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Kevin Gorman’s Take 5: Even after Steelers' cuts, Kevin Colbert has work to do

Kevin Gorman
| Friday, August 30, 2019 7:22 p.m.
Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review
Steelers corner back Joe Haden signs a helmet Friday, Aug. 2, 2019 2019 at Memorial Stadium.

Even after the cuts come, Kevin Colbert’s work isn’t done.

The Pittsburgh Steelers must trim their roster to 53 players by 4 p.m. Saturday, but their general manager has a history of making major moves leading up to the season opener.

The Steelers acquired receiver Ryan Switzer last year and traded for tight end Vance McDonald and safety J.J. Wilcox and signed cornerback Joe Haden and gave defensive end Stephon Tuitt a five-year extension in 2017.

They traded for cornerback Justin Gilbert and signed right guard David DeCastro to a six-year contract extension in ‘16, traded for kicker Josh Scobee in ‘15 and signed cornerback Cortez Allen to a five-year deal in ‘14.

Here are five moves the Steelers could make in the next week:

1. Extend Haden: Making a long-term commitment to a 10th-year cornerback might seem like skewed priorities on the surface, but the Steelers value Haden.

Not only is he their top cover corner, but Haden also is a locker-room leader. And he showed he still has a lot left last season, especially against New England.

With a playoff berth hanging in the balance, Haden had 12 tackles, two passes defensed and a key interception of Tom Brady in the red zone.

Colbert seems receptive to an extension and suggested Haden before the preseason finale that Haden is, as well.

“What I can say is we’d love to see Joe Haden finish his career with the Steelers,” Colbert told KDKA-TV. “We’ve still got some time to try to maybe work something out, but I think Joe would love to finish his career here, as well.

“When both sides have the same agenda and the same purpose, it usually would get done. So, hopefully, we can get that taken care of.”

Not only would it lock up Haden, but it could clear some salary cap space for more moves.

2. Upgrade tight end: Colbert tipped his hand before the preseason finale when he said Xavier Grimble was “technically the No. 2 tight end right now” and “we’re excited to see if he can accept that challenge.”

That’s not quite a ringing endorsement.

Grimble has yet to prove he’s capable of replacing Jesse James — who had 30 catches for 423 yards and two touchdowns last season — but the bigger issue is the Steelers don’t have a third tight end given that fifth-round pick Zach Gentry looks more like a long-term project.

The Steelers could sign someone who gets cut — Luke Willson is available — or trade for a veteran tight end. That’s what they did two years ago, when Steelers coach Mike Tomlin wasn’t satisfied with James and acquired McDonald from the San Francisco 49ers.

It’s possible the Steelers will simply de-emphasize the position, given how often they employ four-wide receiver sets and jumbo packages with an extra offensive tackle and the versatility that Jaylen Samuels provides.

3. Solidify safety: With Sean Davis missing so much of the spring and preseason with injuries, the Steelers seem to be betting heavily on AAF alum Kameron Kelly.

They could try to acquire some depth at the position to compete with Kelly, Marcus Allen or Jordan Dangerfield, just in case Davis or Terrell Edmunds is injured.

The Steelers also looked for an upgrade at safety in 2017 by trading for Wilcox. But Wilcox became a cautionary tale, one that might give the Steelers second thoughts on trading away a draft pick for a veteran.

4. Hit rewind: Speaking of Davis, the Steelers would like to turn back the clock on their draft class of 2016.

After such a promising start that saw their first three picks — cornerback Artie Burns, Davis and nose tackle Javon Hargrave — earn starting jobs as rookies, all three could be in their final season with the team.

The Steelers declined to pick up the fifth-year option on Burns, and Davis and Hargrave could enter the final season of their rookie contracts without an extension.

If the Steelers sign Haden and clear up cap space, Hargrave could be their next target. Davis is playing the same position for the second consecutive season for the first time in his career, but doesn’t appear to be a long-term priority.

The Steelers need to get a strong season out of those players, especially if it’s their last with the team.

5. Optimize IR: When Justin Layne left the Carolina game with an injury, it might have been a blessing in disguise.

The third-rounder was the Steelers’ sixth cornerback, meaning he likely wouldn’t get many snaps early in the season. They could opt to place him on the injured reserve, which would prevent Layne from playing the first eight weeks but allow for flexibility at other positions.

There is precedent for the Steelers to have a rookie start the season on the injured reserve, from fourth-round offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins in 2016 to seventh-round outside linebacker Keion Adams in ‘17 and undrafted free agent outside linebacker Ola Adeniyi last year.

Whatever the Steelers decide to do, know this: Colbert is far from done wheeling and dealing.

Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.


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