One of the two offensive guards picked up by the Steelers is more than excited for his shot in Pittsburgh.

When it comes to the NFL, there are players who assume they belong, and those who are thankful they even have the opportunity. With the latter, there are no assumptions made, and the hard work which is necessary to succeed is typically evident. What it boils down to is whether or not that hard work is accompanied by an amount of talent which can equate to long-term success in the league.

When it comes to new Pittsburgh Steelers guard Nate Herbig, he would be categorized as a player who has had to earn all of what he’s gotten in the NFL, and that isn’t a lot.

Herbig was undrafted out of Stanford, leaving as a Junior, eventually signing as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles. What that has taught him was to appreciate everything this game provides.

“Man, I love football.” said Herbig when meeting with Pittsburgh media. “I love to play the game of football. I feel like football is played a certain way, and I’m going to play it that way. I’m happy to be here. Old school, smash mouth, I like that stuff. As you can see, I’m built for it. So, I’m happy to be here.

When Steelers fans see Herbig has spent time in Philadelphia, they should also know there is a natural connection to Andy Weidl. Weidl, the current Assistant General Manager (GM) had a direct result in Herbig coming to Philadelphia, and also to the Steelers. And Herbig knows it.

“Andy Weidl is the G.O.A.T. [greatest of all time], man.” Herbig exclaimed. “He’s the man. He was in Philly when I was in Philly, and we have that connection coming in a little bit. I’m just happy to be here, happy to be in the same building as him.”

When asked what he liked the most about coming to a team/organization like the Steelers, Herbig didn’t mince words.

“It’s the Steelers. Like, come on, what isn’t there about it?” Herbig said. “I don’t have enough good things to say. Guys on the team have already reached out to me. Kenny [Pickett] reached out to me. That just shows his leadership already. I’m just happy to be here. I’m happy to be a part of this team.”

Speaking of the quarterback Herbig will be helping protect, he couldn’t say enough good things about Pickett reaching out and welcoming him to the team.

“I mean, it was unbelievable.” Herbig said of his talking with Pickett the day he signed. “I had a great leader when I was in Philadelphia with Jalen Hurts, and the fact that he just reached out to me just made me have so much respect for him, but even more with how much of a leader he is, and I’m just excited to be around him and be on his team.”

When Philadelphia didn’t bring Herbig back heading into the 2022 season, Herbig was picked up by the New York Jets. While the season wasn’t a success, Herbig was able to learn from his time with the Jets.

“Just always being ready to play. It was like that for me in Philly. I played a bunch of different positions, and I got an opportunity, and I love opportunity. I made my career on it, so I’m going to keep trying to do the same.”

Coming from Stanford, most Steelers fans will think of another guard who was a first round pick for the black-and-gold. That would be none other than David DeCastro. When asked, Herbig knew all about DeCastro from his time in college, and his career with the Steelers.

“When I went to Stanford, David DeCastro was a Steeler.” Herbig recalled. “Great, a legend, and I just would watch his games on Sunday in the weight room. Just watching him out there dominating, that’s how I want to play football. I respect it. I want to be like him.”

Herbig might not be a starting lineman when the dust settles on training camp, but what he provides in terms of position versatility and experience shouldn’t be underscored. Ultimately, there are some players who you want on your team, and Herbig would certainly fall into that category. Consider him a “glue guy”, and a very big “glue guy” at that.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the 2023 NFL offseason.

The Steelers’ interest in Patrick Peterson hasn’t just started this offseason.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an eventful start to the 2023 NFL league year so far, and one area of the intrigue surrounding the Steelers’ free agent moves has been their activity on Day 1.

The first day saw the Steelers lose veteran cornerback Cameron Sutton to the Detroit Lions, but then the team acquired veteran, and most would say future Hall of Famer, Patrick Peterson.

Peterson is no spring chicken, but his value as a savvy veteran is undeniable. When Peterson’s signing was made official by the organization, he answered questions from the Pittsburgh media. One answer he provided was extremely interesting, as he alluded to the Steelers trying to trade for him before the 2022 season.

Here was his response when asked if he was surprised the Steelers reached out on the first day they could negotiate with players.

“I wasn’t surprised because we almost made something happen last year, having conversations with Grady [Brown] and Coach [Mike] Tomlin last year.” Peterson said.

“Obviously, we weren’t able to make it happen, but this go around in a different situation losing a key component to their secondary in Cam [Sutton] and feeling like they needed a guy that has some of those same attributes as a smart, tough physical football player… I wanted to be a part of this pedigree and this identity that the Steelers organization and team brings to the NFL. They’re always competitive. Coach Tomlin is always going to have his guys in position to win no matter what the circumstances are. For me being in the latter part of my career, I wanted to be a part of a very storied franchise and what better franchise that you would want to be with than the Pittsburgh Steelers?”

From there, Peterson was asked about his overall experience with the Steelers, and mainly head coach Mike Tomlin.

“With Coach Tomlin having an opportunity to coach my cousin, Bryant McFadden, I had an opportunity to cross paths with him numerous times before I got to college, and obviously, coming out of LSU and getting prepared for the Draft, having communication throughout that process.

“Just watching him from afar, anytime we played him, it was just always a great deal of respect between us. When you see his coaching style, how much his players talk about him, his sayings, you just want to be a part of something like that. When you have an opportunity, you don’t want to waste that opportunity.

“On the second go round, I feel like I definitely have a lot left in the tank. I can provide a lot to whatever team I was going to land on, but I felt like this was the best fit for me, just because of what Coach can do for my career as a DB.”

It shouldn’t shock any Steelers fans when it comes to the amount of respect Tomlin provides across the league. Nonetheless, Peterson’s track to becoming a member of the Steelers certainly ran through his cousin, and former defensive back, Bryant McFadden. It was through McFadden where Peterson was told how passionate the fan base is, and what to expect when donning the black-and-gold for the first time.

“Just telling me how loyal the fans, the organization, the Rooney family are. Just how the passion that this city has for not only the Pittsburgh Steelers, but for sports in general.” Peterson recalled of conversations with his cousin.

“For me, being a defensive player, when you have the fans making it hard for opposing teams, even on the road because I can remember the Cardinals fans and seeing a bunch of Terrible Towels taking over that stadium. So being a defensive player and going on the road and seeing your fans do that, it makes you want to play that much harder and makes you want to bring that ‘W’ home that much more.

“It is quite an honor to finally be a part of this organization, this rich tradition that this organization has. Very, very blessed, and Bryant told me that this fan base is like no other, so I’m excited to be a part of it.”

When it comes to the fan base, there were plenty who had their reservations surrounding the signing of a player who will be 33 when the 2023 season kicks off. Nonetheless, Peterson is at least saying all the right things to get some confidence growing among the global fan base.

Let’s just hope he still has plenty of gas left in the tank before he calls it a career.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the 2023 NFL offseason.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding to their coaching staff, but also promoting from within.

The Pittsburgh Steelers under Mike Tomlin have been known for having one of the smallest coaching staffs in the NFL. Last season they were tied with the Las Vegas Raiders as the smallest coaching staff in the league with 18 coaches.

Already this offseason the Steelers have lost three coaches, but have started to fill out their staff as the 2023 NFL Draft approaches. After the hiring of Aaron Curry as inside linebackers coach, the Steelers needed to fill the void at outside linebackers coach. After Brian Flores left to be the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator, the team has decided to promote from within to fill that void.

