Not much news coming out of Pittsburgh on the Steelers. RB LeVeon Bell is the big, really only story. Things seem to be going pretty much just like last off season. Bell is on record as saying the two sides are closer than last year. Whether an agreement can be reached is still probably a long shot. Bell wants $17 million a season on a long term deal. The highest paid back is currently RB DeVonta Freeman of the Falcons at just over $8 million per season. Bell is the most complete back in the league, but paying him twice as much as any other back seems excessive. This is not an issue this season. Bell like last year is expected to sign his tender just before the opener. He remains in contention for the top pick in fantasy drafts although a slow start is possible. Failure to come to an agreement on a long term deal would likely mean Bell will not be back with the Steelers in 2019

The biggest injury in OTAs was a torn Achilles suffered by backup swing OT Jerald Hawkins. He has already had surgery and will miss the season. The hope was Hawkins would replace free agent loss OT Chris Hubbard. Depth is an issue. Journeyman OT Bryce Harris was signed to fill Hawkins' roster spot. Hopefully project rookie OT Chiki Okorafor can develop quicker than expected. OT Alejandro Villenueva and OT Marcus Gilbert really need to stay healthy (and in Gilbert's case avoid another PED suspension).

The suspension of QB Jameis Winston has an indirect affect on the Steelers. Winston has already accepted his three game suspension and the Steelers travel to Tampa for a prime time Monday night game in the final week that Winston will miss. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is expected to start for the Buccaneers. The Steelers defense plays the Browns in the opener followed by the Chiefs. That's two pretty good matchups in the first three weeks. Of course the defense completely collapsed after the injury to OLB Ryan Shazier last season.

The fantasy prospects of QB Ben Roethlisberger, Bell, WR Antonio Brown, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster and PK Chris Boswell are pretty much set barring injury. TE Vance McDonald and rookie WR James Washington are deep sleepers. McDonald needs to stay healthy which is highly unlikely based on past history. Washington has the inside track to be the third receiver with big play upside.

End.