Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Veterans who won't survive 2017 training camp
William Gay Pittsburgh Steelers
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Before 2017 training camp is in the books, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be forced to make some difficult decisions that will include cutting some prominent veterans.
As strange as it sounds, the Pittsburgh Steelers' championship window could soon be closing. With Ben Roethlisberger mulling retirement and some of their top playmakers getting up there in age, it's going to be imperative for the Steelers to capitalize in 2017.
However, before we can start making playoff/Super Bowl predictions, the 53-man roster must first be set. In order for that to happen, Pittsburgh is going to have to kill the hopes and dreams of many players vying for a spot on the final roster. Among that group will inevitably be some veteran names who have been around for years.
It's not ideal, but that's what happens when only so many roster spots are available. Especially as the Steelers continue to add intriguing prospects via the draft, more established players are often pushed out. That's the case for every NFL team every offseason, so don't expect anything different in the Steel City in 2017.
With that in mind, here are five Steelers veterans who I believe won't survive 2017 training camp. For one reason or another, their times in Pittsburgh seem destined to come to an end before Week 1 of the regular season rolls around.
Jordan Dangerfield Pittsburgh Steelers
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
5. Jordan Dangerfield, S
At this moment, the Steelers aren't exactly loaded at safety. Unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily mean that every one on the roster will be around when Week 1 arrives. Someone is going to be shown the door, and that someone is Jordan Dangerfield.
More from NFL Spin Zone
Pittsburgh is currently set atop the depth chart with Sean Davis and Mike Mitchell. Although not an outstanding talent, Robert Golden is an experienced option who can serve as a backup at both positions. Considering someone else like Coty Sensabaugh could drop back to safety, the Steelers have options if they really need them.
So why would a player like Jordan Dangerfield stick around? I know he offers some value on special teams, but isn't exactly a reliable option on defense. He saw limited action a season ago due to injuries, and didn't do much to prove he deserves more snaps moving forward.
Unless an injury occurs, Dangerfield appears to be an unnecessary piece of the puzzle. He doesn't offer enough talent to see significant snaps, and can easily be replaced on special teams. It's looking like he'll have to find work elsewhere if he hopes to keep his NFL dreams alive in 2017.
Knile Davis Pittsburgh Steelers
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
4. Knile Davis, RB
Not long ago, Knile Davis had the look of an up-and-coming NFL running back. In the last year or so, though, his stock has seen a drastic decline. Just in 2016, he spent time with three teams, including two separate stints with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Realistically, I just don't think there's a place for the sudden journeyman in Pittsburgh. The Steelers already have a star at running back in Le'Veon Bell, and an intriguing young backup in rookie James Conner. When training camp opens, Davis will be battling with Fitzgerald Toussaint and Terrell Watson for what should be the final spot on the depth chart.
Unfortunately for Davis, I don't think he'll win that war. At this point in his career, he's just too unreliable and doesn't offer enough upside to keep around.
Meanwhile, Toussaint has proven his worth to the Steelers over the last couple of years. While not a big part of the ground game, he brings value as a special teams player. He knows the offense, and showed well in limited touches a season ago, averaging 4.2 yards per carry.
Davis will try to stick as a kick returner, but I don't see that happening either. When he came into the league, he was seen as a one-trick pony with 4.37 speed. It appears that trick has lost its luster, which will lead to his eventual departure from the Steelers.
L.J. Fort Pittsburgh Steelers
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
3. L.J. Fort, ILB
It's been a bumpy road for L.J. Fort since he entered the NFL in 2012 as an undrafted free agent. He's bounced around the league, having played for for six different teams in five years. Although he's managed to stick in Pittsburgh for over one year, that may not last much longer.
Right now, Fort offers little potential outside of special teams. He saw only 42 defensive snaps a season ago, tallying four total tackles along the way. While the Steelers aren't particularly deep at inside linebacker, Fort doesn't offer enough to earn a contributor role. That's why he's going to get the ax before training camp is over.
The starting inside linebacker jobs are locked down between Ryan Shazier and Vince Williams. Then there are capable backups Tyler Matakevich and Steven Johnson who should fill out the remainder of the depth chart. Doesn't sound like there's going to be much room on the roster for someone like Fort.
It's been a good run for Fort, who initially seemed unlikely to make it in the NFL. Unfortunately, the story is going to need to continue somewhere else in 2017. The natural tools and instincts on defense just aren't there with the Northern Iowa product.
Darrius Heyward-Bey Pittsburgh Steelers
James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
2. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR
At this moment, the Steelers are rather stacked in terms of wide receiver depth. That could force the coaching staff to part ways with a prominent name or two when final cuts roll around. If I had to guess, I'd say Darrius Heyward-Bey's time in Pittsburgh has finally run out.
All things considered, Heyward-Bey was a pleasant surprise for the Steelers. A former top draft pick turned bust, the speedy veteran carved out a role for himself in the Steel City. Although injuries played a part in his ongoing role, he wasn't a complete disaster when on the field.
Considering some of Pittsburgh's recent additions, though, there no longer appears to be a role for him. Martavis Bryant is back from suspension, immediately stepping in as the starter opposite Antonio Brown. Eli Rogers had a breakout year in 2016, and the addition of JuJu Smith-Schuster gives the Steelers another exciting prospect to mold.
Where does Heyward-Bey fit into that equation? He doesn't–especially with players such as Justin Hunter and Sammie Coates also vying for the final spot on the roster. It's been a solid three seasons in Pittsburgh during which he proved capable of making a noticeable impact. Still, there are just too many players with more potential trying to steal his roster spot.
William Gay Pittsburgh Steelers
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
1. William Gay, CB
For the last 10 years, William Gay has played an integral role in the Pittsburgh secondary. Unfortunately for the 32-year-old veteran cornerback, his time as an effective NFL cover man appears to be nearing its inevitable end.
That's not to say Gay will be a liability in 2017. He earned positive marks from Pro Football Focus, finishing the year as the 15th-ranked cornerback among 111 qualified players. Still, there have been whispers of Gay switching to safety or simply getting the ax as the Steelers look to get younger in the secondary.
It's not like they don't have players capable of picking up the slack. Artie Burns flashed serious potential a season ago, and Ross Cockrell is a quality starter when healthy. 2017 third-round pick Cameron Sutton should also be given the opportunity to see significant snaps as a rookie. If Senquez Golson can get healthy and stay there, Gay could be the odd man out.
Cutting him would only create $633,333 in dead cap space (post-June 1 cut). It's a small price to pay to let him walk while allowing him to continue his career elsewhere. Gay is still a capable starter in the NFL, but could simply be the one left out in the cold as Pittsburgh undergoes a youth movement in the secondary.
