Off-season 2003 and Beyond.
It's been a very quiet, mundane off-season thus far - as it should be. The Steelers should be focusing on the future and not necessarily the immediate future. The tools that the Steelers need are in place to win it all next year, er, at least on the offensive side of the ball. They'll just have to make due on the D side with what should be a better version than last years version even if they don't sign anyone:- ...But first, the Bears made quite the wise off-season move, that's right - they re-signed Paul Edinger to the match the offer made by the Vikings to keep one of the leagues best young kickers around for a while. In a related story, the Bears signed Kordell Stewart to a two-year contract today to be their starter for the next two years.
- Now that the Steelers have rid themselves of Stewart, they should take a long look at drafting Simms in the first round. The reason being is simple - the Cowboys will be drafting ahead of the Steelers in the second round and this reporter believes Dallas will most certainly take Simms with their pick. Simms will be a very good NFL QB someday and the Steelers are fortunate to have a good QB in Maddox for the time being
- Having said that, there is absolutely no reason to "up" Tommy's contract right now. Three-fourths of a season with two excellent receivers is hardly proof of anything - didn't Stewart also play well with these guys? The front office should tell Maddox that he is under contract and must prove himself this year if there is to be any new long-term deal with a hefty signing bonus. In the meantime, if Simms comes along and Maddox plays well, Tommy could be traded off-season 2004 for a first round pick due to his smallish salary and cap hit. This might leave room for the Steelers to trade both of their first round picks or a first and second to get a high quality player early in the first round April 2004. If Maddox doesn't pan out, then we have a young QB to come in and be a starter for the foreseeable future. Tommy then becomes a solid backup once again.
- To help this process along, Bruener and Bettis should both be cut now and not June 1st so the Steelers could rid themselves of their signing bonuses this year and not prorate it over two.
- As far as the Steeler's second round pick, draft the obligatory OL or DB - depending who's left.
- Of course, this might mean the Steelers would not be able to make a solid shot at the Super Bowl from both sides of the ball. But that begs the question - can the Steelers work some cap magic and get the "D" players necessary to win the Super bowl next year? The answer is no. They are more than just a couple of players away from having a top flight D and the cap has them in a bind. Getting Simms this year and removing huge cap hits from Bettis and Bruener would allow the Steelers to make a serious move next year to get some true talent for the secondary. Besides, the Steelers will win on offense in 2003 - not defense. There is no point in trying to make the D better with some second rate free agents now that Jackson has gone to Arizona. The talent pool simply isn't there right now.
- All is not lost - the secondary of Logan, Hope, DW and Scott is better than last year's version especially with a healthy Ken Bell causing havoc up front. Cut Alexander and Poteat, add a vet at the minimum for depth and go with the offense. The Steelers will be frustrating to watch at times, but their offense will be exciting and the D just might surprise some people.
- Next off-season, draft well, cut Washington and Gildon after June 1st to prorate their signing bonuses and be aggressive in getting the best DB available via free agency. Make a serious run at the Super Bowl the next three years. It's just not gonna happen in 2003 because of defense and it's doubtful there is any real help for the Steelers this winter anyway.
Well, wait 'til next year isn't too exciting, but it might be the Steelers' only option. Perhaps, the best option.