Next in our Pittsburgh Steelers’ free-agent watch is outside linebacker Arthur Moats.
2014 pay: Moats had a base salary of $795,000 that counted $635,000 against the salary cap since he signed a veteran minimum contract.
By the numbers: Moats started 10 games at right outside linebacker and recorded 23 tackles and four sacks in the regular season. He also forced two fumbles and his fumble recovery in an early December game in Cincinnati proved to be the turning point in the Steelers’ 42-21 win over the Bengals. Moats also recorded six tackles on special teams.
The case for keeping him: Moats is a good fit with the Steelers, and he would be ideal as a No.3 outside linebacker who can start and also play special teams. He turns 27 in less than two weeks, and his best football years are still in front of him. The Steelers need bodies at outside linebacker, and Moats would give them a young player who is also experienced and is a good locker room guy.
The case for letting him walk: Moats probably isn’t a long-term answer as far as a starter at outside linebacker. The 6-3, 250-pounder may seek a better opportunity and more money elsewhere. The Steelers should not overpay Moats just because they have so much uncertainty at outside linebacker.
Prediction: Moats isn’t going to settle for another veteran minimum contract. Nor should he. He started more than half of the Steelers’ games last season and embraced his role -- whether it was playing the bulk of the snaps at right outside linebacker because of injuries or playing primarily on special teams. The Steelers may let the market determine Moats’ value before trying to re-sign him. They want him back, and I think they will make him a fair offer. Assuming that happens, Moats returns in 2015.
