Pittsburgh Steelers team needs

by Jon Dove on Feb 14, 2010 10:00 AM EST

It was heartbreaking for Steelers fans to miss the playoffs this season. Pittsburgh dealt with injuries and under-performing players, which lead to the inconsistent play. This offseason will be key if they want to get back into Super Bowl contention. There are also contract situations with Casey Hampton and Ryan Clark to keep an eye on. Here is what I feel needs to be addressed:

1. Safety

- Ryan Clark is a free agent and Troy Polamalu struggled with injuries; so adding depth and more talent to this position is a must. Pittsburgh’s lack of safety depth was exposed throughout the season as was there deep pass coverage.

2. Nose Tackle

- Casey Hampton is up there in age and a free agent. However, you can’t understate his importance to the success of the Pittsburgh defense. If the Steelers decided to let Hampton walk they need to plug the massive hole he will leave behind. Someone like Terrance Cody or Dan Williams fit that mold.

3. Offensive Line

- Willie Colon and Max Starks are solid, as is the rest of the offensive line but there is room for improvement. Look for the Steelers to add some depth in the later rounds and maybe get in upgrade if someone slips to them in the first round.

Poll

Should the Steelers pay whatever Hampton wants to keep him in a Steelers uniform?

Yes

176 votes

No

285 votes

461 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Hampton

An angry Big Snack for one year costs 7 million. If he is willing to go 3 years 15 million with most of that in a signing bonus why not sign him for three years and draft a NT to develop? The new guy won’t get a real contract till after Hampton is gone, and Casey has 2 good years left in him.

Some people will say Casey had a great year because he wants money and will play crappy afterward, but that hasn’t been the case with his other contracts, the man is a beast and his play this year was to show the Steelers they should sign him. The man wants to be a Steeler and end his career here. If he’ll take a 5 to 5.5 cap hit a year deal then do it. Give the man 10 up front and 5-6 over the next three years. He’ll sign and the Steelers will be set.

As for the rest, I think most people know I want a DB and a OT high in the draft, and I’m lusting over a Safety position of Troy and Earl Thomas. It’s the closest thing we’d get to Ed Reed and Troy playing together.

I’d add one position to the needs, LB depth. We are very shallow right now at LB, we need some talent behind the guys we have, and we need to be grooming replacements for Farrior soon and Harrison in a few years. It would be nice to have the luxury of letting a Harrison or Farrior walk Porter style because their replacement is ready to go.

by Phantaskippy on Feb 14, 2010 2:25 PM EST reply actions

Hampton is getting up there in age.

2009 NY Phin PhansFantasy League Champion
2009 Best Regular Season Record in NYPPL.
2010 The Jim Mandich NewsFlash Award Winner.

by Patssuck456 on Feb 15, 2010 8:33 PM EST reply actions

Snack

Would be great if we could orchestrate a trade for a first round pick (if anyone is that stupid) for Big Snack. Would be great to get Cody (Bama) and a DB (Chad Jones, LSU) in the first round. How about signing Jamal Lewis at a bargain price and bring him to camp as a prospect for our “3rd and short” situations. Keep Willie Parker for a “sensible” contract. Look for an OG, OT or a C in the second round and 3rd rounds. Fox replaces Farrior. We are pretty well set elsewhere. I can dream can’t I !!!!

by Allen F on Feb 17, 2010 9:05 PM EST reply actions