Steelers Free Agency Predictions, Pittsburgh can solve punting woes by signing Tommy Townsend
The Pittsburgh Steelers started the offseason in a series of moves that included the release of 2022 draft pick and punter Pressley Harvin. In doing so, the Steelers are quite literally without a punter. Well, they may be able to solve their dilemma with arguably the best in the league: Steelers Should Sign P Tommy […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers started the offseason in a series of moves that included the release of 2022 draft pick and punter Pressley Harvin.
In doing so, the Steelers are quite literally without a punter.
Well, they may be able to solve their dilemma with arguably the best in the league:
Steelers Should Sign P Tommy Townsend
The writing is on the wall for Tommy Townsend's future with the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of the 2024 NFL free agency period. The team's signing former Buffalo Bills P Matt Araiza on Thursday suggests that they don't expect to be able to re-sign Townsend in free agency. In 2022, he earned a First-Team All-Pro selection on the back of a tremendous year punting the ball. In total, he amassed 201 punts for 9,533 yards and a 47.4-yard per punt average during the regular season. 82 of his punts landed inside of the 20-yard line and none of his punts were returned for touchdowns. –Charles Goldman, A to Z Sports Kansas City
To be clear, Townsend isn't being released, and Araiza wasn't brought in as an upgrade, because as Goldman would likely agree, how do you upgrade over the best punter in the league?
The reason the two sides are likely to separate is due to money, as Townsend is going to command a contract that represents his status both individually and collectively as a Pro Bowler, All-Pro, and two-time Super Bowl Champion.
So Why Should Pittsburgh Pay Townsend?
I know what you're thinking, "Why would a team woking with limited salary cap spend money on a punter?"
It's simple really: Playstyle.
Right or wrong, Pittsburgh wants to win through complementary football based on the success of all three units, and more specifically, through elite defense, a heavy rushing attack, and sound special teams.
Not to mention Pittsburgh has probably had enough of the shanked punts and short fields that plagued them for the majority of the past two seasons.
So look, it would be flashier to sign a QB or big-name WR, but we know that's not how Pittsburgh operates. Instead, they look to make the right move to help them win on the margins.
Good luck finding a move that personifies Pittsburgh any better.
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