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http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-...troy-polamalu-steelers-should-try-trading-him
As it stands, the Pittsburgh Steelers have traded a sixth-round pick for a kicker who was released after four games and a fifth-rounder for a cornerback they rarely use. The noticeable absence of cornerback Brandon Boykin is another story that we will explore soon, but for now the reality is the Steelers -- a franchise that values draft picks and developing those draft picks -- is getting minimal returns on two lost late-rounders.
Many teams around the league have dipped into the early season trade market as a way to improve their roster or shed salary for future compensation. The Steelers should consider this with Shamarko Thomas, the third-rounder from 2013 wo was expected to succeed Troy Polamalu as the Steelers' next great safety.
It's year three, and Thomas is relegated to special teams duty. Twelve-year veteran Will Allen snatched his starting safety spot alongside Mike Mitchell. Allen has been a steadying presence through four games this year. They also have team captain Robert Golden as a backup safety/special teams ace.
If Thomas isn't in the future plans, the Steelers can explore whether a late-round pick -- preferably, the sixth-rounder they lost in the Scobee trade -- is available in exchange. Thomas could go to a team that accentuates Thomas' strength, which is seeing a play and chasing it. He's also an effective blitzer. Mike Tomlin said Thomas' problems have been "above the neck." In other words, he's not making the mental adjustments required of a safety in this system.
Perhaps that kills his value. He couldn't beat out Allen, who has been a backup for much of his career. But if a team needs a hitter, Thomas can be had on the cheap. They could develop a young, athletic player with two years left on a rookie deal that averages $630,000 in base salary.
The Steelers still might have hope for Thomas, who often texts with the now-retired Polamalu after games. If there's any chance to recoup that Scobee mistake, though, pounce.
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I guess he's a relatively cheap backup and special teamer but if Golden is the next man up would you trade him for a 6th and try to get back our Scobee pick? I mean Boykin is no where to be seen on the field now a days and will cost us a 5th. I doubt he sees the snaps to cost us more. Scobee is not on the team and cost us a 6th. We can always trade back and pick up some extra picks but as of right now we go from the 4th to the 7th before we pick again.
As it stands, the Pittsburgh Steelers have traded a sixth-round pick for a kicker who was released after four games and a fifth-rounder for a cornerback they rarely use. The noticeable absence of cornerback Brandon Boykin is another story that we will explore soon, but for now the reality is the Steelers -- a franchise that values draft picks and developing those draft picks -- is getting minimal returns on two lost late-rounders.
Many teams around the league have dipped into the early season trade market as a way to improve their roster or shed salary for future compensation. The Steelers should consider this with Shamarko Thomas, the third-rounder from 2013 wo was expected to succeed Troy Polamalu as the Steelers' next great safety.
It's year three, and Thomas is relegated to special teams duty. Twelve-year veteran Will Allen snatched his starting safety spot alongside Mike Mitchell. Allen has been a steadying presence through four games this year. They also have team captain Robert Golden as a backup safety/special teams ace.
If Thomas isn't in the future plans, the Steelers can explore whether a late-round pick -- preferably, the sixth-rounder they lost in the Scobee trade -- is available in exchange. Thomas could go to a team that accentuates Thomas' strength, which is seeing a play and chasing it. He's also an effective blitzer. Mike Tomlin said Thomas' problems have been "above the neck." In other words, he's not making the mental adjustments required of a safety in this system.
Perhaps that kills his value. He couldn't beat out Allen, who has been a backup for much of his career. But if a team needs a hitter, Thomas can be had on the cheap. They could develop a young, athletic player with two years left on a rookie deal that averages $630,000 in base salary.
The Steelers still might have hope for Thomas, who often texts with the now-retired Polamalu after games. If there's any chance to recoup that Scobee mistake, though, pounce.
_____________________________________________________
I guess he's a relatively cheap backup and special teamer but if Golden is the next man up would you trade him for a 6th and try to get back our Scobee pick? I mean Boykin is no where to be seen on the field now a days and will cost us a 5th. I doubt he sees the snaps to cost us more. Scobee is not on the team and cost us a 6th. We can always trade back and pick up some extra picks but as of right now we go from the 4th to the 7th before we pick again.