The team promoted Denzel Ward to outside linebackers coach, and also names Jason Brooks as a defensive quality control coach.

This from the Steelers official Twitter feed:

When it comes to Brooks and his coaching resume, this is from the Steelers official website:

Brooks comes to the Steelers from the Baltimore Ravens where he spent the last two seasons. In total he has spent six seasons with the Ravens in multiple roles, including football analyst (2022), assistant defensive line/quality control coach (2021) as well as offensive quality coach and offensive assistant (2009-12).

Brooks spent two seasons at Charleston Southern University where he was the defensive line coach. In his first season at Charleston Southern three defensive linemen earned first-team All-Big South honors and the school set a single season sack record with 35, while also recording 95 tackles for a loss, sixth-most in the conference.

Prior to that he spent two years at Colby College in Maine in the same position. Brooks also spent four years coaching defensive backs and special teams at Florida International University and served as the wide receivers coach at Norwich University.

In addition, Brooks worked as a scouting assistant for the Miami Dolphins from 2007-08, working as the Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship.

Brooks, who graduated from Middle Tennessee State, comes from strong football bloodlines. His late father, Clarence Brooks, coached 24 years in the NFL as the defensive line coach for the Ravens, Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears and 17 on the college level.

As for Martin, here is a breakdown of his resume not just with the Steelers, but what he brings to the team as the new man in charge of the outside linebackers. This, too, is from Steelers.com:

Martin spent the past four seasons as the team’s assistant outside linebackers coach and has spent the last eight seasons with the organization prior to being named outside linebackers coach. He started his Steelers career as a scouting assistant in 2016-17 and then moved to the coaching side where he was a coaching assistant from 2018-19.

Martin was a part of coaching the defense that held opponents to 17 points or less through the final seven games of the 2022 season. Three members of that defense, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, outside linebacker T.J. Watt and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward were all named to the 2023 Pro Bowl Games.

Prior to joining the Steelers he spent the 2015 season at this alma mater, the University of Missouri, where he was a recruiting graduate assistant. Martin, who is from St. Louis, Missouri, played linebacker at the school from 2010-14 and earned a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in positive coaching.

The Steelers will likely continue to look into adding to their coaching staff before the start of the new season, and for all the latest news and notes surrounding the team you can expect it to be found right here at BTSC.

The Pittsburgh Steelers invested heavily in Larry Ogunjobi, and ESPN isn’t buying the move.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been active in the first week of the NFL’s free agency period. No longer are they going to just sit back and wait to see who could potentially fall in their laps. Instead, under new General Manager (GM) Omar Khan, they have gone out and signed the players they deem to be a priority.

In case you forgot, here are the players the team has signed since the start of the NFL’s negotiating window opened a week ago:

• CB Patrick Peterson
• S Damontae Kazee
• OG Nate Herbig
• DL Larry Ogunjobi
• LB Cole Holecomb
• LB Elanden Roberts
• OG Isaac Seumalo

Most of these signings were deemed to be positives by the fan base, but for the national pundits, there was one signing they weren’t exactly ecstatic about. That would be the 3-year deal given to Larry Ogunjobi, and the pundits would be those at ESPN.

Take a look at how ESPN graded the Steelers deal with the veteran defensive lineman, as well as how it could impact the team’s 2023 NFL Draft plans:

Steelers to re-sign DT Larry Ogunjobi

The deal: Three years, $28.75 million

Grade: C

Defensive tackles around the league are (rightfully) getting paid, but I don’t see it with Ogunjobi. He had seven sacks for the Bengals in 2021, but his 7% pass rush win rate ranked 39th out of 53 qualifying defensive tackles, which suggests those sacks might have been a fluke.

For the Steelers last season, Ogunjobi’s win rate dropped even further to 6%, which ranked 46th among 54 defensive tackles, and he had just 1.5 sacks. His 36% run stop win rate is above average but not exceptional — he ranked 22nd of 68 qualifying tackles. That’s just not a profile of a player I would want to be paying real money for, which is what the Steelers just did. — Walder

What this means for the 2023 draft: The signing of Ogunjobi shouldn’t shift Pittsburgh’s focus away from continuing to add players along the defensive line. The Steelers’ two biggest areas of need are offensive line and cornerback. With seven picks total — including two inside of the top 32 — general manager Omar Khan will have an opportunity to fortify both spots throughout the draft. At outside corner, Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State) or Deonte Banks (Maryland) could make sense in Round 1. Both have physical traits the team has gravitated toward in the past.

Steelers fans know enough to believe what national sites like ESPN suggest about the deal, but you do have to wonder about Ogunjobi’s overall value after an injury-riddled season which saw him as a mainstay on the injury report almost weekly.

Nonetheless, the signing of Ogunjobi was a smart move as it pertains to the overall roster construction of the defense. Having Ogunjobi under contract will allow the Steelers to enter the draft with a Best Player Available (BPA) approach, rather than drafting specific positions based solely on need.

ESPN may not love the contract, but what ESPN often forgets is how the Steelers typically do things differently than the rest of the league. Everything from contract structure to how they utilize players on the field. Yes, Ogunjobi’s win rate wasn’t the best in 2022, but were the Steelers asking him to do that, or simply helping to alleviate pressure off fellow linemates, mainly Cam Heyward?

Something to consider before you allow ESPN’s own, and often singular, thoughts to permeate your brain when analyzing the Steelers’ offseason moves.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the 2023 NFL offseason.

In the latest mock draft, the Steelers look to add a tackle who could play either side with their first-round selection.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2023 offseason. With free agency well under way to shape next season’s roster, it will be followed by the NFL draft in April. The Steelers have already added some free agent acquisitions before making their first draft selection. Player pro days will also shape the team’s big boards before the draft.

When talking about mock drafts or NFL free agency, you have to first identify the team’s main needs for the offseason. Before any gains or losses in free agency, there are some who would like to see the Steelers go with either offensive line or defensive line with their first-round pick. Others feel inside linebacker or cornerback could be on top of the list. With plenty of chances for the Steelers to shape their roster prior to April, their goal is usually to get into position to draft the best player available rather than target a specific position. When it comes to what position the team will select with their first pick, it is certainly up for debate.

In the latest mock drafts by CBS Sports, they have the Steelers addressing the offensive tackle position before anything else. While the position is one which needs to be addressed, the bigger question is if the first round is the place to do it after adding tow guards in free agency. Since the Steelers could go in any number of directions with their first selection, it is important to look at all the possibilities presented by various mock draft outlets.

Check out the Steelers 17th pick:

17. Pittsburgh Steelers | Darnell Wright | 0T | Tennessee | Sr. |

Still being in the middle of the draft process, there may be some players most fans are not familiar with. If this is the case, here is a breakdown of Wright according to thedraftnetwork.com:

Darnell Wright NFL Draft Scouting Report

OT, Tennessee Volunteers

A consensus five-star recruit, Darnell Wright delivered a highly productive career at Tennessee. He became a starter as a freshman at right tackle in 2019 and started every game there in 2020 before moving to left tackle in 2021 and then finishing his career back at right tackle in 2022. His experience against top competition, ability to play both sides, and growth in every season is a notable part of his evaluation.

