The Steelers trimmed their roster to 53 players on Saturday with a couple of surprises.
The biggest, at least to me, was veteran Guy Whimper being released. Whimper, a nine-year veteran who saw action in 11 games in 2013, starting two.
I was skeptical of Whimper making the team last season, but I thought he acquitted himself well last season when called upon.
With Whimper gone, the Steelers' backups on the offensive line are Mike Adams at tackle, guard Chris Hubbard and jack-of-all-trades Wes Johnson. That's not a lot of depth for a team that has needed plenty in recent seasons on its offensive line.
Other notable cuts were linebackers Chris Carter and Howard Jones, tight end David Paulson, corner Shaq Richardson, wide receiver Derek Moye and defensive end Josh Mauro.
Jones and Mauro, two players whom fans have been hot to make the final roster, will be headed to the 10-man practice squad once they clear waivers.
Remember, both went undrafted for a reason. Just because they flashed some ability here and there doesn't mean another team is going to jump to throw them on their 53-man roster.
Landry Jones held on as the No. 3 quarterback - general manager Kevin Colbert likes to carry 3 - while Brad Wing remains the punter, for now.
The Steelers' roster breakdown is 3 QBs, 6 WRs, 9 OL, 4 RB (counting fullback Will Johnson), 3 TE, 6 DL, 8 LB, 11 DBs (including BW Webb, who was signed Friday when Jordan Zumwalt went to the DL) and 3 specialists.
* James Harrison "announced" his retirement on Saturday. He had visited Arizona earlier in the week and left without a contract offer.
It is likely very well true that he didn't want to be away from his family any longer after spending last season in Cincinnati with his family still in Pittsburgh.
But it's also true that it was quite simply time to move on with his life's work after a very good career.
Isn't Cody Wallace also a back up OL?
ReplyDeleteAlso interesting that on the team's official website, the depth chart lists Podlesh ahead of Wing. Everything else is correct.
ReplyDeleteAre they worried about cutting L. Jones at this point given his knowledge of the playbook? Better to just stash him as emergency QB who will never play, then let him go at year-end?
ReplyDeleteDale,
ReplyDeleteGiven that the Steelers only have three outside linebackers on their roster, Jones,Worilds and Moats, why not talk Harrison out of retirement and sign him after week 1? Saw your comment on him, but he is at a minimum serviceable as a backup and knows the playbook. I see him and Keisel at similar points in their careers: on the downside but decent as a back up and leader.
Yes, Wallace is also there. Left him out. Still, Adams is the only true offensive tackle.
ReplyDeleteTerence Garvin can also play outside. Bulked up to 235 this season to be able to handle the move inside or out.
I've felt all along the Steelers would be scanning the wires for another OT. They seem to have ok depth on the interior OL spots. I think if they do claim an OT, then Hubbard is either cut or heads to the PS.
ReplyDeleteIn any event, since they only dress 7 OL on game days, Adams and Wallace will be the active back ups.
Wonder if the Steelers would have any interest in Tommie Campbell, who was cut by TN? He's big,fast and still only 26.
ReplyDeleteDevon Still was cut by Cincy. He's probably an upgrade over Cam Thomas.
They have never signed a guy as a veteran free agent and cut him. Don't see that happening now either in terms of Thomas. Plus, he's their backup nose.
ReplyDeleteStill, by the way, never amounted to much. 21 tackles in 18 career games.
Campbell is intriguing.
Still's young daughter has neuroblastoma, probably why his production suffered.
ReplyDeleteI just read the ESPN story on Alejandro "Ali" Villanueva who was just added to the Steelers' practice squad. I don't know if the kid will stick but I'm sure rooting for him. #AmericanHero
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