The Pittsburgh Steelers remain one of the most stable organizations in pro sports. Here’s a franchise that’s had a total of three head coaches since the Lyndon Johnson Administration. That really is something to behold.
Unfortunately, said stability will come to an end this spring when Pittsburgh moves on from All-Pro performers Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown.
In an upside-down world that has defined the 2019 calendar year, these Steelers are going to lose two of the best players at their respective positions. Why? Blind loyalty to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and a lack of front office discipline.
Let us explain.
Antonio Brown wasn’t the only problem: To suggest this is downright ignorant.
- Sure Brown has his own issues. The receiver’s social media activity will certainly be a cause for alarm for inquiring teams. It might have also lowered what Pittsburgh receives in a potential trade.
- Even then, Big Ben has his own issues. He’s not only called out Brown, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback has also shaded young teammates Mason Rudolph and James Washington.
- It now appears that the Steelers’ brass — general manager Kevin Colbert included — are more than fine with this.
Not valuing Le’Veon Bell: It’s that simple. Pittsburgh failed to value the All-Pro back.
- If Bell were indeed looking for $15-plus million annually, why not pay it out? After all, he’s proven to be the most productive back in the NFL over the years.
- Here’s a dude that has put up nearly 8,000 total yards in five seasons. Even more so than Big Ben, he’s been a primary reason for Pittsburgh’s success on offense.
- Instead, Pittsburgh is negotiating an extension with a quarterback in the back end of his career.
The Patriots’ dynamic: Tom Brady isn’t going to play forever.
- Pittsburgh’s window to dominate the AFC was opening up prior to these most recent drama-filled incidents. Brady is 41 years old and showed signs of slowing down last season.
- There’s not an on-field reason for Pittsburgh to find itself in this current predicament. Bell and Brown teaming up with youngsters JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner would’ve made for one heck of a skill-position group.
- With Bell just now entering his prime and Brown still performing at a high level, the sky was the limit for this team.
Instead, all of this is going to be a pipe dream. Bell and Brown will be starring for other teams next season.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh will be left dealing with an enigmatic figure in Big Ben entering the twilight of his career.
A dynasty that never began has now concluded. And the Steelers are no longer that stable organization we’ve seen over the past half century plus.
It’s that simple.