Wright features an appealing blend of size, power, and tenacity. He has the functional strength and mass to create displacement in the run game. I really like the power in his hands and overall grip strength. His hands are not easily displaced and it’s impressive how his punch is able to stun opponents. He displays the ability to operate his hands independently and vary his strikes. Wright’s anchor is stout in pass protection and opponents won’t find success attempting to play through him. He’s a competitive blocker with ideal temperament. He is confident in pass pro, rarely getting overeager, and trusts his ability to frame, anchor, and utilize his length to keep opponents at bay.

Wright is a big-bodied blocker with only sufficient foot speed and tight hips. I believe he could benefit from dropping 10-15 pounds to improve his movement skills. Wright struggles to get good depth in his vertical sets and likes to quick set and get his hands fit while dropping his anchor to stymie rushers before they can get multiple steps into their rush. He has some tendencies to get top-heavy, duck his head, and fold at the waist when engaged with blocks—he needs to play with better bend and leverage. Wright’s range as a run blocker is underwhelming and he hasn’t proven to be effective on longer pulls or climbing to the second level while being tasked with connecting with moving targets. His modest lateral range creates challenges when attempting to execute reach blocks. In addition, he isn’t the most fluid when required to hinge and pivot when passing off rushers and adjusting to pressure schemes.

Wright has the makeup of a quality NFL starter in a run scheme that is willing to accept his modest range. His experience against top competition, power, and mass give him the chance to be a starter early in his career.

Top Reasons to Buy In:

Experience and performance at both LT and RT against top competition

Hand technique and length

Functional strength and patience in pass protection

Top Reasons For Concern:

Range in the run game

Modest footspeed and tightness in the lower half

Bend and leverage

For all you who are preparing yourself for the draft, what do you think of the selection? Would you be on board with the Steelers taking Wright with their first pick? Or do you feel there is a better player at this position, this position should be avoided, or that Wright is worthy of the 17th pick? Personally, this pick would not surprise me at all based on the way this particular mock played out. This is the next tackle I think the Steelers would possibly take if all of the “Big Three” are off the board. Additionally, I wasn’t a fan of how the cornerback situation developed in this mock draft either and think that Wright would be a good option here. I also have to note that I like the players who would still be available for the Steelers at pick 32 when seeing who was still available.

Note: This series began in January and will run all the way up to the 2023 NFL draft. Each week highlights a new player. For this reason, sometimes it takes an outside-the-box mock draft in order to highlight a different possibility. These mock drafts are in no way an endorsement from BTSC.

With the breakdown of Ogunjobi’s deal now reported, how much space do the Steelers have under the 2023 salary cap?

The Pittsburgh Steelers made several moves during the first week of 2023 free agency. While reports come in of these deals well before they are official, even after pen is put to paper it can sometimes take some time to know the exact financials within the contract. Relying heavily on reliable salary cap websites such as overthecap.com (OTC) or spotrac.com, when they are able to report a player’s contract numbers over the specific years I then update the salary cap situation with a more precise number.

Since the last cap update, OTC has reported the salary breakdown for Larry Ogunjobi. Originally reported to have $21.75 million in guaranteed money, this appears to not be the case. The only fully guaranteed money Ogunjobi will receive is his $1.4 million base salary for 2023 and his $10.6 million signing bonus. In 2024, Ogunjobi is due to receive a $5 million base salary and a $4.75 million roster bonus just after the start of the league year. In 2025, Ogunjobi is scheduled to have a $4 million base salary with a $3 million roster bonus due just after the start of the league year.

By splitting up Ogunjobi‘s $10.6 million signing bonus over the three years of the contract, he has a $3,533,333 prorated bonus each year. This puts Ogunjobi’s salary cap number for 2023 at $4,933,333 according to OTC which is even lower than I expected. Ogunjobi’s future salary cap hits are set to be $13,283,333 for 2024 and $10,533,334 million for 2025.

Late Saturday night, the Steelers signed guard Isaac Seumalo to a three-year deal. It has been reported that the deal is worth $24 million but the exact breakdown is unknown at this time.

Assuming that the Steelers spread out the $24 million to $8 million each season, and assuming that Seumalo’s base salary for the first year is the league minimum $1.165 million, the low end of the salary cap estimate would be $3.44 million. A more conservative estimate using the $8 million per season model would be to have Seumalo have a base salary of $2 million in 2023 and a signing bonus of $6 million. This would put his salary cap hit for the season at $4 million. Although I believe the number will come in closer to the $3.44 million, I’m going to use the safe estimate at $4 million until the exact amount is reported.

Remember, to determine how much each player changes the Steelers’ salary cap space, their cap number must be adjusted due to roster displacement. As a reminder, roster displacement is taking into account only the top 51 contracts for a team count towards the salary cap during the offseason. As a larger contract comes on the books, it bumps a smaller contract out of the top 51 . Therefore, it’s only the difference in those contracts that increases the salary cap number.

Here is the approximate breakdown of the Steelers salary cap space based on their recent moves by my own calculations. The numbers are strictly the salary cap hit for each player in 2023. When it comes to the estimated amounts, I use their overall contract to estimate what their salary cap hit will be for 2023. When their exact numbers are reported I will adjust things accordingly. Until then, it is simply my best guess.

(NOTE: Unless indicated, all reported salaries displaced a $870k salary.)

Steelers salary cap space heading into free agency: Approximately -$1.4 million

William Jackson III: Saved $12.1875 million salary; After displacement: +$11.3175 million
Carlins Platel: Salary not in the top 51: -$0
Patrick Peterson: Reported $4.225 million; After displacement: -$3.355 million
Damontae Kazee: Reported $2.125 million; After displacement: -$1.255 million
Nate Herbig: Reported $2.54 million; After displacement: -$1.67 million
Cole Holcomb: Reported $2.72 million; After displacement: -$1.85 million
Minkah Fitzpatrick: Saved $10.065 million; No displacement: +$10.065 million
Elandon Roberts: Reported $2.3325 million; After displacement: -$1.4625 million
Myles Jack: Saved $8 million; After displacement: +$7.13 million
Larry Ogunjobi: Reported $4.933333 million; After displacement*: -$4.059333 million
Isaac Seumalo: ESTIMATED $4 million; After displacement*: -$3.123916 million

Approximate salary cap space: Approximately $10.3 million

*The salaries displaced by these two contracts were $874,000 (Jaylin Warren) and $876,084 (Calvin Austin III)

So where does this number compare to those reported by the major salary cap websites (at the original time of publishing, before any potential updates)?

According to overthecap.com (OTC), the Steelers are $13,952,485 under the salary cap and has all the above contracts except for Isaac Seumalo. Additionally, OTC is missing almost $500k in dead money by my calculations. Once factoring this in, we have the same number.

Another credible salary cap website is spotrac.com, which has the Steelers at $18,578,084 under the cap. Spotrac has the above contracts except for Ogunjobi and Seumalo but is missing two other contracts that are on OTC in Tae Crowder and Jamir Jones. Additionally, Spotrac does not have the offseason workouts counting against the salary cap at this time.

While the Steelers are going to need cap space for a number of things this offseason, it doesn’t have to be at this time. Following the NFL draft, the Steelers will begin signing their draft picks and are estimated to need $2.5 million to $3 million in cap space once figuring roster displacement now that the exact draft positions are known with the announcement of compensatory draft picks. But remember, the Steelers won’t need this amount until at least May. Also, the Steelers will need more money come September when they need to account for all 53 players on the roster, sign their practice squad, and have some carryover in order to do business throughout the year.

Does something not make sense? Curious about any of the specifics? Leave your questions in the comments below and I will check in and do my best to answer them.

