 1. I typically scour the NFL assistant oline coaches, Steelers have a young dude, likely no. I'd suggest maybe Dallas, Chicago, Kansas City, or Seattle 2. college ranks...maybe Daboll has a few connections from his time at Bama / networking at the collegiate level

I agree that Ben has been known for being a controversial teammate. From living in the Burgh all my life, here is my opinion: 1. Steelers no longer have locker room leaders to "self control" the team, more on this below. It used to be Hines, Troy, Farrior, etc etc that were the superstars, but also led that team...sorta like a Kyle Williams type attitude, which can't be appreciated enough 2. Without the locker room controlling itself, it becomes more important for the Head coach to manage these situations. For Tomlin, early in his coaching tenure he could rely on aforementioned leaders above. I place the blame on Tomlin, but i know that topic has varying opinions. He needs to prove that he can manage superstar players without the help of others doing his job. It will be interesting to see how he approaches the situation and if he can get this team playing as a unit. Much of the post season player interviews focused on "team chemistry" , and AB and Ben are both part of that problem, it is up to Tomlin to fix that situation. Not the same, but a possible comparison is the Bulls/Lakers teams of the past, where Phil Jackson was the perfect guy for those situations. I think Tomlin has 1 more season to right the ship and return the Steelers to a superbowl

I really like Josh Allen as well. Fortunately, this draft class has quite a few of these Edge/hybrid types, ie: Burns from FSU. Who do you have as your 2nd pass rusher, assuming Bosa is gone too?

Lol, you the man! Now my 2019 is off to a great start, haha

Overdue, hopefully they can find a quality replacement...given the likelihood of the offensive line getting a full overhaul this offseason

Lol. good points, I agree

Great game by Josh Allen, DE Kentucky today, vs Penn St. I think he will be in consideration at 9, if he's still available.

You can portray me however you like, bottom line is that you called my post out for being foolish...its not uncivil or even outrageous to say to a fellow dude, "well lets wager and see who is right?" Confidence, absolute, etc...pick whatever word you want, but maybe you havent interacted with guy friends like this... Sorry that you have taken my responses so seriously and felt the need to judge my character or happiness with message board posts. Happy New Year to you also!

Maybe because I'm extremely confident.... and think your justication is completely worthless. Let's recap, you think AB is possibly traded and I don't. I'm suggesting a friendly wager, because I'm extremely confident, if you don't want to wager so be it...but I'm allowed to be confident and provided plenty of justification.... Not crap, that is completely unrelated like yourself. Bell, Mack (not even the Steelers), or past situations with Steeler WRs are NOT reasons to justify your case....or any other situation where people didn't think it would happen then it did. How about you provide some direct justification of your opinion...dont let my confidence get in your way

Thanks! These are the exact details that I found...based on his March 2018 contract restructure, meant to provide enough cap space to fit Bell under the franchise tag...funny how that backfired

It's not a foolish comment. Please go back and review the points that I laid out. Most importantly, the cap situation... Pittsburgh does move on from players at the right time, you are correct about that. But you're completely off base thinking this is the right time. When they moved on from santanio, Wallace, and sanders...none of these guys were: 1. arguably the best WR in the NFL OR 2. had a contract structured in a detrimental fashion to the Steelers to trade them LB situation was completely different... PM me if you want to back up your opinion

That's not true... the information that Andrew Brandt tweeted.is accurate. Steelers previously restructured ABs contract, and 2019 will be difficult to move him off the roster

Again, I'll be willing to wager anyone and everyone that Pittsburgh doesn't trade him. AB said the same thing early in the season...few additional reasons to support my comment: 1. ABs contract is not structured in a team friendly trade or release scenario in 2019 2. Steelers understand that they have a short window to compete for super bowl, until Ben retires...and trading arguably the best WR in the NFL...hmmm 3. as talented as Juju is, he's not ready to be the #1 yet. Steelers know when to move on from players, and JuJus time will come 4. Trading Brown will be another knock to an organization, that will make them look like they can't manage talented/diva players. This situation is way different than Lbs, but in 2 years time, they aren't going to strip that much talent from a Super bowl contender I can go on...

I don't pretend to know everything, but i do know that the Steelers won't trade him. Want to back up your comment with a wager? I'm ready when u are.. edit: intended for gugny

How did this morph into a trade for AB thread? Pittsburgh is NOT trading him... they have a 2-3 year window of competing for a super bowl, as much drama as AB brings to the Burgh, the Steelers will instead focus on how they can get all their talent to play as a team

Never fails that people speak their mind, and disappear when things don't support their opinion. At least come back and acknowledge his great game. It would be the least I would do, if the opposite occurred (ie: I'm a huge supporter of Edmunds, but wouldn't hide from a discussion) These posters lose all my respect..

Posts like this make me seriously wonder what you're watching....education must be at an all time low. Is he the offensive genius that some teams have? Of course not...but he is a defensive genius. look at what he's been able to accomplish with a unit, that only 2 years ago failed miserably for rex, where rex arguably had more talent to work with. Not sure what else you could honestly ask for i his first 2 seasons with this roster...unless you just don't like him or simply want to complain about everything

bumping...this is the best post describing the outcome, for anyone still confused

Very much a class act. I'd add in that he took two knees to make sure the defense had 1 more opportunity to get on the field. He's an excellent coach. I personally know a few college coaches that speak extremely high of him. I like how he has turned this defense back into a top echelon group, with solid talent...just wait for some of these young guys to keep developing