We're in uncharted waters for salary cap....

[Chucktownsteeler]

Steelers could have over $26M in cap space this coming of season thanks to L. Bell. Can't remember the last time we were in that situation and it could be even more with some folks cut loose.


This is not a bad situation for a team with the second best record in the AFC.

Could secure key future players and maybe add a critical piece or two. Everyone will want to get a premier CB but that will take a huge chunk of this money. Thoughts?

More savings for next year without losing much talent:

DHB
Artie Burns
Jordan Berry
X Grimble
Gilbert
J Hunter
Ridley


https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2018/11/17/18096133/steelers-set-to-rollover-more-salary-cap-space-than-ever-before-in-2019-due-to-leveon-bell-nfl-news

[Krunch]

"Everyone will want to get a premier CB" For God' sake yes, spend it on a proven veteran and let's get that Lombardi while Ben is still playing!

[Rollers]

THey should bump Connor some. Steelers won't sign a top flight FA. It's not the way they do things. They did ok this year with the Bostic signing I think. He had a couple rough patches early but I think he's been solid.

[Cali-Steeler]

Watch The GM spend it on offense... Defense will get screwed - We need corners and a safety

[Rollers]

Watch The GM spend it on offense... Defense will get screwed -    We need corners and a safety

I find it interesting that ELi Apple was had for a 3rd round pick.  Clinton Dix was also traded for a draft pick. 2 starters and we didn't even play

[Chucktownsteeler]

We could extend Ben, McDonald, and Haden, more cap space. Probably need to lock up Hilton soon.

[Chucktownsteeler]

Per the CBA agreement salaries cannot not be increased (or bumped) until the player has 3 full seasons completed. The Steelers bumped Tuitt after his 3rd year a few seasons back. However, there is a "performance clause" for players such as Connor, who is projected to receive the bonus after this season. It is predicted to double his salary.

I look for the Steeler to extend Watt, Ju-Ju and Connor (if they all continue their path) after their 3rd season.

2017 draft:

1.) TJ Watt
2.) Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster
3A.) Cam Sutton
3B.) J. Connor
4.) J. Dobbs
5.) B. Allen
6.) Gone
7.) Gone

That's not a bad draft class.

[Chucktownsteeler]

I also saw a report that the Steelers will "transition" tag Bell next season. In a nut shell this will give them the right to match any offer he receives. However, they do not get rewarded with a draft pick if he signs elsewhere. They could get a comp. pick.

Obviously this plan could change between now and then. Bell has a lot of time on his hands. Tick...Tick...Tick....

[mcmillenandwife]

2017 draft:

1.) TJ Watt
2.) Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster
3A.) Cam Sutton
3B.) J. Connor
4.) J. Dobbs
5.) B. Allen
6.) Gone
7.) Gone

That's not a bad draft class.

Thank you for pointing that out. That is a flippin' fantastic draft class! 

[Chucktownsteeler]

2017 draft:

1.) TJ Watt
2.) Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster
3A.) Cam Sutton
3B.) J. Connor
4.) J. Dobbs
5.) B. Allen
6.) Gone
7.) Gone

That's not a bad draft class.

Thank you for pointing that out. That is a flippin' fantastic draft class! 

I don't know if Sutton is starting yet, but I think he will be before it's all said and done. With this class you have 3 proven and contributing IMPORTANT starters in the first fours picks. Who knows about Dobbs, he progressing well, #2 QB. Brian Allen is on special teams, I think. That's pretty good. 

[Crash]

Ben and Conner will get a bump.

This team needs a 3rd WR if Washington doesn't make a big leap in year two.

The defense has hardly been screwed. 9 of 12 Mike Tomlin #1 picks have been on defense, and the Steelers haven't picked a WR/TE/RB in round one since Mendenhall.

I personally think the Tampa 2 in THIS NFL doesn't work. Defense now is all about pressure and turnovers, the new rules and spread offenses make it impossible to have the same mindset the Steelers had on defense when Bill Cowher was hired.

[Chucktownsteeler]

Ben and Conner will get a bump.  

This team needs a 3rd WR if Washington doesn't make a big leap in year two.

The defense has hardly been screwed.  9 of 12 Mike Tomlin #1 picks have been on defense, and the Steelers haven't picked a WR/TE/RB in round one since Mendenhall.  

I personally think the Tampa 2 in THIS NFL doesn't work.  Defense now is all about pressure and turnovers, the new rules and spread offenses make it impossible to have the same mindset the Steelers had on defense when Bill Cowher was hired.

Connor and Ju-Ju will need to wait 1 more year, but Connor should get the performance bonus. I look the Steelers to extend Ben and McDonald (maybe Hayden). We'll soon need to sign Hilton as well.

Although a touch schedule looms, I think we're 1/2 game off the #1 seed. Are the Chiefs ready to do they're yearly swan dive?

[Chucktownsteeler]

Ben and Conner will get a bump.  

This team needs a 3rd WR if Washington doesn't make a big leap in year two.

The defense has hardly been screwed.  9 of 12 Mike Tomlin #1 picks have been on defense, and the Steelers haven't picked a WR/TE/RB in round one since Mendenhall.  

I personally think the Tampa 2 in THIS NFL doesn't work.  Defense now is all about pressure and turnovers, the new rules and spread offenses make it impossible to have the same mindset the Steelers had on defense when Bill Cowher was hired.

Too early to tell on Washington but he isn't lighting the world on fire. I hope he turns it around, he was a #2 pick. Seems like he can't get separation. 

Against the Panthers Vince Williams had more receptions and TDs than Washington!