The NFL Combine is over, and now the attention goes to individual school Pro Days.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, along with all other NFL franchises, are coming off the successful 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in preparation for the 2023 NFL Draft. However, there is a stepping stone between the Combine and the Draft, and those would be individual school’s Pro Days.

When teams hold their Pro Days, it is important to note several things:

• Who attends for your favorite team

For the Steelers, when the organization sends their top brass, Omar Khan, Andy Weidl, and Mike Tomlin, it is for a reason. Not to suggest if just the offensive line coach attends it isn’t significant, but when the big guns are there...pay attention.

• Players who were waiting to test

Whether it is a quarterback throwing for the first time this offseason, or someone running the 40-yard dash. Some Pro Days are the only chances NFL teams get to see these prospects perform.

• Compare numbers

If players are performing at both the Combine and their school’s Pro Day, it is a great chance to see how they do in both events. These numbers can be telling, and if they improve, or get worse, is worth noting.

Okay, now to the Pro Day schedule...

Updated NFL pro days schedule 2023

(All times local)

March 20

• Iowa
• South Alabama
• Syracuse
• Virginia Tech

March 21

• Auburn
• Iowa State
• Liberty
• Princeton
• Rutgers
• Troy
• USC

March 22

• Nebraska
• Ohio State
• SMU
• Stanford
• UAB
• Virginia

March 23

• Alabama
• California
• Cincinnati
• Houston
• Utah
• Wisconsin

March 24

• Boston College
• BYU
• Kentucky
• Notre Dame
• Old Dominion
• Penn State
• San Jose State

March 27

• Arizona State
• Arkansas-Pine Bluff
• Ball State
• Baylor
• Boise State
• Duke
• Miami
• North Carolina
• Southern Miss
• West Virginia

March 28

• East Carolina
• Louisville
• Mississippi State
• N.C. State
• Texas A&M
• Tulsa
• Vanderbilt
• Washington State

March 29

• Arkansas
• LSU
• Maryland
• North Dakota State
• Oklahoma State
• Mississippi
• Pittsburgh
• Texas Tech
• UCF
• Wake Forest
• Washington

March 30

• Appalachian State
• Charlotte
• Florida
• Florida A&M
• Florida State
• Fresno State
• Oklahoma
• TCU
• Tennessee

March 31

• Kansas
• Kansas State
• South Dakota State
• Tennessee-Chattanooga

April 6

• Alabama

Be sure to follow BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the NFL offseason.

Get the latest Steel Curtain Network podcast content in the ‘Podcast Roundup’.

We here at Steel Curtain Network, and our podcast platform, are here with you every step of the way as the Steelers set the stage for 2023. With so much going on, make sure you check out our ‘Podcast Roundup’ article to keep up with the latest podcasts that cover everything Steelers for your black-and-gold knowledge, curiosity and enjoyment.

With that being said and typed, have fun with the shows below with a brief description of each podcast.

The Steelers Sunday Night Q&A: If you’ve got the Free Agency Q, we’ve got the A

It’s another offseason Sunday in 2023 with no NFL football and no games scheduled for next week. What are you going to do without the Steelers? BTSC answers that question by inviting fans to ask questions. This week, the first week of free agency is top of the charts with What Yinz Talkin’ Bout’s Kyle Chrise and a mini Coach T taking questions from the live chat for some good Steelers discussion.

Listen to the show on the player below:

Let’s Ride, Monday: Deciphering the Steelers direction after one week of free agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been very active in the first week of free agency, and it’s time to decipher which direction they are headed as a team. Jeff Hartman welcomes in K.T. Smith for his expertise on the Xs and Os of the game, as well as his insight on the Steelers heading into the 2023 season. All a part of the Monday AM Conversation on the “Let’s Ride” podcast.

Check out the rundown of the show:

• News and Notes
• Deciphering the Steelers’ Direction
• and MUCH MORE!

Listen to the show on the player below:

Be sure to check out this and all episodes on the following platforms:

Apple Users: CLICK HERE

Spotify: CLICK HERE

Google Play: CLICK HERE

Time to learn more about your favorite NFL team, and some trivia as well!

It’s the offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers and there are so many topics to talk and write about. Free agents, the coordinator conundrum, the next quarterback, the NFL Draft, signings, retirements and breaking news will all be covered here at BTSC. But who’s going to give you little-known-facts out of the 500 Level?

Luckily, your one-stop, and non-stop, shop for everything Steelers employs a Steelers fan that was allegedly dropped on his head as a one-year-old during the Immaculate Reception. Useless and somewhat fascinating facts are his forte. So, here we are with off-the-wall thoughts from the dark side of a black-and-gold brain that nobody asked for. But the joke’s on you as you’ll be telling your peeps something you read here later.

412 Forever

Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

Unrestricted Free Agency that we know so well turns 30 this year. In that time, the first hometown pickup for the Men of Steel was in safety Mike Logan, who signed in 2001. Mike played his high school football for the McKeesport Tigers and had a stellar career as a West Virginia Mountaineer. A second-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1997, Logan was a valuable Steeler and a member of the Super Bowl XL championship team. After 6 seasons in Pittsburgh, McKeesport Mike retired from a solid 10-year NFL career in 2007.

BTSC Steelers Jeopardy

(Answer at bottom of article)

Steel Facts

With the NCAA Tournament in full swing, it’s interesting to note that the Steelers had one notable player participate in March Madness in their history. Playing for the legendary Bobby Knight at the University of Indiana, Steelers’ receiver Antwaan Randle-El spent his redshirt freshman year as a Hoosiers Hoopster, appearing in 11 games, including two in the NCAA Tournament. Randle El also played baseball, but his main focus was football and the Indiana QB was drafted by the Steelers 62nd overall in the second round of the 2002 Draft.

Middle Name Madness - Patrick De’mon Peterson Jr.

We love citing the second name of members of the Men of Steel here at Behind the Steel Curtain. We always cite Benjamin Todd Roethlisberger, Christopher Lynn Boswell and Trent Jordan Watt, but who else? Hence, the “More You Know Middle Name of the Week”. This week we honor a superstar that just joined the Steelers this week.

This Week’s Birthdays of Steel

This Week’s Birthdays of Steel

3/19 - Diontae Spencer - 1992

3/20 - Nick Bolkavec - 1928

3/21 - Weegie Thompson - 1961, Ahkello Witherspoon - 1995. Josh Malone - 1996

3/22 - Joey Porter - 1977. John Rienstra - 1963, Sutton Smith - 1996, Stefan Wisniewski - 1989

3/23 - James Saxon - 1965

3/24 - Greg Blankenship - 1954, Jerme Tuman - 1965, Calvin Austin III - 1999a

3/25 - Mike Adams - 1974, Al Woods - 1987

3/26 - Fernando Bryant - 1977, Elton Veals - 1961

Disturbing Sights - Eric Green

Not every NFL player retires with their original team, having played with no other franchise. We may try to forget the image of our Steel Heroes wearing another uniform, but it’s a part of fandom and legends sometimes change team colors. Eric Green was a top pick of Chuck Noll’s Steelers in 1990 and pulled in 198 catches with 24 touchdowns in five black-and-gold seasons. But a big money deal came from Miami and Green jetted for a year in South Beach before three years in Baltimore and a final season as a Jet in 1999. It’s a small consolation that Green was never as great elsewhere as he was in the Burgh. However, the sight of No. 86 wearing the aqua & orange, purple and green was disconcerting.

