If you've been reading the blog you'll notice that I was in the process of explaining the five things the Steelers must do to return to the Super Bowl. Guess what happened today, Step 1 the Steelers re-signed Casey Hampton to a new 3 year deal. This may not have totally solidified the Defensive Line, but it did keep that big cog in the middle. Teams will continue to think twice about running up the middle and they will continue to have to put 2 guys on Hampton, to continue to free up the linebackers. Along with the signing of Hampton, the Steelers took care of step #2.
Step#2 Re-sign Jeff Reed. I don't know where Jeff Reed falls in most accurate kickers in NFL history, but I'm sure he is right up there in accuracy at Hines Field. Jeff also has his share of game winning field goals. The Steelers could have drafted a kicker or signed a decent free agent from another team, but as the Steelers well know Hines Field is a tough place to kick and if you've got someone that can kick there, why let him go? Despite his off field skirmishes he seems to be a good guy. Not too many kickers are amongst the leaders of their teams. The Steelers tagged Reed as their franchise player which pretty much locks him up to play for the Steelers for a few years to come. If another team signs him in a year the will be obligated to give the Steelers a first round draft pick. Teams rarely draft a kicker in the first round, but they will not give up a first rounder for an aging kicker.
Steps 1 and 2 taken care of.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
I've been hoping they finagle a way to keep Reed! I was extatic to find out that they didn't use the franchise tag on Hampton. Reed is definately an essential for this coming season. Things are coming together and its great!
ReplyDeleteIt is a definite key for next season.
ReplyDelete