Happy Birthday Ben!

It seems like just yesterday the Steelers drafted rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but the offensive genius has just turned 34.  It's hard to grasp the fact that Ben is getting old, but good news for Steeler Nation: He is only getting better.  With the help of one of the best offensive lines in the league and the best trio of wide receivers, Ben is currently playing the best football of his career.  Even after taking a beating in a AFC North rival wild card game, there no one else I would rather have to take on Denver the next week.  There's no doubt in my mind that this QB will be celebrating his 35th birthday as a 3x Super Bowl champ.  Here's to many more, Ben!

Foster or Beachum?

Come Monday morning, free agency will commence and all NFL fans will rejoice!  With many impressive free agents on the market this year,  I'll be anxiously awaiting for my phone to light up with ESPN notifications on the latest deals.

A problem that the Steelers face now is choosing between Kelvin Beachum and Ramon Foster, who are expected to hit free agency unless a new deal is reached before Monday.  These two linemen have a lot of ups and downs to take into consideration when answering the question of who the Steelers should give a new deal to.  Beachum has impressed many for being the smallest left tackle in the league, but after him and the team could not agree on a contract extension before the 2015 season it's no hiding that he wants to get paid.  Foster may be older, but his size and experience with the teams makes him a very valuable asset to the team ... and for the right price.

After Beachum's injury Alejandro Villanueva was a solid backup that will only get better.  Unfortunately with the salary cap situation that the Steelers face every year, the best option is to part ways with Kelvin and re-sign veteran Ramon Foster.  Who would you re-sign if you could only pick one?

Salary Cap Crunch

It was just announced that the 2016 NFL salary cap will be officially set at $155.27 million dollars, making it a $12 million dollar increase from last season.  The Steelers have the option of last season's extra cap space to roll over into 2016 making the Steeler's cap just over $157 million.  Heath's retirement will give the team an extra $4 million to play with, but the Steelers should also consider saving another $9 million by cutting Cortez Allen and Shaun Suisham.

I know, I know... I love Shaun Suisham and I feel bad that he had a season ending knee injury and I feel bad that he just become an American citizen, but it's time to go back to Canada.  Chris Boswell pleased us week after week and for the price the Steelers are paying him, you can't go wrong.

Creating this extra space is crucial for the Steelers to sign one of their own players like Le'Veon Bell, David DeCastro or Antonio Brown to a huge deal, but for free agents
like Kelvin Beachum, Ramon Foster, Brandon Boykin and William Gay...some will get the paycheck and others will get the boot.

Colbert Expects a Defensive Draft

The combine is over and now we are two months away from the draft.  So who's top priority for the Steelers?  Steeler's manager Kevin Colbert says it's going to be a defensive draft, and I don't think any fan can disagree.
Yes, the Steeler's secondary is seriously lacking but can we acknowledge that the defense tied for 6th most interceptions this season and tied for 4th most recovered fumbles?  It's no Bronco's defense, but for losing Dick LeBeau, Troy Polamalu, and Brett Keisel I think the defense needs just a liiiiittle more credit for holding it down in 2015.
The defense missed out on second round pick Senquez Golson due to injury this season, and many expected more from safety Shamarko Thomas.  The two positions were the only thing hurting the defense this year, so the team will need to add depth to the charts not only during the draft but in free agency.

Once the secondary becomes stronger, the Steelers will be one step closer to becoming a complete team.  The past drafts have focused on building an offensive line, linebackers and receivers so focusing on a secondary heavy draft is in the best interest for Pittsburgh this year.