Steelers Jeopardy Answer in the Form of a Question: Who is Will Wolford

Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images

The Steelers were looking for a guard in 1996 and Will Wolford wanted to move inside from the left tackle position he had played to that point in his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills and the Indianapolis Colts. The Steelers signed Wolford to indeed play guard, but Dan Rooney also agreed that if the veteran was asked to play left tackle, he would receive a bonus payment for making the move. However, a clerical error saw that bonus being omitted. Due to injuries at the left tackle position in 1998, Rooney kept his word and paid the bonus to stay true, but because the bonus wasn’t in the original contract, the Steelers were forced to surrender a No. 3 pick in the 2001 draft.

So, there you have it. Anybody can spout out stat after stat, but not everybody can embrace the colorful and personal side of the Pittsburgh Steelers. So, the more you know, the more you can stupefy your friends, family and neighbors with your big, black-and-gold brain.

We’ll see you right here next week. Until then keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the hypocycloids.

With one year remaining on his contract, there are 3 different ways the Steelers could go with Montravius Adams this offseason.

As the 2023 NFL league year set to kick off at 4 PM on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, there are a number of decisions that the Pittsburgh Steelers have to make with a fair amount of players when it comes to their status for this season. While some players are set to become unrestricted free agents, there are some still under contract with the Steelers whose future might be in danger simply because of the amount of salary cap space they would consume for this coming season. Although some players are more obvious if they will be kept on for another season, others are more up for debate.

With some great discussion with talking about the options for Myles Jack, I decided to extend the question to other players who have one year remaining on their contract and have a significant cap savings if they were cut. After discussing Mitch Trubisky, Ahkello Witherspoon, Gunner Olszewski, Levi Wallace, and Arthur Maulet, next up is defensive tackle Montravius Adams. How should the Pittsburgh Steelers handle his situation? For the most part, there are three options when it comes to Adams and the 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers:

Release

The Steelers need to get better on the defensive line. With Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi returning at the two tackle spots, the Steelers will be better served to have a better option at nose tackle that could also get involved with the rotation on the defensive line. Rolling out the status quo just isn’t good enough, and someone who only plays nose isn’t worth keeping around if he’s not the starter.

Retain

Once again, there’s not much salary cap space to be had from Montravius Adams. Yes, the Steelers could save $2.5 million against the cap, but after displacement they would only clear about $1.6 million which isn’t really worth the savings. Adams might not hold onto the starting job for next year depending on what the Steelers do in the rest of free agency and in the 2023 NFL draft, but there’s no reason to move on from him as he still would give valuable depth.

Extend

The Steelers have an age problem on the defensive line. Because of this, there’s a good chance they will address the position in the upcoming draft just like they have the last two seasons. But keeping Adams around beyond this season as he is only 28 years old could be beneficial.

So now that these three options are on the table, it’s time to look at what might be the best move for the Steelers before opening up the discussion, I’ll give my vote:

My vote: Retain

I feel like I’ve got into a rut in continuing to answer that the Steelers should retain these players, but at these contracts for one season it makes sense. There is no reason to get rid of Adams now as he is their best option at nose tackle until their roster is filled out. And even if the Steelers addressed the position in free agency or the draft, having Adams there in case things don’t work out is a much better option for the price. But locking Adams in beyond 2023 is not necessary to do at this time. If the Steelers really want him, worry about it next offseason.

So what do you think? Should the Steelers release, retain, or extend Montravius Adams? Make sure you vote in the poll and leave your thoughts in the comments below.

In case you missed it, check out the same question for other players below:

BTSC’s random-thought renegade is back with his bizarre look at the Steelers week that was.

The focus for the Steelers is now 2023 and despite no games for a while, there’s a slew of news coming out of Steeltown. With Free Agency right around the corner, things are heating up in the Steel City. Let’s all take a look at the week in the ‘burgh together.

Sunday 3/12

R.I.P. to a Steeler that we should know more about.

Third Rounder for Ramsey? Complaints from Steeler Nation aplenty coming.

There’s more to being a NFL Head Coach besides what happens on the sidelines.

Monday 3/13

He’s still going to hinder the franchise with that contract. It’s not a give back, it’s a restructure.

Hopefully just the tip of the iceberg for adding the HOF inscription to Kenny Pickett’s name.

Buggs post-Steelers career picking up. Good for Isaiahiah.

Dirty Red getting more dough to stay with the Mafia.

Torrence fits the bill. Let’s see if the 412 adorns his phone screen in late April.

T.J. seemed like the direction the Steelers were going in, but he’s going elsewhere. Plus, can you really put a T.J. next to to the T.J.?

Great to see this Steelers nemesis out of the division. Great player, but I’m sick of the big man wrecking things for the Steelers.

Cam’s a class act and I hate to see No. 20 leave the Burgh, but I don’t think the Steelers were looking anywhere close to matching that cash grab.

And you all thought Hargrave was going to give the Steelers a hometown discount?

There’s another free agent to cross off the fan’s wish list.

And you all thought Tremaine was going to take less to play with his brother in Pittsburgh?

Is this a cryptic message or is Terrell happy for his brother?

Nice to see Bates out of that gaudy tiger print.

Wow!!!! Omar Khan isn’t kidding around. Some players are ageless and Peterson could be great for Mike Tomlin’s team.

They didn’t break the bank either.

There are two serious defenders, in Death Valley, Trenton Simpson and Brian Bresee, that make Clemson a “must-see” for Coach T.

Tuesday 3/14

Doesn’t matter who they sent, the Steelers were in Evanston to check out Skoronski.

Ringo? When is Paul McCartney scheduled to visit? Seriously though, corners are high on the draft board,

I have a feeling that Nasty Nate is going to be a favorite in Steel City.

This is great news. Batman Minkah needs a Robin and Kazee has the right stuff.

This did not happen. A hoax by a Dolphins fan, but don’t expect Jesse Davis to stick and stay in Pittsburgh.

Larry O-Yeah! After an $8 Million dollar deal last season, Ogunjobi got a slight raise to stick and stay in Steeltown.

Spilly was valuable here, but glad to see “Big Play Bob” get a deal, Who’s playing linebacker on the inside in Pittsburgh though?

Another darling of yinzers off the table. Are you surprised to see that the STeelers were in play here? Omar needs to find inside linebackers.

Hmmmmm. Feiler was a solid started in Pittsburgh. Could we see a return home?

Wednesday 3/15

Not sad to see Hurst out of the division. But a fourth team for the TE in six seasons is crazy.

If he’s healthy and healed, Holcomb could be an upgrade over Robert Spillane.

Of course, Tomlin is going to visit the two-time champs. Which Bulldog did Mike Tomlin get on the field with this year? He went one-on-one with George Pickens last year.

This kid is struggling. It’s a shame.

JuJu bet on himself and finally won two years later, but he’s in New England now. I’ll root for Boujee, but I’m done with the Juje.

Three players that contributed in their time here. Good luck on your future endeavors.

They lost half of their defense, but spent a ton on protection for Joe B.

The big man comes back to the AFC North. I wonder if the Steelers were serious or just jacking up the price for the Bengals.

Thursday 3/16

The best scenario for a restructure was Minkah.

Nice! I was calling for this in 2022. Roberts is solid.

l thought maybe a restructure, but I’m surprised that Jack got jacked after only one year.

Officially Official.

This is not news, Josina. We’ve been talkin’ bout this for weeks here.

