Steelers Re-sign Key Contributors Before Start of Free Agency
Pittsburgh is not a franchise that typically likes to get its hands dirty during the chaos and commotion of free agency. The team has already made several shrewd moves during the legal tampering period for player contracts, signing a number of key pieces that will all be expected to contribute in 2016.
Leading the pack was cornerback William Gay, arguably the team’s best defensive back last season among a unit that struggled mightily against the pass. Gay was the face of the Steelers’ opportunistic red zone defense, and has regularly stated he wants to retire in black and gold. The two parties reached agreement on a three-year, $7.5 million deal that should secure just that.
Further down the depth chart, Pittsburgh also re-signed Robert Golden to a three-year, $5 million contract. With 34-year-old Will Allen all but ousted from the team, Golden provides solid depth at strong safety.
He filled in well for an injured Allen at times last season, knocking down four passes and making an interception in his five starts. Most Steeler fans would feel more comfortable with drafting another safety to compete with Golden in preseason, but the move is a welcome one in a position group constantly looking for breakout players.
Darrius Heyward-Bey is often the forgotten man in Pittsburgh’s stellar receiving corps. In 2015, he only recorded 21 catches for 314 yards, but the bulk of that production came at the start of the year, filling in for Martavis Bryant for five games due to a combination of suspension and injury.
His finest moment was an outstanding climbing-the-ladder catch to bail out his quarterback Mike Vick on third down in San Diego, in what was ultimately a game-winning drive for Pittsburgh. In a healthy offense, he still has a role to play. DHB’s ability to stretch the field with his elite speed and vastly improved hands gives Ben Roethlisberger just one more weapon to throw to.
These quick, high value signings have given fans hope that the team will push hard to lock down both Ramon Foster and Kelvin Beachum before the start of free agency. Doing so would be a pleasant surprise, and one that should boost the morale of a team with championship aspirations in 2016.
