OT: Do the Steelers keep Boswell

[Chairman Moe]

Or do they bring back Suisham? As good as Suisham was in the past, Chris Boswell is several years younger and has a bigger foot (on kickoffs). Plus, he proved himself this year as a more than capable replacement. They can't keep two, and would doubt they would invite both of them to camp to "fight it out", as the need for PK's in the NFL usually gets filled and identified long before training camp.

I'm thinking Boswell is the better choice. Any opinions from the other Steeler fans here?

 

[Pittx9]

Boswell and Suisham will both be in camp next year. Almost a guaranteed lock that will be the case. Boswell will be the favorite to win the job, but if he doesn't perform well pre-season Suisham has a slight chance to win his job back. I may even consider keeping them both all season just in case. That is incredibly hard to do as you're eating up an entire roster spot for a backup kicker.

 

[Swervin27]

 

[yourhired]

Boswell is cheaper with the steeler constant salary cap issues I would believe you cut Suishan late in camp so he can hook on with someone.

 

[Swervin27]

I actually hope they let Pouncey go and try and sign Beachum and Foster.. Not sure what kind of cap hit we'd take letting pounce go but that guy is cursed with injuries. Definitely not worth the money..

 

[Pittx9]

I actually hope they let Pouncey go and try and sign Beachum and Foster.. Not sure what kind of cap hit we'd take letting pounce go but that guy is cursed with injuries. Definitely not worth the money..

I thought the recent Pouncey extension was just insane. Guy never can finish a season and quite frankly his rookie season was by far his best.

 

[Swervin27]

I thought the recent Pouncey extension was just insane. Guy never can finish a season and quite frankly his rookie season was by far his best.

I agree.. He is the best center in football, when healthy. That is what I hear. OK, lets say that is true. My question is, how much difference does a great center make over an average center. Now compare that money difference between what we pay pouncey over someone like Cody Wallace. Cody is getting under 1 million dollars (Maybe in '16 he'll be just over 1 million) and Pouncey will be a 10+ million dollar hit next year.. Add in injuries, add in that his first surgery didn't go well and had to go back for a second surgery and I think it's a no brainer, you get this off your payroll ASAP..

 

[Chairman Moe]

I actually hope they let Pouncey go and try and sign Beachum and Foster.. Not sure what kind of cap hit we'd take letting pounce go but that guy is cursed with injuries. Definitely not worth the money..

I agree that Pouncey seems "cursed"; his twin brother has been injured a lot during his career, too. Must be a "genes" thing . . . Still, when Pouncey is healthy and plays at his best, he IS the better center of those on the roster

 

[Pittx9]

I agree.. He is the best center in football, when healthy. That is what I hear. OK, lets say that is true. My question is, how much difference does a great center make over an average center. Now compare that money difference between what we pay pouncey over someone like Cody Wallace. Cody is getting under 1 million dollars (Maybe in '16 he'll be just over 1 million) and Pouncey will be a 10+ million dollar hit next year.. Add in injuries, add in that his first surgery didn't go well and had to go back for a second surgery and I think it's a no brainer, you get this off your payroll ASAP..

Definitely. Wallace did a very solid job this season. The drop-off realistically was not that much, and I actually think lineman are tremendously important. It was just a bad contract for a guy who is literally never healthy.

 

[Chairman Moe]

Boswell and Suisham will both be in camp next year. Almost a guaranteed lock that will be the case. Boswell will be the favorite to win the job, but if he doesn't perform well pre-season Suisham has a slight chance to win his job back. I may even consider keeping them both all season just in case. That is incredibly hard to do as you're eating up an entire roster spot for a backup kicker.

You think it might be a better plan to try to trade Suisham for a draft pick and get back one of the ones we wasted on Boykin and Scobee? I recall the Steelers traded Wing (the other Aussie punter) to the NYG for a 7th last year. Maybe we could get a 6th or 7th for Shaun? I think he's worth that (or a 5th), and for whatever reason, the Steelers historically have done well with drafting players in the bottom rounds.

 

[restonpanther]

Boswell is cheaper with the steeler constant salary cap issues I would believe you cut Suishan late in camp so he can hook on with someone.

