ESPN: Steelers will 'explore' signing veteran safety Eric Weddle

Not big on Weddle when we can get younger guys. if we get him cheap then I am ok with it.

A few weeks ago, Spotrac.com introduced a new tool called the Calculated Market Value that estimates the likely contract value of the premier free agents on the market. The tool uses a variety of factors, including players it considers comparable, age, and statistical comparisons over the two preceding seasons, to determine a given free agent's value.

Here's what they expect for Eric Weddle:

Calculated: 2 years $13.8M ($6.9M AAV)

Likely: 4 years, $28M ($7M AAV)

Much like running backs, safeties simply aren’t commanding the dollars they once did. And those over 30 are annual candidates to be roster cuts/cap casualties. Weddle has an opportunity to buck the trend a bit, with back to back outstanding seasons in San Diego to begin his 30’s. Weddle has likely played his last game in San Diego, and while a high annual average salary isn’t likely, multiple offers on the open market should reward him with a longer term deal, guarantees front-loaded of course.

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016/2/24/11104546/nfl-com-safety-eric-weddle-a-good-fit-for-dallas-cowboys

I'd pay Weddle $14MM over two seasons. He's on the wrong side of 30 and isn't going to command term, but the dollars in the short term make sense.

The versatility and talent he would bring to the defense would be much needed.

Another intriguing FA I'll drop is Chris Long. Rotational edge depth is always needed, particularly when the pass rush of this team is going to be abysmal and relying on late-thirty year old linebackers.

4 year 28 million...but he never sees year 4 of the contract is likely what happens. Not sure that is in the Steelers plans. I cant honestly think of the last time they paid big money for another teams free agent like that.

I Expect Robert Golden back and a safety drafted. Might even see Will Allen on a 1 year deal again.

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

4 year 28 million...but he never sees year 4 of the contract is likely what happens.  Not sure that is in the Steelers plans.  I cant honestly think of the last time they paid big money for another teams free agent like that.

I Expect Robert Golden back and a safety drafted.  Might even see Will Allen on a 1 year deal again.

I suspect Allen will be done. In fact, they'll lose two Allens from the secondary this year.

NFL Combine: Sunday Notes

Monday's defensive back workout will set the pecking order at safety with the prime suspects being Keanu Neal of Florida, Darian Thompson of Boise State and Vonn Bell of Ohio State. As previously mentioned, Neal has been outperforming Bell regularly in combine training.

The belief is at least one safety will go in the late part of the opening round, and there's a chance two end up in the first frame. I'm hearing if you want a chance of selecting one of the top safeties, you'll have to move in front of Tennessee at the top of Round 2. I'm told the Baltimore Ravens are a team that could trade back into the bottom part of Round 1 to grab one of the safeties.

I'm told the Oakland Raiders won't let Darian Thompson get past them in the second round.

http://walterfootball.com/combine2016rumors_tony.php#2akVz8zJIPmu33CL.99

Steelers are going to meet with Jeremy Cash.

Like they "explored" Darelle Revis? All Colbert and Co. do is "explore" when it comes to quality DB's

Revis was completely out of the price range, Weddle is affordable.

Point is ...he won't pull the trigger on a quality DB draft or otherwise...he seems to think in this quick drop release NFL....Steeler LB's will still get that sacks they did when Porter was playing

BKAnthem wrote:

Point is ...he won't pull the trigger on a quality DB draft or otherwise...he seems to think in this quick drop release NFL....Steeler LB's will still get that sacks they did when Porter was playing

You may be right that they will not draft in the first round or sign a FA quality DB. Although they did draft Golson last year with a 2nd round pick (because they didn't have a rating on a DB that justified their use in the 1st round). This year may be different. I really think a quality CB will be sitting on the board when the Steelers pick at 25.

