Under contract: Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Brett Keisel and Cam Thomas
Free agents: Clifton Geathers
The good: Heyward tied for the team-lead with 7.5 sacks and led the Steelers with 21 quarterback pressures in his first full season as a starter. The 2011 first-round draft pick is a cornerstone of the defense, and Heyward and Tuitt should give the Steelers a potent inside pass rush in the nickel defense for years to come. Tuitt is only going to get better after making significant progress in his rookie season. The 6-5, 303-pounder started the final four games at left defensive end and gave a glimpse as to why the Steelers are so excited about him by forcing a fumble in a 20-10 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Tuitt showed excellent pursuit after Jamaal Charles caught a screen pass and he forced a lost fumble after belting the Chiefs running back from behind.
The bad: Experienced depth could be an issue, especially if the Steelers don't bring back Keisel for a 14th NFL season. Keisel played well in situational duty before a torn triceps injury ended his season at the end of November. Cam Thomas is an adequate backup though he does have position flexibility.
The burning question: Do the Steelers think Keisel has one more season left in him? “Da Beard” has indicated that he would like to play another season but at some point the Steelers have to fully commit to getting younger on defense. Also, former defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau advocated bringing Keisel back last year long before they re-signed him in August. LeBeau is now in Tennessee, adding more uncertainty to Keisel's future in Pittsburgh.
The money: The Steelers owe Heyward $6.97 million in 2015 after picking up the option year in his rookie contract. They are expected to sign him to a long-term deal, something that should lower Heyward's salary cap hit in 2015. Tuitt is a bargain with a base salary of $629,500. Thomas is due $2 million in the final season of his contract and that includes the second half of his $1 million signing bonus. Keisel is owed $1.5 million, which includes the second half of his $500,000 signing bonus.
Draft priority: Medium. The Steelers are set with their two starters but it wouldn't hurt to add another young end to defensive line coach John Mitchell's room.
He said it: “We have to have more guys getting to the quarterback, myself included. Anytime it's a pass I've got to get more pressure. I put more pressure on myself than any coach could.” -- Heyward on what the Steelers' defense has to do moving forward.