The Steelers traded a 6th round pick for Josh Scobee and he wasn't half the kicker Suisham is. I would think the Steelers could get a late round draft pick for Suisham, who is also under contract through '18, I believe. They may have to bring him into camp to show that he's healthy, but they should be able to get some kind of compensation for him. Boswell's cap hit is about $2M less than Suisham's so that is important to.

 

[Pittx9]

You think it might be a better plan to try to trade Suisham for a draft pick and get back one of the ones we wasted on Boykin and Scobee? I recall the Steelers traded Wing (the other Aussie punter) to the NYG for a 7th last year. Maybe we could get a 6th or 7th for Shaun? I think he's worth that (or a 5th), and for whatever reason, the Steelers historically have done well with drafting players in the bottom rounds.

Would be worth it yes. Suisham is a very good kicker, he should carry some value.

 

[yourhired]

I agree with Pouncey. If you could pick up a draft pick for Suishan I would do it in a heart beat.

 

[wbrpanther]

Or do they bring back Suisham? As good as Suisham was in the past, Chris Boswell is several years younger and has a bigger foot (on kickoffs). Plus, he proved himself this year as a more than capable replacement. They can't keep two, and would doubt they would invite both of them to camp to "fight it out", as the need for PK's in the NFL usually gets filled and identified long before training camp.

I'm thinking Boswell is the better choice. Any opinions from the other Steeler fans here?

Suisham was real good. Boswell is better.

 

[wbrpanther]

I actually hope they let Pouncey go and try and sign Beachum and Foster.. Not sure what kind of cap hit we'd take letting pounce go but that guy is cursed with injuries. Definitely not worth the money..

Except he is one of the best centers in the league and already under contract. Teams can't operate under the assumption that a player is going to get hurt.

 

[Panther Holla]

The Boz. Money kicker.

 

[Pittx9]

Except he is one of the best centers in the league and already under contract. Teams can't operate under the assumption that a player is going to get hurt.

Totally agree. But a guy who was already always getting hurt I would not have given that extension. And I especially would have not locked him up before they even locked up Ben. You're absolutely right, but with Pouncey you pretty much can assume he's going to get hurt.

 

[wbrpanther]

I agree that Pouncey seems "cursed"; his twin brother has been injured a lot during his career, too. Must be a "genes" thing . . . Still, when Pouncey is healthy and plays at his best, he IS the better center of those on the roster

Teammates driving into your knee and players falling on your leg isn't a genes thing and getting those kind of injuries are no guarantee that they will continue to happen.

 

[wbrpanther]

Totally agree. But a guy who was already always getting hurt I would not have given that extension. And I especially would have not locked him up before they even locked up Ben. You're absolutely right, but with Pouncey you pretty much can assume he's going to get hurt.

You have to look at how the injuries happened. mostly bad fortune. Not something that is expected to keep happening.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

I agree that Pouncey seems "cursed"; his twin brother has been injured a lot during his career, too. Must be a "genes" thing . . . Still, when Pouncey is healthy and plays at his best, he IS the better center of those on the roster

Or maybe a Karma thing given their "Free Hernandez" apparel

 

[Twisted Pittster]

Gotta keep Boswell. Younger, bigger leg and every bit as accurate. Costs less money and consistently gets non returnable kick offs. Plus, will Suisham be the same kicker post knee injury? He'll be a question mark.

As for Pouncey, he's good but Wallace is not much of a drop off and costs a fraction as much. Plus Wallace has shown to be very durable and I like his nasty streak.

 

[restonpanther]

The other thing with Boswell is he proved he can perform in the playoffs. 7-7 in two playoff road games in bad weather, including the game ender in Cincy is a pretty big statement.

 

[pittdan77]

Teammates driving into your knee and players falling on your leg isn't a genes thing and getting those kind of injuries are no guarantee that they will continue to happen.

His feet don't move. He's been a lot slower ever since his first injury. He's powerful and has good leverage but he ends up being static too often.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

Gotta bring Suisham into camp to give the illusion of competition. It will ensure they both do what they need to during the off season and make them both better. Then you trade Suisham for a draft pick.

