I expect this is pure economics. As a ten year vet with a couple of injuries recently, Warren is making 7 figures. We save about 800k and get first shot at the new crop. Hopefully the guy can do it.
The problem with that is, whomever they have handling the economics part of it doesn't understand economics. On average, one long snapper is drafted every other year. Detroit drafted one last year, put out an article stating 7 had been drafted in the last 15 years. So, we make 8 in 16, one every 2 years, with the Steelers drafting 2 of the 8.
If they would have waited, could have gotten him as a priority free agent. In fact, you could do it each year. At worst, you would get the 2nd best long snapper in the draft. Most priority free agents get a signing bonus between $5,000-$10,000. The really valued ones can get up to $25,000. The Steelers could pay $50,000 each year to a long snapper and still pay less than they will hand this guy. His signing bonus should be roughly $130,000.
Just doesn't make sense any way you slice it. It is a poor use of resources. You are securing something that really can be secured for much less.
Look, I was advocating Elijah Qualls. I think, at worst, he could have taken McCullers job. Why not Brad Kaaya as a camp arm? They signed another QB after the draft. What about Isaac Rochell, the big DE from Notre Dame? We seem to like those Golden Domer DEs. Josh Carraway as a developmental edge rusher? Jylan Ware as a developmental tackle? What about Noah Brown, Malachi Dupre, Isaah Ford, or another WR to throw in that group since they spent a 2nd to elevate the competition in the room. What about adding another RB to challenge Knile Davis? I really doubt he has his fumble issues under control. What about maybe drafting a safety to compete with that group? Hell, give me his teammate, the big safety, maybe he can play down in the box (some thought he should be a LB in this draft anyway).
Last year, the Steelers long snapper had 149 snaps, that is FG, XP, and punts. Say they draft a DB that can be your gunner. He would be on the field for the 68 punts. If he blocked the gunner when we get punts or covered kickoffs, he would see more snaps than the long snapper, and if he was a guy that could be developed to play a defensive position, he would have more value.
Never understood this, but I guess it is why they get paid the big bucks. I'm just surprised nobody in the room said....Kevin, Mike, are we really going to draft a ******* long snapper? Really? Same argument here as the Dri Archer deal, you just don't spend that type of draft capital on that value of player at this point. Meh. **** it, done now.