But as far as Tomlin thinking he doesn't need to change anything because his LBs will continue to get sacks like they had with Porter, well that's not accurate. Butler has already changed the strategy for how the Steelers pressure opposing QBs. Much more pressure, and sacks, came right up the middle through the A and B gaps than in the past. That's because Butler (and maybe Tomlin) know the quick release trend in the NFL is disrupted more with pressure in the QBs face than what you get with a wider rush from the OLBs. There's been so much focus on Jarvis Jones not having a pass rush move, or Dupree being a rookie who disappeared from mid to late in the season, or Moats being nothing more than a cheap body who can fill in for a few snaps, or even Harrison, who aside from 3 games, really didn't do much. Last season's defensive scheme put more pressure on the guards and centers than on the tackles and that was an intentional focus. I'm sure they want more production from their OLBs, but the scheme has shifted the focus away from them. The Steelers finished the season 3rd in the league in sacks. They most certainly changed how they get after the QB and it provided a lift.

George Iloka

STRONG SAFETY

Age: 25
Exp: 4 Years
Drafted: Round 5 (#167 overall), 2012
College: Boise State
Agent(s): BTI Sports Advisors

CALCULATED MARKET VALUE:

$5.6M
AVG. ANNUAL SALARY

Market Value
4 yrs, $22,593,361
Avg. Salary: $5,648,340

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/george-iloka/market-value/

I had wrote this on my blog:

This is the popular name that keeps popping up every other day. Eric Weddle is a Pro Bowl safety who just turned 31 last month, and appears to be unhappy with his current situation with the San Diego Chargers. Set to become a free agent at the start of the 2016 NFL league year, Weddle would be an ideal upgrade at a much-needed position for the Steelers. However, because of the price Weddle will likely command on the market, combined with an uncertainty of how much cap room Pittsburgh has (and needing to sign some of their in-house players) I doubt the Weddle deal happens.

Now, there’s speculation that Weddle will take a discount to play with a contender. That might be true, but other contenders, such as the Cincinnati Bengals, have more cap space and could easily outbid the Steelers. (The Bengals are a prime example of someone in the market for Weddle, because they too will need a safety, if they allow their own starter, Reggie Nelson, to enter free agency.)

http://www.steelcityunderground.com/2016/02/17/7-deals-the-steelers-wont-make-during-the-2016-offseason/

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

I had wrote this on my blog:

This is the popular name that keeps popping up every other day. Eric Weddle is a Pro Bowl safety who just turned 31 last month, and appears to be unhappy with his current situation with the San Diego Chargers. Set to become a free agent at the start of the 2016 NFL league year, Weddle would be an ideal upgrade at a much-needed position for the Steelers. However, because of the price Weddle will likely command on the market, combined with an uncertainty of how much cap room Pittsburgh has (and needing to sign some of their in-house players) I doubt the Weddle deal happens.

Now, there’s speculation that Weddle will take a discount to play with a contender. That might be true, but other contenders, such as the Cincinnati Bengals, have more cap space and could easily outbid the Steelers. (The Bengals are a prime example of someone in the market for Weddle, because they too will need a safety, if they allow their own starter, Reggie Nelson, to enter free agency.)

http://www.steelcityunderground.com/2016/02/17/7-deals-the-steelers-wont-make-during-the-2016-offseason/

Weren't they talking about potential contenders? Cincy continues to find new and unique ways to take themselves out of this conversation.  

Another great write-up! Thanks Underground!

kirklandrules wrote:

Weren't they talking about potential contenders? Cincy continues to find new and unique ways to take themselves out of this conversation.  

Another great write-up! Thanks Underground!

LOL - and thanks!

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

kirklandrules wrote:

Weren't they talking about potential contenders? Cincy continues to find new and unique ways to take themselves out of this conversation.  

Another great write-up! Thanks Underground!

LOL - and thanks!

