Why did the Steelers invest in a specialist and let core special teamers James Pierre and Myles Boykin leave?
When the Pittsburgh Steelers released Presley Harvin III and replaced him with Cameron Johnston, we knew they meant business. They then signed Cordarrelle Patterson to upgrade their kick return game. It’s clear they’re investing in special teams. On top of that, they paid too much money to reward (in my opinion) ace special teamer Myles Killebrew.
Between these three contracts, the Steelers are spending $9.25 million per season on their three special teamers. That doesn’t even take into account Christian Kuntz’s (admittedly inconsequential) three-year contract. And lest we forget, they pay Chris Boswell $4.2 million per season, so that’s nearly $13.5 million for four players.
But then they let their two starting pitchers leave in free agency? Miles Boykin signed a veteran minimum contract with the New York Giants. James Pierre also did the same with the Washington Commanders, so they end up playing against each other twice a year.
The Steelers made contradictory moves this offseason in demonstrating a commitment to special teams value. They rewarded one of their best special teamers in Myles Killebrew, but likely at the expense of other team members.
The losses of Boykin and Pierre also hurt the depth chart at wide receiver and cornerback, respectively. Both positions still lack depth, so I have a hard time understanding why the Steelers let them walk Peanut.
At least I think the Steelers gave up a walk. It’s unlikely they want to leave and sign a minimum contract. Both found success in Pittsburgh. I don’t think Boykin will see much of a receiving role in New York, and I don’t think Pierre will play corner more often in Washington.
I tend to think the Steelers could have kept both of these players cheap and didn’t. Maybe I’m wrong and we’ll never know either way, but it seems like an unnecessary risk. And that’s in contrast to other offseason moves that showed a commitment to special teams.
The only advantage I can give them is that I felt they probably didn’t fit the new kickoff rules very well. But their greatest value was in covering punts, not kickoffs.
The Steelers’ 2023 season came off a miserable note, ending like many seasons in recent years with a disappointing loss in the playoffs. His only recent changeup was when he missed the playoffs entirely. However, they have another long offseason ahead of them, as the Buffalo Bills completely defeated them in the wild card round.
The biggest question plaguing the team is the quarterback issue. Will Russell Wilson make them a Super Bowl level team or waste the year?Will he play just one season in Pittsburgh and then move on, or will the Steelers move on from him?How will the team cope? depth chart?
Frankly, the Steelers have more questions than usual this offseason, but their list of major free agents is less complete than usual. It’s just a question… what happens next? Where do they go from here? How will they find their way forward?
