In a discussion with the local media yesterday afternoon, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert reflected on a number of issues facing the Steelers this off-season. This included the ongoing negotiations on a contract extension with Ben Roethlisberger, what positions of need the Steelers might look to focus on in the upcoming NFL draft and where things stand with veteran linebacker Jason Worilds.
Colbert also acknowledged that he and head coach Mike Tomlin plan on meeting today to discuss the future of a number of important veterans who may or may not be back with the team for the 2015 season.
Among them are four of the most important pieces of the Steelers defense for the past decade; linebacker James Harrison, defensive end Brett Keisel, cornerback Ike Taylor and safety Troy Polamalu. Of the four, only Keisel and Polamalu are under contract next season. Both Harrison and Taylor are unrestricted free agents.
In the case of Keisel and Polamalu, it not only becomes a question of money, it becomes a question who how much of an impact each can make if they are brought back. Keisel is going to turn 37 in September and has struggled to stay healthy, missing eight games over the past two seasons. However, at the relatively affordable price of $1.5 million, it is possible Keisel could be brought back for his veteran presence and as a security blanket for Stephon Tuitt, who showed a great deal of promise starting for the injured Keisel over the final four games.
The situation with Polamalu is not quite as easy. With a cap hit of over $8 million for 2015, the soon-to-be 34-year-old safety was clearly not the player Steelers fans have grown accustomed to last season. Age and injuries have crept up on the future Hall of Famer, and it seems that the Steelers can simply not afford to keep Polamalu next year. If the Steelers cut Polamalu before June 1, they can save $4.5 million in cap space. It’s possible the two sides can find a way to make it work, but it’s going to be tough.
Taylor’s ineffective play the past two seasons and the Steelers need to upgrade the position in the off-season probably means the end of Taylor’s time in Pittsburgh. Taylor has hinted that he might be willing to move to safety to extend his career, and has acknowledged that he might be looking elsewhere for a roster spot next season. Either way, it’s highly unlikely he’s back next season.
Harrison is the most interesting case. Though clearly not the player he was when he won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008, the soon-to-be 37-year-old pass rushing specialist was productive for the Steelers as an emergency replacement for Jarvis Jones last season. With only Jones on the roster at OLB with any NFL experience, it’s quite possible the Steelers will take a similar approach to Harrison as Keisel, and ask the veteran to come back as an insurance policy.
Regardless, Colbert and Tomlin have some tough decisions ahead as they discuss what direction to head with veterans who have beloved in their time with the Steelers.