But on a serious note and to plug one of your other threads, you wrote about Burfict and his coaches not understanding why people think he's a thug. It's players like Burfict and Pac Man that may prevent players like Weddle from signing with Cincy. Who wants to play for a team that loses a playoff game because of 30 yards of personal foul penalties? So place the Steelers and Bungles next to each other and answer honestly: if money doesn't matter, which team do you think you have a better opportunity of winning a championship with?

kirklandrules wrote:

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

kirklandrules wrote:

Weren't they talking about potential contenders? Cincy continues to find new and unique ways to take themselves out of this conversation.  

Another great write-up! Thanks Underground!

LOL - and thanks!

But on a serious note and to plug one of your other threads, you wrote about Burfict and his coaches not understanding why people think he's a thug. It's players like Burfict and Pac Man that may prevent players like Weddle from signing with Cincy. Who wants to play for a team that loses a playoff game because of 30 yards of personal foul penalties? So place the Steelers and Bungles next to each other and answer honestly: if money doesn't matter, which team do you think you have a better opportunity of winning a championship with?

That's VERY true. (I meant to post the Burfict thing as a topic... maybe I'll take a minute and do that.)

Once I find a few minutes, I'm going to address Pacman running his mouth too... no way Pittsburgh ever has interest in him, so he should just quit while he's ahead... wait, he won't be on an NFL roster this year anyway!

from Pro Football Focus:

Target

S Eric Weddle

The Steelers are, as ever it seems, not blessed with a massive amount of cap space, so shrewd investments will be key until moves are made to free up money. Though the Steelers need to get younger on defense, putting the right veteran leadership and performance in place is also important, and Eric Weddle could certainly help the Pittsburgh secondary. Paired with Mike Mitchell, Weddle would bring versatility and unrivaled quality to the Steelers’ secondary, offering a sure pair of hands to support both a fledgling crop of cornerbacks and support a linebacker group that attacks aggressively and can leave gaps that need to be plugged by the secondary unit to cut off big plays.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/02/25/pro-why-steelers-should-re-sign-kelvin-beachum-target-eric-weddle/

Pittsburgh Steelers: Eric Weddle the perfect free agent?

March 4, 2016 by Erick Starkey



The Pittsburgh Steelers clearly need to work on their secondary this offseason. They finished 30th in the NFL in passing yards allowed, with 271.9 yards allowed per game through the air. The Steelers’ biggest weakness on either side of the ball was the ability to stop the pass, so that is something the team will need to address before the start of the 2016 season. That being said, Pittsburgh does not usually make big splashes in free agency. The biggest move they made last year was to bring in DeAngelo Williams, but they did not bring in any huge names. Even though it may be uncharacteristic, the Steelers should give strong consideration to bring in the big name of Eric Weddle this offseason.

Weddle has been in the league for nine years, all with the San Diego Chargers, and he has played in 137 total games. He has racked up 850 total tackles during his career so far, to go along with 6.5 sacks. He has also played a role in a fair share of turnovers, forcing five fumbles, recovering four fumbles and coming down with 19 interceptions.

Over the past three years, Weddle has accounted for 307 tackles, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions. Despite getting up there in age, the 31-year-old has not seen his numbers slip greatly. He did miss three games in 2015, and he saw his production decrease, but not by a lot. He had 78 tackles and a fumble recovery in 13 games last year. He still ranked second on the Chargers in tackles a season ago. San Diego ranked 14th in the NFL in passing yards allowed last year, and part of that is because of Weddle.

Pittsburgh currently has Mike Mitchell and Will Allen starting at the two safety spots. Mitchell was brought to the Steelers two seasons ago, and he has put together two good years. He had 80 tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions in 2015. He has become a big, hard-hitting safety over the middle, so Weddle would not replace him.

Allen played in only 13 games last year, but he did rack up 80 tackles, too. He rivaled Mitchell in tackles, but not in turnovers, as Allen had two forced fumbles and an interception. Although Allen is a solid player, he is not to the caliber of Mitchell or Weddle.

