This is the second time this preseason the Steelers have to give up trade compensation -- likely in the form of draft picks -- to replace an injured player. First, the team gave up a fifth-round pick for cornerback Brandon Boykin. Now, with news of a trade for Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee, Jacksonville either gets a late-round pick or a player of value on the Steelers' current roster.
The Steelers simply had minimal options after Garrett Hartley injured his hamstring. In the manual for How to Not Start a Season, going on a third starting kicker before Week 1 is in the first few pages.
Scobee is a career 80.8-percent kicker who had a terrific year in 2013, making 23-of-25 kicks. After playing 11 seasons in Jacksonville, Scobee is probably one of the best players in franchise history.
The Steelers felt the consistency with Scobee was worth giving up compensation for, rather than taking chances on a free-agent market. Billy Cundiff, Alex Henery and Jay Feely were among available options there.
Scobee is capable just like Hartley was, though neither match the efficiency of Shaun Suisham, who produced back-to-back-to-back seasons of 90-plus-percent accuracy with at least 28 attempts in each of those years.
At this point, the Steelers simply hope to get through a season with one healthy kicker.
