THREE QUESTIONS THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS NEED TO ANSWER BEFORE FREE AGENCY

The Pittsburgh Steelers need to assess their team before free agency. With more questions than any NFL team, they need answers before making additions.

It’s been a long offseason and it’s only February. The Pittsburgh Steelers have made more headlines than both Super Bowl teams, trade rumors, injury updates and the Saints, Rams disastrous fourth quarter. But as free agency inches closer, this team is being forced to make decisions

Not only do decisions benefit this team, but they help the fans. Reading headline after headline has left the fanbase exhausted, frustrated and looking for answers. No one knows what’s going to happen with trade rumors, transition tags or free agency expectations.

Missing the playoffs doesn’t constitute as easy offseason but no one expected this outcome. Pittsburgh is a mess, granted a mess with potential, but nevertheless a team who needs to figure a lot out before August.

Pittsburgh is going to figure everything out. This team isn’t one to let a bad season turn into multiple poor decisions. Instead, they’re an organization that will turn everything around and change the atmosphere immediately. They’ve already started with the coaching staff. Now, it comes down to the players.

There are two major questions and many more behind them that this team needs to handle before the next phase of this offseason begins. Answers that will define the outlook of the 2019 season for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

ARE ANTONIO BROWN AND LE’VEON BELL GETTING MOVED?

They’re two very different situations but very similar when the headlines are written. Pittsburgh’s loudest members don’t necessarily want to be in the Steel City anymore, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be.

The Steelers need to figure out both Antonio Brown’s trade value and Le’Veon Bell’s future. Many believed both would be gone before the 2019 season, but at this point the signs of assured trades and free agency have dimmed and everyone is wondering what’s going too happened with Pittsburgh’s biggest stars.

Brown’s deadline likely comes by June 1st but is hopefully before then. Pittsburgh takes a cap hit if the wide receiver is still around once summer hits, meaning if the Steelers want to move him they’ll need to do so before June.

The best value for a player like Brown comes with the NFL Draft. Pittsburgh should be pushing for a top 10 pick and some for the receiver.

Then, there’s Bell. The running back is still chirping on social media after a year of failed negotiations and hit after hit on his legacy in Pittsburgh. He didn’t play in 2018 and James Conner proved he doesn’t need to. Not saying Pittsburgh was better without Le’Veon but they aren’t big on keeping him.

Reports still pop-up from time to time about whether or not this team will transition tag Bell; but really, it’s time for the Steelers to make it known what their plans are.

WHAT IN-HOUSE FREE AGENTS ARE STAYING?

Ramon Foster is the biggest name free agent for the Steelers. This offensive line has become one of the best in the league, and removing anyone is an option it should be Marcus Gilbert.

Matt Feiler needs to remain on the roster to assure the right tackle position is covered even if the Steelers plan to keep Gilbert. After starting most of the 2018 season, Feiler proved he’s capable of starting in the NFL. Pittsburgh needs to consider that before releasing him to the market.

Eli Rogers and Jesse James are both unrestricted free agents. Rogers’ return could come with Brown’s departure, but if AB is being moved the Steelers should strongly consider bringing back Rogers to keep the receiving core intact.

James isn’t guaranteed and much of the decision will come with his desire to start in the NFL. It’s hard to say if a team will hand him a starting job in free agency, but it’s certain Pittsburgh won’t. If he believes he’s more than a number two, he’ll hit the market and run.

On defense, Mike Hilton is a must. Outside of Joe Haden he’s the best cornerback Pittsburgh has on the roster. Since earning the starting job in 2017, Hilton has become one of the most reliable slot corners in football. Re-signing him is a major priority to the fans but maybe not the Steelers.

L.J. Fort is the final name on the list, but chances are this move comes with the team’s confidence in adding another inside linebacker this offseason. Whether it’s through the draft or in free agency, Pittsburgh needs an athletic backer to replace Ryan Shazier. Which means if they find out Fort is probably gone.

HOW ARE THEY FIXING THE HOLES?

Morgan Burnett was a failed attempt. Artie Burns needs to be replaced by someone other than Coty Sensabaugh. Ryan Shazier has yet to be replaced. Bud Dupree can’t be the only edge rusher on the right side.

These are the holes Pittsburgh needs to fix before the season. Last spring, they put some effort into the game but didn’t spend the money they should’ve and it went noticed in 2018. Now, they have a chance to spend in at least one area, and if they’re serious about change they’ll make a move.

There are a ton of names on the market that can benefit this team greatly, and provide them the leverage to focus on other areas in the draft. It’d be smart to cover one of the issues in free agency and use the 20th pick in the first few rounds to draft immediate help in other positions.

2019 cannot be another year of questioning why this team didn’t make a move to fill this need or that need. If the change is real and the Steelers are serious about winning, they’ll head into the market guns blazing, looking to secure a star to take this defense to the next level.