Couldn’t get No. 7 so P2P will be wearing his cousin, Bryant McFadden’s, digits.

Friday 3/17

Isn’t that Harbaugh territory. I’m shocked that Coach T. didn’t get the Harding/Gillooly treatment. That happened in the Wolverine State too.

Saturday 3/18

For those of you looking at comp picks next year, Malik’s departure ties things up.

This was the significant week that was for the Steelers, mixed-in with my black-and-gold loving life. I’m sure next week will be full of Steelers happenings as well, so we’ll have to do this again. Have a great week, but better yet, have a BAD one.

To listen to more on this, check out the podcast on the player below:

There are some who fear the unknown, but the reality is it can be unbelievably exhilarating.

The 2023 NFL league year is officially underway, and although isn’t even a week old there is a portion of most fan bases who are prepared to start hitting the panic button based on what their favorite team did, or didn’t do, during the first wave of free agency.

If I’m being honest, I understand how people can jump to conclusions as it pertains to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the team made several acquisitions, there were also departures which have fans wondering what the future will hold for the black-and-gold.

I can only speak for myself, but the unknown which is the incomplete 2023 Steelers roster, is exciting. I love watching the process take shape, and for all those fans who are about to suggest the season is over months before it even begins, understand the process is far from over.

Not only will the Steelers continue to make moves throughout free agency, they still have to prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft and their three picks in the Top 50. While there might be other teams who have spent more money on big-name players, the Steelers are a team who shows patience and leaves fans wondering what will happen next.

That unknown is something many fans can’t stand. However, if you embrace the unknown it can be both exciting and exhilarating.

Think about the additions the Steelers have made thus far this free agency:

CB Patrick Peterson

Yes, Peterson is over 30, but what if Peterson’s job is not just to get the very last bit out of him the team can, but to also prepare the next cornerback(s) the team brings in? What if his presence just for two seasons can set up the Steelers for long-term success at the position by having a Hall of Fame caliber player in the room on a day-in and day-out basis?

OG Nate Herbig

The man they call “Nasty Nate” certainly is excited to be in the 412 area code. Herbig said he would play punter on the team if coach asked him to when speaking to the media this past week. The two-year deal for Herbig puts the offensive line in a good spot heading into 2023. It gives them experienced depth on the interior, and lessens their need/reliance on using Kendrick Green for anything other than an inactive designation.

LB Cole Holcomb

The former Washington Commanders green-dot wearing linebacker is known for his hard-hitting, relentless style of play. Unlike Myles Jack a year before him, Holcomb embraces the green-dot and the hope is he is bringing a new intensity to a position where the Steelers could definitely use it.

LB Elandon Roberts

Some call him undersized, but what if Roberts was brought in to do some of the things Devin Bush was supposed to do before his knee injury? Roberts might not be the most athletic player on the planet, but he also isn’t hesitant when playing. The Steelers have something up their sleeves with this linebacker duo.

When you consider the players added from the outside, you have to wonder what the Steelers have in store for their defense. They look as if they are wanting to be more physical and less about the athleticism they once craved after Ryan Shazier’s injury. But, again, no one really knows what lies ahead.

Will they sign Terrell Edmunds?

Will they bring in a wide receiver?

How about Zach Gentry?

The unknown strikes again, as it always does, but it doesn’t mean it is bad. In fact, it often can be exhilarating if you embrace it. I choose to embrace it and enjoy the ride.

(Note: The Letter From the Editor article runs every Sunday during the Pittsburgh Steelers offseason.)

Two Steelers offensive linemen earned extra salary through a program designed to help players who are over performing their current contract.

Thanks to a program available through the NFL and the Players Association, the left side of the Steelers offensive line both received a nice jump in pay for the 2022 season in an announcement made on Friday of the top 25 payouts.

The NFL’s performance-based pay is a payout which is in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is designed to compensate players based upon their playing time and salary levels. If a player is participating in a high amount of the team’s snap count while on a low salary, the program is designed to help supplement their income.

The Steelers have had several players earn additional salary through these programs in the past. In 2016, tackle Alejandro Villanueva and cornerback Ross Cockrell both earned additional compensation for their performances. The next year, cornerback Mike Hilton and tight end Jesse James both qualified for additional pay. In 2019, tackle Matt Feiler saw his salary almost double.

Coming in at the seventh spot on the list of the top 25 payouts is Steelers left guard Kevin Dotson. With a bonus of $746,013, Dotson saw a nice pay raise based on his $895k he was paid in 2022. Playing all 1160 offensive snaps as well as 71 on special teams, Dotson’s usage earned him the additional payout.

As for Dan Moore, he came in just behind Dotson at the ninth spot with a $739,072 payout. With one year less experience, Moore had a lower base salary for 2022 of $825k. Just like Dotson, Moore saw all 1160 snaps on offense and 71 more on special teams.

Stay tuned to Behind The Steel Curtain for continued coverage of the Steelers 2023 offseason.

Taking a look at a must-read book for Steelers fans to enjoy this offseason.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a rich history, and there have been a myriad of books written about the boys in black-and-gold. Everything from the difficult days in the team’s infancy, the dynamic dynasty of the 1970s, and the success of the “Big Ben” era.

What you quickly realize is not every book written about the Steelers is created equal. Just like the 32 NFL organizations, there are some which are superior to others. What I’ve decided to do is spend some time this offseason highlighting some of the books I’ve read which stand above the others. Other contributors might chip in, but fans have wanted a list of books which are worth reading, so we’ll go one-by-one.

The next book in this series is one of former head coach Bill Cowher. Cowher’s book, title “Heart and Steel” is a must-read for any black-and-gold lunatic. Cowher’s book isn’t just about his time coaching the Steelers, but tracks his roots from the city of Pittsburgh to North Carolina State and eventually to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Here is a quick summary on the book:

In Heart and Steel, Cowher will take you on his journey from childhood to the undersized, mohawked, disco-dancing North Carolina State linebacker, to fighting for a spot as a “bubble player” with the Browns and Eagles, before injuries ended his playing career. Bill will discuss how that same drive led to his big coaching break, running Special Teams for Marty Schottenheimer and the Cleveland Browns at just twenty-seven-years-old, before taking over the Pittsburgh Steelers just seven years later. Cowher will reveal exclusive, never-before-told anecdotes and candid thoughts on the biggest games, players, and moments that defined his fifteen-year Steelers tenure.

But this is more than a “football story.”

In 2010, Bill lost his beloved wife, Kaye, and father, Laird, within three months of one another. It forced him, yet again, to summon that resiliency to unearth a stronger version of himself—not only so he could march on, but to add a deeper level to the loving, supportive father his three daughters had always known.

Cowher’s learned many lessons in his life; as a father, grandfather, husband, coach, and broadcaster. He will show you how you can continue to grow by embracing transition, personally and professionally, through renewed perspective and social consciousness.

“Billy from Crafton” has come a long way. Through love and conviction, Cowher’s achieved more than he ever could have dreamed of. You can, too, with the same heart and steel.

Cowher’s book is one of both success and tragedy, as he speaks about the death of his first wife, the loss of his parents, and the difficulty of moving on from football. This is a book where you come for the Steelers content, but leave with so much more.

If you are interested in buying this book, you can do so on Amazon by clicking HERE. I can’t recommend it enough!

Have a book you feel should be featured? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the NFL offseason.