The combination of Weddle and Mitchell would be a huge force to be reckoned with. Both of them can range across the field, and can be in position to make a play on any given down. The two of them, with Allen coming off the bench in relief, would greatly help out Pittsburgh’s passing defense. Weddle is not the only piece that can improve this part of the defense, but he is certainly a great start.

http://isportsweb.com/2016/03/04/pittsburgh-steelers-eric-weddle-perfect-free-agent/

He would be a nice fit but, I don't see him signing here.

Weddle signing with Carolina on a discount is a possibility. Reason: 1. contender 2. Ron Rivera, former Chargers DC.


I see Golden being brought back to start and they'll address the position via draft. And spend the money elsewhere, like on the D-line for depth.

@JasonLaCanfora
The Steelers have reached agreement with safety Robert Golden on a 3yr/$5M deal

https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/status/706841973294891008

$1.66 (repeating 6s) million per year. Not bad at all.

The question is: is it $1.6 million for a starting S, or a backup S and a special teams player?

jak341 wrote:

$1.66 (repeating 6s) million per year. Not bad at all.

The question is: is it $1.6 million for a starting S, or a backup S and a special teams player?

Post-Gazette thinks it is a backup/special teams signing

Golden could be a stop-gap starter if need be, but his value lies in his ability to play special teams and fill in as a reserve. The contract he signed is representative of that.

http://sportsblogs.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers-steelers-blog/2016/03/07/Golden-re-signs-with-the-Steelers.html

But if the Steelers plan to find a safety in free agency Weedle will not be inexpensive

NFL’s top 100 free agents of 2016

14 Eric Weddle, S 2015 team: Chargers

Weddle kind of falls into the Wes Welker-category of hitting free agency late in his career (age 31) while coming off of an average season. Still, he’d be the perfect cherry on top for a contending team. Best fit: Cowboys.

http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/03/07/nfl-free-agency-top-100-players

Chargers Free Agent S Eric Weddle Believes He Has ‘Three To Five Years’ Left In Him

BY DAVE BRYAN MARCH 7, 2016

Now that the legal free agent tampering period is underway around the NFL, speculation as to where San Diego Chargers safety Eric Weddle will wind up playing in 2016 is beginning to pick up even more. During his weekly MMQB post, Peter King recapped a recent talk he had with Weddle.

“I’ve got three to five years left in me,” Weddle said Saturday, according to King. “I want to go somewhere I have a chance to win a Super Bowl. Until last year I’ve never been injured. I’ve never had surgery. I don’t drink, I don’t go out. My shoulders, back, legs, hip, they’re all fine. I think I bring a lot to a team.”

Weddle, who turned 31 in January, apparently has given a lot of thought to the possibility of him signing with the New England Patriots*.

“It would be funny if I ended up there,” Weddle told King of him possibly playing in New England next season. “We’ve played them so many times. The thing I like about them is they don’t have an ego. It’s insane to think about how good they’ve been. I’ve been to just one AFC championship game. They’ve been there every year. You respect it, you envy it, you admire it.”

If you are hoping Weddle signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers, King reports that the veteran safety spoke “longingly” of not only them, but the Oakland Raiders and Carolina Panthers as well as he also sees those teams as possible destinations for him very soon.

Now that the Kansas City Chiefs have placed the franchise tag on safety Eric Berry, Weddle figures to be the most sought after safety on the free agent market starting Wednesday evening. Because of that, several anticipate his value to be right around $8 million a season. If that turns out to be the case, one could easily speculate that Weddle would be too expensive for the Steelers.

Being as the Raiders have a ton of cap space to work with this offseason, one would think that they will make a serious push for Weddle.

The Steelers were able to shore-up their safety position some on Monday by re-signing Robert Goldento a three-year, $5 million contract. Golden, however, is not currently a lock to start alongside Mike Mitchell next season.

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/03...ve-years-left/

I hope the Steelers could sign him. He would be a perfect fit. But be realistic the chance of signing him is not good. If he wants money, he will choose the Raiders. If he wants to join a contender, the Panthers would be a better choice.