Looking ahead to the 2016 season, it’s hard not to be excited about the Pittsburgh Steelers offense that could potentially end up being one of the best in NFL history.
Yes, it could be that good.
Bold statement to be sure, but with the collection of talent expected back next season there are plenty of reasons to believe the sky is the limit for the unit. Among those leading the way will be the trio of Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown. Add the likes of Maurkice Pouncey, David Decastro, DeAngelo Williams and Martavis Bryant into the mix and this offense could be downright scary.
Although many of the key pieces are set to return on offense, there are some notable players set to hit the free agent market. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the key free agents of on offense for the Steelers and what might be in store for them this off-season
Ramon Foster (OG)- Foster has quietly been a solid contributor to the Steelers offensive line for the past seven seasons and has been the full-time starter at right guard since 2011. Although overshadowed by fellow linemen like Pouncey and DeCastro, Foster has stayed relatively healthy and been a reliable cog to a line that has done excellent work since Mike Munchak took over as line coach two years ago.
There will be some interest in Foster on the open market and it’s reasonable to think he’ll fetch more than the $2.15 millon salary he earned last season. The question becomes do the Steelers have other options to fill the void left by a potential Foster departure?
Bruce Gradkowski (QB)- Gradkowski heads into free agency after an injury kept him out for the entire 2015 campaign. In his three seasons with the Steelers, he’s played in one game. It’s amazing the Pittsburgh native has 10 years logged in the NFL, but it might be hard to see him getting a shot at an eleventh. Maybe Gradkowski gets a shot on a one-year deal, but that’s very much up in the air.
Kelvin Beachum (OL)- Arguably the Steelers most important free agent this off-season, Beachum missed much of 2015 with a knee injury. This opened the door for Alejandro Villanueva to make the case he’s a viable (and cheaper) option moving forward. Couple that with Beachum coming off ACL reconstruction and is line for hefty contract, and it’s very much up in the air whether or not Beachum will be back.
This won’t be an easy decision. For one, Beachum was one of the better left tackles in the game before his injury and at 26, his best years are likely ahead. Beachum does have experience both at guard and center, and might be a perfect replacement for Foster. It seems highly unlikely Beachum would make the move considering the market value for quality left tackles.
Will Johnson (FB)- Johnson has been a solid contributor at fullback and on special teams over his career, but with the emergence of rookie Roosevelt Nix, the Steelers may be inclined to save valuable cap space to go with Nix instead.
Mike Adams (OL)- Adams was selected in the second round of the 2012 draft and the hope was he would develop into a starter at offensive tackle for the Steelers. Unfortunately for the Steelers, he’s been a full-blown disappointment and unfortunately for Adams, his time in Pittsburgh is likely over.
Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR)- A favorite of Mike Tomlin because of his special teams contributions and ability to contribute at receiver, Heyward-Bey could definitely be back in 2016. The biggest issue is where does he fit with Sammie Coates and Markus Wheaton conceivably ahead of “DHB” on the depth chart?
The former first round pick has made it clear he feels he can play a significant role at receiver, which might mean a new team next season. If Heyward-Bey is willing to continue his role as a fourth or fifth receiver whose primary contributions are on special teams, he could be back.
Photo credit: Bleacher report