Get the latest Steel Curtain Network podcast content in the ‘Podcast Roundup’.

We here at BTSC, and our podcast platform Steel Curtain Network, are here with you every step of the way as the Steelers set the stage for 2023. With so much going on, make sure you check out our ‘Podcast Roundup’ article to keep up with the latest podcasts that cover everything Steelers for your black-and-gold knowledge, curiosity and enjoyment.

With that being said and typed, have fun with the shows below with a brief description of each podcast.

The Homies: Free Agency Frenzy in the NFL mirrors the NBA in ‘23

Free Agency has always been fascinating to fans, but the 2023 version has gone so crazy that it feels like the NBA. Join host Kevin Tate and his Homie crew of Brandon “B-Dirt” Herriott, Pay Saunders & Shawn “Big-G” Gurley from the “KnoItAllz” podcast in a barbershop-type discussion about everything football. This week, the Homies discuss an Aaron Rodgers trade, a Lamar Jackson contract, JuJu getting 11 mill from the Evil Empire. and the Steelers bringing back some of their own and cutting a few.

Show Rundown:

• Aaron Rodgers trade
• Lamar Jackson contract
• JuJu gets 11 million from the Evil Empire
• AFC North FA Steelers bring back some of their own, cut a few and bring in a future Hall of Famer
• As FA slows down what do we expect from some of the BIG names.
• Say It with Your Chest (Pay)
• Big G’s Burner (Shawn)
• Doin’ em Dirty (Brandon)

Listen to the show on the player below:

State of the Steelers: Did the Steelers get better?

The Steelers have made a splash so far in free agency, but did they improve theur chances in 2023? That’s the latest topic of discussion from Daniel Jay on the State of the Steelers. Join Daniel for the latest new offering from the Steel Curtain Network family of podcasts in addressing the State of the Steelers.

Checkout a rundown of the show:

• Steelers News and Notes
• Does Free Agent Frequency += Getting Better?
• Q&A
• and MUCH MORE!

Listen to the show on the player below:

The Steelers Week That Was: Rapid Movement edition

Take a look back at the week that was in Steel City Football with a recap of the happenings of the week with Steel Curtain Network’s Bryan Anthony Davis and Dave Schofield.

Listen to the show on the player below:

Be sure to check out this and all episodes on the following platforms:

Apple Users: CLICK HERE

Spotify: CLICK HERE

Google Play: CLICK HERE

Seumalo is the second offensive lineman signed by the Steelers this offseason, both of which were drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to make moves in free agency for the 2023 season regardless of the day and time. Late Saturday night, it was reported that the Steelers have agreed to the three-year deal with guard Isaac Seumalo.

Seumalo spent all seven years of his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft out of Oregon state, Seumalo started all 17 regular-season games and three postseason games and left guard. According to Pro Football Focus, Seumalo was the 10th ranked guard in the NFL last season and was an alternate for the Pro Bowl.

in seven years in Philadelphia, Seumalo has appeared in 81 regular-season games with 60 starts. Taking over as the full-time starting left guard midway through the 2018 season, injuries have been a factor in Seumalo’s career. In 2018 Seumalo missed the final three weeks of the season with a pectoral injury. After playing every game in 2019, Seumalo missed seven games in the middle of the 2020 season with a knee injury. In 2021, Seumalo suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury in Week 3. But in 2022, Seumalo started every game and played 1,137 offensive snaps in the regular season.

Isaac Seumalo is the second interior offensive lineman signed by the Steelers this week. Both Seumalo and Nate Herbig, who spent the 2022 season with the New York Jets, both originated with the Philadelphia Eagles. Steelers assistant GM Andy Weidl began his time in the Eagles front office in 2016 and is familiar with both players.

With two new interior players on the offensive line, it appears the Steelers are looking to mix things up this season. Despite playing every snap at left guard last season, Kevin Dotson looks to be fighting for playing time going into the final year of his rookie contract.

Stay tuned to Behind The Steel Curtain for continued coverage the Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 offseason.

Time for another meeting of the black-and-gold minds on a Saturday night!

More upsetting than a Purdue loss, a foot of new snow, or getting flat tire on your way to pick up your date, it’s Saturday Night with your host ... Sn... Mr.MaPLeLeAfSUC... nope... steelcanuck!

Hosting a dozen family members tonight for a birthday celly. So, you’re not the only one upset tonight, lol!!!

And remember, #downgoesduke is trending everywhere!!!!

1. So, who would have predicted that the Steelers would have waited out day 1 of Free Agency and made signings on day 2 or later?? On a scale of 1 - 10 (10 being home run) rate the teams FA results so far. Support your answer.
2. With all the ‘poop’ surrounding Jalen Carter (drag racing death and overweight at his pro day), if he falls to the Steelers first pick would you grab him? Would you move up a few spots to grab him? Is he off your board entirely?
3. The excitement at a regular season NFL game is not replicated by any of the other sports. What is your second most exciting regular season game and why? The skill on the ‘field’? The ‘pace’? Something else entirely?
4. Yesterday was St. Patrick’s Day. Many people take advantage of the day to you know... eat cabbage! Was yesterday a ‘holiday’ in your mind? Do you normally do anything special or have a tradition? Are you Irish and feel slighted that us non-irish folks look to squeeze into your day?
5. For dinner tonight, we are serving chicken souvlaki, beef donairs, garlic naans, garlic green beans, grilled zucchini, greek salad and all the fixings for the ‘sandwiches’ (think titziki, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions). This is by request of the bday girl. What is your set / go to meal or ‘option’ that you do when you host a big get together? Do you play it by ear? Does it depend on the time of year (weather or what is in season...)? Do you order out?

Bonus... in light of St. Paddy’s day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3pbRxsRMVk

The Pittsburgh Steelers only had Malik Reed for one season, and now he’s a member of the Miami Dolphins.

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a long list of free agents heading into the 2023 offseason, and slowly those names have been getting crossed off.

Some, like Larry Ogunjobi and Damontae Kazee, have been re-signed to the Steelers roster. Others, like Devin Bush and Cameron Sutton, have found new homes for 2023 and beyond.

For the latter of the two lists, you can add another name of a former Steelers player who is landing somewhere else. That would be none other than outside linebacker Malik Reed. According to Mike McCartney, Reed is signing a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins.

Last season, Reed played in 14 games, registering just 1 sack and 25 combined tackles. Not hard production to replace. Nonetheless, the Steelers will have to figure out what their depth at outside linebacker will look like next season.

Of course, T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith will make up the starting duo, but behind those two the cupboard is pretty bare. Quincy Roche, former 6th Round pick, and Jamir Jones, make up the depth at the OLB position, and it isn’t certain if that will be how the team keeps their depth heading into 2023.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they press on throughout the 2023 offseason and prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft.

Let’s take a look at some of the remaining Free Agents.

The Omar Khan era has officially started in Pittsburgh and to say it has been interesting, at least to me, is an understatement. Starting with the non-signing of Cameron Sutton and the signing of a future Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson, I for one did not see that coming. Outside of his age there is a question about fit. Reports are he had a return to glory, so to speak, as a zone defender in Minnesota. That would be fine except the Steelers transitioned to more man concepts in 2022. How this will work out is anyone’s guess.

In another somewhat shocking move, the Steelers gutted the inside linebacker room. Don’t get me wrong, there have been many a fan in Steelers Nation, and here at BTSC, that have been banging the table for help in that room. Many expected Robert Spillane to be re-signed as it felt like a no brainer due to Coach Tomlin’s praise of the former Steeler. Instead, two veteran linebackers were brought in and Myles Jack was sent packing.

