Steelers News: Players who are giving the Steelers the most ‘bang for the buck’

It has been a one-of-a-kind offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. Unable to attend most player pro days and participating in the NFL’s first virtual draft, the Steelers keep pushing forward toward a return to football activities. Just because the Steelers are unable to hold their typical OTA’s doesn’t mean we stop providing you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over throughout the offseason!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at which players players on the Steelers are rated much higher than their current salary

Let’s get to the news:

• T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrcik are obviously outplaying their current rookie contracts

Three Steelers who are salary cap steals

By: Jeff Hartman, DK Pittsburgh Sports

How do you equate value as it pertains to players in the NFL? Production combined with pay? Nothing but production? As I was thinking about this recently, I started to wonder what would be labeled a salary cap steal.

The criteria are simple. You look at the player’s production and their overall salary cap hit for the 2020 regular season. This means players on their rookie deals certainly have an advantage, but it doesn’t mean that is the only way for a player to find their way onto this list.

With the help of OvertheCap.com, I have compiled three Steelers who would be considered the biggest salary cap steals heading into the 2020 season. The total next to the name is the player’s cap number for this year.

1. T.J. Watt — $2,945,985

When you think about Watt’s incredible production since entering the league, he is a slam dunk to be atop this list. The Steelers have picked up his 5th year option and will be fortunate to have Ben Roethlisberger off the books when it comes time to pay Watt. At this point, it isn’t even a question of whether Watt will continue on his current trajectory, but when he will break the Steelers’ single season sack record held by James Harrison. Watt’s 14.5 sacks in 2019 for just under $3 million? Yes, please. Enjoy it now, because the Steelers will have to bring in the Brinks truck to give Watt his next contract.

2. Minkah Fitzpatrick — $1,975,252

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• The “Ladies of Steel” were recently awarded for their work in the community

Giving back with love and friendship

By: Teressa Varey, Steelers.com

For a decade they have shared a commitment. A commitment that has brought joy not just to those they have given back to in the community, but joy to themselves as well.

And they have done it without a lot of fanfare, without attention and cameras capturing every moment, even though they deserve accolades for the work they do.

It’s not what they look for, but on Friday night, it’s what they finally received.

The ‘Ladies of Steel,’ which are the wives and significant others of the Steelers players and coaches, were honored by the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WC&S) with the Ted Craig Humanitarian Award at the Celebrating Survivors virtual event.

“They have been amazing,” said Nicole Molinaro, President and CEO of the WC&S. “There are wives who have been with us for a while. There are wives who the players have left the game, or the team and they still reach out and help us. There are new ones that come in. They have been so consistent. They do so many programs and events for our wives and kids and they are always the highlights for our residents. Throughout the year they do wonderful activities and gestures for the women and kids. They are incredible partners.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Looking at the Steelers home and away games with Cleveland

Steelers 2020 Breakdown: Week 6 and 17, Browns

By: Jeff Hartman, DK Pittsburgh Sports

In Week 6 the Steelers start their AFC North divisional play when the Browns come to Heinz Field. The next time these two rivals meet up after Week 6 won’t be until the regular season finale in Week 17. Time to look at the sordid history between these two teams.

MATCHUP

Opponent: Browns
2019 Record: 6-10
Overall History (W/L): 74-59-1, for Steelers
Last 4 Games: 2-1-1, for Steelers
Opening Line: Week 6: Steelers (-3.5) / Week 17: Browns (-1)
Date: Sunday, Oct. 18 / Sunday, Jan. 3
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Pittsburgh, Week 6 / Cleveland, Week 17

OUTGOING PLAYERS/ FREE-AGENT LOSSES

LB Joe Schobert
LB Christian Kirksey
OG Eric Kush
TE Demetrius Harris
CB T.J. Carrie
S Damarious Randall

RETIREMENTS

N/A

FREE-AGENT ADDITIONS

QB Case Keenum
RT Jack Conklin
TE Austin Hooper
S Karl Joseph
DL Andrew Billings
CB Kevin Johnson
S Andrew Sendejo
C Evan Browns
CB Donovan Olumba
WR JoJo Natson
LB B.J. Goodson
EDGE Adrian Clayborn

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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