timmons

Ranking Steelers 2017 Free Agents (Unrestricted Free Agents)

1. RB Le’Veon Bell | 1,268 rushing yards, 7 Touchdowns |

Bell the NFL’s top ranked free agent had 1,884 total yards in 2016 and is looking to top Adrian Peterson’s average/year salary of $14 million. As he rapped this summer, he wants that ‘$15 million’. Due to the franchise tag he won’t be going anywhere for 2017. For now, the sense is he’s more likely to come back next season on the franchise tag than a long-term deal.

Bell turns 25 in February and the concern for the Steelers doing a significant long-term deal is running backs have a shelf life. Bell has had two major knee injuries. Whether it’s this summer or next, Pittsburgh will be more interested in a $10-$12 million a year type contract than the $14-$15 million per the Bell camp seeks.

One thing that will help Bell get a long-term deal with Pittsburgh eventually is the Steelers believe the past suspensions are not a long-term concern as the team is adamant he doesn’t have the type of problems a Martavis Bryant has for example.

Highest Paid Running Backs in 2016
Adrian Peterson – Total Value $42,000,000 | Avg/Year $14,000,000
LeSean McCoy – Total Value $40,050,000 | Avg/Year $8,010,000
Jonathan Stewart – Total Value $36,500,000 | Avg/Year $7,300,000
Doug Martin – Total Value $35,750,000 | Avg/Year $7,150,000
Jamaal Charles – Total Value $27,750,000 | Avg/Year $6,937,5000

2. LB Lawrence Timmons | 114 Tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 INT, 10 QB hits, 1 FF

Timmons played out the final year of his 6 year, $48 million contract without being extended. In 2016 he made $8,750,000, carrying a massive cap hit of $15,131,250. Led the Steelers with 114 tackles, 10th most among inside linebackers in the NFL. Is a liability at times in coverage but had a very productive year, especially in the second half of the season where he was the Steelers best player on the field some days.

Timmons was Pro Football Focus top rated Steelers defender vs the Patriots Sunday night.

The Steelers had preliminary talks in the summer. Timmons agent Drew Rosenhaus was seeking [hide] a three year deal worth $25 million and Timmons is looking for this to be the final contract of his career, per a source. Timmons wants to return and will give Steelers every opportunity to resign him. There’s a deal to be made for 3 years – $18 million if Timmons doesn’t chase the money elsewhere. Expect lots of Arizona rumors if the Cardinals don’t sign Kevin Minter.

Vince Williams signed a three year deal in the summer and is insurance if Timmons walks but there’s a drop off between the two.

New England’s Dont’a Hightower and Buffalo’s Zach Brown top the inside linebacker group among potential free agents.

Top Inside Linebackers 2017 free agency class
New England Dont’a Hightower | 26 years old, 65 Tackles
Buffalo Zach Brown | 27 years old, 143 tackles, 4 sacks
Arizona Kevin Minter | 26 years old, 81 tackles – 3.5 sacks
LA Chargers Manti Te’o | 25 years old, 17 tackles (torn Achilles)

3. WR Markus Wheaton | 4 Receptions, 51 Yards, 1 TD
In a contract year, it was a disappointing season for Wheaton who dealt with a shoulder injury all off-season that eventually landed him on IR. He appeared in three games.

He never emerged into the type of game breaker Steeler officials thought he was going to be during his first and second training camps. Had just one – 100 yard receiving game in his Steeler career, a 201 yard receiving game vs the Seahawks last season.

Still, Wheaton is 25 years old and when healthy can get you a 50-55 catch season with 600-700 yards. He was missed vs the Patriots. If he’s willing to come back on a one year-prove it deal, the Steelers will be interested.

4. OLB James Harrison | 53 Tackles, 5 sacks, INT, 2 FF

The soon to be 39 year old said after Sunday’s game “I’m not done”, hinting he has eyes on return for another season. When Harrison entered the starting lineup after the Cowboys game, he transformed a Steelers defense that suddenly started getting to the quarterback.

It won’t be ideal again that the Steelers will have to rely on him for another season but unless the Steelers go out of character and land an impact outside linebacker in free agency, Harrison may be needed once again, even as a part-time player. Drafting an outside linebacker will be a high priority once again.

Top Outside Linebackers for 2017 Free Agency Class
Cleveland Jamie Collins | 112 Tackles, 3 sacks
Arizona Chandler Jones | 49 Tackles, 11 Sacks
LA Chargers Melvin Ingram | 60 Tackles, 8 sacks

5. OLB Jarvis Jones | 42 Tackles, 1 Sack

In over 1,400 regular season snaps, Jones has 6 career sacks. Kevin Colbert once said when the Steelers drafted Jones that it was a blessing Jones ran a 4.9 at his pro-day. He not only can’t rush the passer, he gets bullied in stopping the run against elite linemen due to his lack of strength. Where Jones can play the position a bit is in coverage.

Has earned a ton of praise from Steeler coaches for embracing his role as a special teams player where his future moving forward in the NFL is, than being a regular starter at OLB. From coaches to players, he’s very well liked.

6. RB DeAngelo Williams | 343 yards, 4 TD

With pot suspensions and injuries a yearly occurrence for Le’Veon Bell, Williams has been great insurance the last two seasons for the Steelers but his body is breaking down and some Steeler officials believe Williams may retire. Turns 34 in April which is ancient for running backs. Since week 3, Williams averaged 2.5 yards per carry.

7. QB Landry Jones | 53/86 – 558 yards – 4 TD – 2 INT

Todd Haley is a fan and Jones has made enough strides over the last two seasons where the Steelers will explore bringing him back as Roethlisberger’s No. 2, though, the organization is intrigued about Zach Mettenberger.

Others

LS Greg Warren
LB Steven Johnson
DE Ricardo Matthews
S Shamarko Thomas
C Cody Wallace
TE David Johnson

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