Let Pouncey go and consider moving on from Timmons as well. Someone in the deleted thread said that the two of them together have a cap hit of 26 million. In this day and age, you can't afford to have a Cody Wallace on the bench. Depth like that is a luxury that you really can't afford. So let your all pro center go. He's just a center, and use the savings to re-sign Brown or throw at Ramon Foster. Or here's a novel idea...find a #1 corner.

Question for the experts, can you easily find another Lawrence Timmons? With the year he had, I don't see why you can't.

 

[Pittx9]

You have to look at how the injuries happened. mostly bad fortune. Not something that is expected to keep happening.

Definitely bad fortune. Lots of odd injuries. But I still would consider him being healthy for a whole season very lucky. He can be a guy that gets injured every year at no fault of his own, which is what seems to happen. There really is no clear cut reason why he seems to suffer these freak injuries all the time.

 

[goalieman]

Or do they bring back Suisham? As good as Suisham was in the past, Chris Boswell is several years younger and has a bigger foot (on kickoffs). Plus, he proved himself this year as a more than capable replacement. They can't keep two, and would doubt they would invite both of them to camp to "fight it out", as the need for PK's in the NFL usually gets filled and identified long before training camp.

I'm thinking Boswell is the better choice. Any opinions from the other Steeler fans here?

If Boswell kicks in next falls camp/exhibition season like he did this season, he should be the kicker next year.

 

[LeftCoastPanther]

Boswell is younger and better. Let Suisham kick a lot in the preseason and if he performs well try to trade him for a pick in 2017. I don't think PIT could get anything for him in this upcoming draft. If no takers then PIT will have to cut Suisham.

As for Pouncey, his extension is really about to kick in to the tune of $10 million in 2016. He's going nowhere so have to hope he can stay healthy. He's had some rotten luck that's for sure.

The real contract killer is Timmons' $16 million cap hit next season, the final year of his deal. I think an extension is coming for Timmons, but whatever his new cap hit would be after an extension still won't justify him getting that money. He is solid, but there are zero splash plays from him anymore. Timmons disappeared on that touchdown drive for such a seasoned, talented vet.

 

[Panther Parrothead]

I agree with Pouncey. If you could pick up a draft pick for Suishan I would do it in a heart beat.

I'd call Minnesota and make them an offer.

 

[Chairman Moe]

Teammates driving into your knee and players falling on your leg isn't a genes thing and getting those kind of injuries are no guarantee that they will continue to happen.

I kinda said that, tongue-in-cheek! ;^) But if you look at their careers, the Pouncey boys have spent a good part of it recovering from injuries

Maurkice:

Season Week Injury Status
2015 4 left ankle Injured Reserve (DFR)
2014 16 ankle Probable
2104 15 ankle Probable
2013 1 torn right ACL, MCL Injured Reserve

Mike:

2015 17 foot, ankle Doubtful
2015 16 foot, ankle Questionable
2015 14 foot Probable
2015 13 foot Questionable
2015 8 hip Probable
2015 7 hip Probable
2015 3 elbow Probable
2014 12 hip Probable
2014 11 hip
2014 10 hip Probable
2014 9 hip Probable
2014 4 hip Doubtful
2014 3 hip Doubtful
2014 2 hip Out
2014 1 hip Out
2013 11 illness Questionable
2013 7 ankle Probable
2013 4 ankle Probable
2013 3 ankle Questionable

 

[pbrad]

Gotta bring Suisham into camp to give the illusion of competition. It will ensure they both do what they need to during the off season and make them both better. Then you trade Suisham for a draft pick.

Let Pouncey go and consider moving on from Timmons as well. Someone in the deleted thread said that the two of them together have a cap hit of 26 million. In this day and age, you can't afford to have a Cody Wallace on the bench. Depth like that is a luxury that you really can't afford. So let your all pro center go. He's just a center, and use the savings to re-sign Brown or throw at Ramon Foster. Or here's a novel idea...find a #1 corner.

Question for the experts, can you easily find another Lawrence Timmons? With the year he had, I don't see why you can't.

Did Denver plow over Wallace to sack Ben?

 

[Fk_Pitt]

Did Denver plow over Wallace to sack Ben?

Did they? Maybe they did. Denver also blew by the young LT on that play or the play before that I believe. Tough decisions lie ahead. And the Steelers may not choose to go forward with their best players at each position. That's the NFL of today.

