Insider Ed Bouchette: Steelers Have Some Tough Decisions To Make
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) - Post-Gazette Steelers Insider Ed Bouchette joined "The Cook and Poni Show" Tuesday to discuss the latest with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The biggest move yesterday was the one the Steelers didn't make by using the franchise tag on Linebacker Jason Worilds.
Does this mean the end of Worilds with the Steelers?
"I think so," Bouchette said. "There is still a chance he could go out and not find the money he was expecting."
Bouchette says the Steelers have done this with players before like Ike Taylor and Ryan Clark, but he expects there will be a market out there for Worilds.
The Steelers are thin at linebacker and Bouchette said the Steelers may actually have to test the free agent waters for help and depth. One of those guys could be a familiar face.
"I would say don't give up on James Harrison just yet," Bouchette said. "He played well enough to help you depth wise. Now, you have to go out a find another starter."
Bouchette said that doesn't mean they will be looking for the big names you may want them to be looking at, but rather those middle of the road guys.
The Steelers are under the cap and are not forced to make any decisions just yet regarding cutting salary. However, Bouchette does mention that more cap relief will come when they begin to restructure certain contracts.
Then, there is the case of Troy Polamalu.
"That is the elephant in the room," Bouchette said. "I expect him not to be here by some means. The Steelers are hoping he would retire, but I don't know if he is going to."
