Visit NFL from the sidelines on the new Observer-Reporter site: http://www.observer-reporter.com/section/BLOGS08

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Colbert speaks

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said today that the team has opened contract negotiations with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and he expects the deal to be relatively easy to finalize.

Colbert said with both sides wanting to get the deal completed, it should be relatively painless.

Colbert also said he feels Roethlisberger is getting better with age and has a number of good years remaining ahead of him, using Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as examples of quarterbacks who have continued to play at a high level into their late 30s.

@ Colbert wouldn't rule out using a tag on linebacker Jason Worilds for the second consecutive season but said the team doesn't like to have to use the franchise or transition designations on players.

Colbert said he felt Worilds had a good year and is still a player who is getting better.

That said, Colbert listed outside linebacker and cornerback as two positions of need. He also pointed out tight end as a position of need - at least right now with Matt Spaeth and Michael Palmer both potentially heading into free agency.

@ Colbert said that the NFL policy regarding a possible suspension of running back Le'Veon Bell is spelled out but there is no timetable the league is under as to when a possible suspension might take place or how his guilty plea to a DUI would be interpreted.

@ Colbert said the team really isn't all that interested in the new veteran combine the NFL will hold this season.

According to Colbert, the Steelers feel like they already have a pretty good idea about the guys who will be invited to the veteran combine, having seen them in training camps and games.

As Colbert said, those guys will not have gotten any faster, etc.

@ Colbert doesn't feel this draft is as deep as last year's but still has quality depth at both edge rushers and cornerbacks.

There are a number of first-round edge rushers available. Colbert did say, however, that while there aren't a lot of high-end corners, the position has quality depth.

@ Colbert said there wasn't one position - real positions, not punter, kicker or long snapper - that the Steelers would currently not consider in the first round of the draft.

That, of course, could change with free agent signings and such.


10 comments:

adamg said...

Given Colbert's statement about BR, it's a bit surprising he didn't rule out qb as a 1st round draft position. Makes me think he doesn't believe what he said about BR aging gracefully ala Brady and Manning.

Anonymous said...

or, there aren't any viable first round QB's this year, so there is no decision to make. Jamies Winston has the arm talent, but lacks intelligence and leadership and Chap Pennigton has a cannon compared to Mariota.

Patrick said...

Real position eh?

Signed collectively,

Greg warren, Sean suisham and brad I threw a 2pt er winger

Dale Lolley said...

As he said, as things currently stand, they wouldn't rule out a QB. Roethlisberger isn't signed yet.

Joe Jones said...

Dale,

Over or under 2.5 years of this veteran combine taking place?

It seems like it's going to be more embarrassing than intriguing.
Should get a ton of press this year, but how about 3 years from now?

Anonymous said...

Well we know at least the steelers are likely not to attend. That's at least one team not going to the its first year. I dont think the number will go up but rather down in the next years so..

Dale Lolley said...

Kevin didn't say they wouldn't attend. But they're not putting any stock in it. I think they'll do their due diligence. But that will likely mean sending just one scout.

Anonymous said...

Asking a GM about draft plans is like asking a poker player what cards he is holding.

The Steelers have several positions they won't take in the first beyond punters and kickers.

There is no way we take a QB, ILB, C or RB in round 1. LT or G is really doubtful too.

Everything else is possible.

Dale Lolley said...

I could see a OT if that is where the value is at. Not likely but possible. Can always move somebody to LG since Ramon Foster has one year left on his deal

Anonymous said...

I have no problem with the policy change mandating 2 game suspensions for DUIs. None. But I do think it's BS that Bell is subject to a policy change that came after the fact/act. Bell was arrested in August. The League changed their policy in September. That ain't right. If he fought it, I think there's a good chance he wins.

But I can understand him accepting his lumps and getting this behind him. And I appreciate he's not running from his consequences. But he's fulfilled those consequences as they were when he was arrested.