A couple of other Steeler-like moves were made in bringing back Damontae Kazee, Larry Ogunjobi, and the signing of Nate Herbig— all very solid signings.

That brings us to the elephant in the room, and that is the restructure move that gave the Steelers a decent amount of salary cap space. Looking at overthecap.com the Steelers are now listed as having $18 million in cap space (without the Larry Ogunjobi contract which will be the biggest one of all the players added). Now, with all the “frenzy” happening around the league these figures may not be completely accurate. I do not fault OTC or anyone else because that is a huge task considering the movement, but there is still a huge amount of space at this point in the process.

As stated earlier, Ogunjobi’s contract isn’t listed, which removes a lot of the cap space most sites are suggesting the Steelers possess. But it isn’t as if the team can’t create more salary cap space by cutting players like Ahkello Witherspoon and/or Gunner Olszewski.

The question remains, what will the Steelers do with the remaining space? In no particular order, this is my take on where the Steelers should look to add to the 2023 roster.

Disclaimer: At the time of writing this and possible posting, these Free Agents were still available.

Alex Highsmith, EDGE - First things first, an extension for T.J. Watt’s running mate. The guy balled out in 2022 and deserves a raise. Get it done Omar!

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S/SLOT CB (PHI) - There could be a void at the nickel and dime as well as a hit in versatility at the back end of the defense. Johnson is an intense defender that has position versatility.

Leonard Floyd, EDGE (LAR) - I know there is the real possibility that Bud Dupree will be back in the Black & Gold, but what if you wanted an injury-free defender that has better production applying pressure and defends the run at a solid clip? The Steelers have a need at EDGE 3 and Floyd could just be what the Steelers need.

Dalton Schultz TE (DAL) - This one will probably be met with a bunch of “we don’t need a TE” or “we have Muuuuuth and we need a LT”. Or my favorite, “that is a luxury signing or pick”. Okay, I will admit that it is highly unlikely but I believe in giving my second year, possibly a franchise guy, as many weapons as possible. Schultz is a serious weapon and could create nightmare match ups while creating space for others.

Adam Thielen WR (MIN) - I would love to add the former Viking to the mix. Thielen still has game but seen a decrease in touches due to the incredible Justin Jefferson and also the cap. He provides veteran leadership and in play, a possession type receiver with red zone possibility.

This is my short list of how I would spend any cap space created by Omar Khan so far. I would not discount a possible trade in the near future, but how would you spend the Steelers’ money? As always stay safe and Go Steelers!

The Cole Holcomb free agency signing perfectly fits the Steelers recent roster building prerogative.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a plan, and they are definitely sticking to that plan.

I wrote about the Steelers rather obvious rebuilding plan as it became more and more apparent throughout last offseason. The Steelers are focused on adding players that fit a particular profile.

Talented individuals, ranging in age from 24 to 28, with plenty of starting experience, ready to provide proven production for which ever franchise rewards them with their second professional contract. Based on their youthful experience and performance, they are conceivably capable of growing with a similar supporting cast into serious championship contenders in the near future.

The Steelers have surrounded these recent free agency additions with talented draft picks and undrafted gems like Kenny Pickett, Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth, and Jaylen Warren; as they continue to build on a foundation of All Pro talents in Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. You can include emerging superstar Alex Highsmith as an important cog into the Steelers potential championship aspirations, especially if they can extend him this offseason.

The Steelers have stuck to their rebuilding values through the early portion of free agency. The Steelers seek to retain their own if and when it's financially feasible. When it's not, or the Steelers feel an upgrade is required, they follow the aforementioned parameters, all while maintaining financial flexibility.

The inside linebacker position has been a focal point of the Steelers offseason thus far. The Steelers entered free agency with only Myles Jack and Mark Robinson under contract. Many people assumed, myself included, that the Steelers would be able to re-sign Robert Spillane to a team friendly deal. The Las Vegas Raiders threw a monkey wrench into those best laid plans.

Suddenly the Steelers were left out in the cold at a position of serious need, with plenty of desirable targets flying off the board. The Top 5 targets at the position on my free agency wish list were already off the board by Tuesday evening, leaving the Steelers faithful fanbase feeling flabbergasted and more than a little concerned. I tried to ease those troubled minds by pointing out a possible under the radar potential signing in Drue Tranquill.

Tranquill definitely fit the Steelers aforementioned prospect profile, but the Steelers had another target in mind all along. Turned out to be a player that I hadn't even considered, or even heard mentioned as a possibility by other individuals who devote too much time and effort to such things. The surprise new addition appears to be a perfect fit by all accounts, and would have been predictable if I would have taken the Andy Weidl effect into account.

Cole Holcomb was predestined to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. Weidl was very familiar with Holcomb's impressive skill set from his tenure with the Washington Commanders.

Holcomb checks all the boxes of what I look for in a Steelers inside linebacker. The young man is athletically gifted, scoring a Relative Athletic Score of 9.64 during the pre-draft process. He ran a 4.51 forty, and had an 11' broad jump. Holcomb stands a shade over 6'1" and reportedly weighs over 240 lbs after adding functional strength and muscle mass through his insane work ethic on full display since entering the NFL four years ago.

As excited as I am over Holcomb's athleticism, I am even more intrigued by his intangibles. As the old saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. Holcomb's work ethic has been on full display since he was a freshman walk-on for the North Carolina Tarheels.

It speaks volumes about a player's competitive desire to transform one's body from collegiate walk-on afterthought, all the way to NFL free agent earning your second professional contract, and the personal security that goes with it.

The Steelers already have one of these hard work success stories in Alex Highsmith, and I will take every player with that level of commitment and intestinal fortitude that the Steelers can acquire. You can never have too many of these type individuals, because that level of intensity is contagious, and the foundation upon which championships are built.

Holcomb has that type of intensity, which makes him a natural leader. Tomlin might have to say whoa, but he will never have to say sic um. Holcomb consistently attacks the action, faithfully moving towards the chaos. He doesn't shadow box or tango with blockers, choosing instead to violently engage to close running lanes.

Holcomb has played middle linebacker in Washington's 4-3 thus far in his NFL career, and his pass coverage has been inconsistent at best, even with his above average speed and athleticism. I believe he is capable of showing rapid improvement in the Steelers 3-4, especially with more realistic coverage expectations than he experienced in Washington.

Many fans view Holcomb as Robert Spillane's replacement, but I view him as Devin Bush's desperately needed upgrade. Holcomb is a Mack in my opinion, and will prosper as a movement linebacker in the Steelers scheme, rather than a run thumper expected to regularly engage guards to make a living. I am not saying that he is incapable of doing so on occasion, but asking him to do so consistently isn't the optimal way of maximizing his effectiveness.

Holcomb is a student of the game, and willingly accepts the responsibility of wearing the green dot for his defense. He has shown the ability to do so without suffering the paralysis of over analysis. Even at his young age, he was voted a team captain by his teammates.

Holcomb's signing remains me very much of last year's free agency signing of James Daniels. An extremely talented individual with surprising experience for their age, having already achieved some rather impressive production, and conceivably approaching their proverbial prime under the right circumstances.

If that proves to be the case with Holcomb, then Omar Khan and company may have once again unearthed hidden value without sacrificing the Steelers financial future.