I should start out disclosing that I am a diehard Steelers fan and I have loved watching Polamalu fly around, terrorizing opposing offenses for the last 12 seasons. He - along with Casey Hampton, Lamarr Woodley, and James Harrison - has been the heart of the most recent incarnation of the Steel Curtain. Despite everything he's meant to the team, the city, and fans across the country it's time for the Steelers to say good-bye to yet another celebrated and decorated defensive stalwart. Over the past few seasons we have seen Pittsburgh cut or fail to resign Hampton, Woodley, and Harrison when they became too injury prone, expensive, or lost too much of their ability. While the Steelers did resign Harrison (after an uneventful year in Cincinnati), the move was out of desperation after training camp injuries left the linebacking corps thin. There are a few reasons why Polamalu should be the next great Steelers defensive player released during the 2015 offseason.
- Polamalu is 33 years old and has battled injuries the last few years. While he played all 16 regular season games in 2011 (when he won defensive player of the year) and 2013, he missed significant time in 2012 and has missed several more games so far this season. He's missed the last two weeks due to a knee injury. If we apply the theory that the SanFrancisco Giants will win the World Series in even years, then we could also make the argument that Polamalu will be healthy in 2015. However, I fail to see how a (will be) 34 year old safety with a history of bad knees will somehow stay healthy.
- Polamalu's cap hit in 2015 is $8.25 million. That's a lot of money for an injury prone player who's lost a lot of his effectiveness. If the Steelers cut him before the 2015 season they'll have $4.5 million in dead money on their cap. Overall that would mean a savings of $3.75 million. If the Steelers cut him before 2016 (the last year of his current contract) they'd have $2.25 million of dead money out of an $8 million cap hit. They'd save more money waiting a year, but why delay the inevitable?
- The Steelers should use the money they'd save cutting Polamalu (coupled with an extension for Roethlisberger) and use it to upgrade the most neglected part of their team - the cornerback position. And by upgrade I mean stop waiting until the 5th round of the draft to take a corner. Maybe be crazy and take one in the 3rd?
- The Steelers will miss Polamalu's leadership but they have a replacement, from a playing perspective, who will be ready to step in on a full time basis next year - Shamarko Thomas. Thomas will be entering his third season, which is typically when Dick Lebeau expects his players to make a huge leap in their development. Thomas is not the same caliber of player as Polamalu (no one really is), but his play will be better than that of what Polamalu has become.
- Polamalu's game is based on instinct and timing. He has made more than a few spectacular plays over the years because of this, and has even managed a few this year. But more often than not trying to make a big play has left Polamalu out of position and has resulted in more than a few big plays.
Troy Polamalu has meant everything to Steelers fans over his amazing career. He is no doubt a future Hall of Famer. He may still think that he has a lot to offer as a player - his leadership ability cannot be questioned - but if he wants to keep playing, it should not be in Black and Gold after this year. The Steelers need to say good-bye to Troy, just as they have to several defensive greats who have come before him.
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