This off-season has been all about making adjustments, offensively and defensively, to the Pittsburgh Steelers that will keep their superiority in the AFC North.
To summarize this off-season thus far, the Steelers have parted ways with two long-term safeties and a cornerback, (S) Mike Mitchell, (S) Robert Golden, and (CB) William Gay. While making cuts, Pittsburgh has gained safety Morgan Burnett, former safety for the Green Bay Packers along with Jon Bostic, former linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts.
So let’s break down what the Pittsburgh Steelers have lost and gained so far.
Mike Mitchell’s four year run as a safety for the Steelers has come to an end. The safety was widely known for his aggressive hits on the field and his passion for the game. Mitchell ended his career with the Steelers with 35 total tackles in the 2017 season, the lowest of his four-year career with the team. Mitchell had 201 total tackles with the Steelers and is now moving on with his career in free agency.
“Everyone knows the passion that I displayed for this team and city, and Steelers Nation has been a huge part of that. I cannot thank my fans enough for their unwavering support. My experiences here will always hold a special place in my heart. I have grown so much as a player and more important as a man during my time spent with this organization,” Mitchell said in his Instagram post.
Robert Golden had a six-year run with the Steelers with 84 total tackles for the team. Although usually designated to special teams, Golden stepped in while starting safeties faced injuries. Golden is now facing free agency per release from the Steelers.
Cornerback William Gay walks away from the Steelers with 2 Super Bowl appearances and one Super Bowl Championship. Gay ended with 422 total tackles with Pittsburgh. Spending ten seasons with the Steelers, Gay is thankful for his time in Pittsburgh.
“One hell of a ride in the City of Champions, loved every moment,” Gay stated while addressing Steeler Nation on his Instagram.
Morgan Burnett has faced adversity before signing with the Steelers with most of it having to do with minor injuries during his NFL career. Burnett’s career stats with Green Bay show how much of a key he should be to the newly constructed defense. With 497 total tackles, Burnett rarely misses any tackles and signing him also gives more veteran play and knowledge to the Steelers’ defense.
Jon Bostic will be joining the Steelers after being apart of several teams during his career including, the Bears, Patriots, Lions, and the Colts. The signing of Bostic was a sign for Steeler Nation that replacements for Shazier are being explored for this season.
Offensively, the Steelers have reconstructed multiple contracts to create more cap space for this season. The biggest question looming around the offense is when and if the Steelers will sign Le’veon Bell to a long-term deal.
The 2018 season will be a test for the redesigned team to reach the Super Bowl. The question is, can they do it?