 

[Hero of the Oppressed]

Boz. The suisham fellow has plenty of rehab to go to get his strength back.

 

[ImThePitt]

Trade or cut Pouncey. How do we know when a center is the best, is someone watching him all game? It seems we have had the "best" center several times in Webster, Dawson and now Pouncey. The guys we had did a hell of a job blocking for a older back up (Williams) this year, so losing First-Aid oops Pouncey does not seem like a bad thing.

 

[BFo8]

Agree with almost everything here, unless he falters badly the job is Boswell's. As good a player as he is Pouncey just can't be counted on to stay on the field and Wallace played so well for so much less they would be foolish to not have him be at center next season.

Villanueva was one of the bigger positives coming out of the season. To be thrown into that position and succeeding despite having not played that much football is remarkable. With his size and the experience he gained this year the sky is the limit for him, even with his advanced age.

 

[pbrad]

Everyone does know that Ben was sacked more than every other QB for the time he was in there. There is a reason guys are backups.

 

[Pittx9]

The real contract killer is Timmons' $16 million cap hit next season, the final year of his deal. I think an extension is coming for Timmons, but whatever his new cap hit would be after an extension still won't justify him getting that money. He is solid, but there are zero splash plays from him anymore. Timmons disappeared on that touchdown drive for such a seasoned, talented vet.

That's gonna be tough. Timmons overall has had a great career here. But I think this season already he slowed down a bit. Next year will be his 10th in the league. The Steelers are not the kind of team that will dish out extensions to a LB going into his 11th year. I highly doubt he is resigned after 2016 unless it is a small 1 or 2 year deal.

 

[Swervin27]

That's gonna be tough. Timmons overall has had a great career here. But I think this season already he slowed down a bit. Next year will be his 10th in the league. The Steelers are not the kind of team that will dish out extensions to a LB going into his 11th year. I highly doubt he is resigned after 2016 unless it is a small 1 or 2 year deal.

Steelers don't often offer that 3rd contract.. Thimmons is signed for one more year? He'll be a FA, same with Bell. Ride these two out, hope they have good "contract" years and wish them well..

 

[Pittx9]

Steelers don't often offer that 3rd contract.. Thimmons is signed for one more year? He'll be a FA, same with Bell. Ride these two out, hope they have good "contract" years and wish them well..

You think Bell will go to free agency? That's another tough one I think. What is different with Bell than Pouncey? Both keep suffering injuries that they basically have no control over. The rest of the league would go wild over this guy being a free agent. But, I can see how a RB after back-to-back seasons of knee injuries would become slowed down.

I hope he never leaves, but I'm still bitter over the Steelers double standard. Bell tokes up on the way to the airport to go to an away game, and Pittsburgh just never mentions it barely. Martavis actually was probably worse, you know when you're getting drug tested!!!!! But Santonio, former Super Bowl MVP, gets pulled over while smoking weed (wasn't even him the cops were looking for) and he's dumped for next to nothing. IMO Santonio got a raw deal here. Bell and Bryant however, the Steelers act like it's not these guy's faults.

 

[LeftCoastPanther]

IMO Santonio got a raw deal here.

I agree. Holmes should have been kept in 2010, the last year of his contract, then been told goodbye. The issue with Holmes was the little stuff we never heard about, like constantly been late to meetings, not knowing the playbook as well as he should have. He ran the wrong route and the pass was picked and returned for a TD, helping the Bengals to come back and beat PIT in 2009.

That kind of stuff irked Tomlin and the veterans.

 

[Pittx9]

I agree. Holmes should have been kept in 2010, the last year of his contract, then been told goodbye. The issue with Holmes was the little stuff we never heard about, like constantly been late to meetings, not knowing the playbook as well as he should have. He ran the wrong route and the pass was picked and returned for a TD, helping the Bengals to come back and beat PIT in 2009.

That kind of stuff irked Tomlin and the veterans.

Makes sense. But seriously Tomlin gets irked by something? Could've fooled me. He lets Will Gay dance for 7 1/2 hours after a TD. He has no control of the players. He's just way too buddy buddy with them IMO. I think Will Gay is much better than people give him credit for, but Cowher would've ripped his head off after that. Not saying Tomlin is a bad coach, but he needs to stop acting like he's one of the players.