Tackle Jonathan Scott – Steelers 2011 Free Agent
Free Agent Classification: UFA (unrestricted free agent)
2010 Salary: $545,000 Base – $545,000 Cap Charge
Analysis: We continue to look player by player at each Steelers free agents as we head deeper into the offseason and free agency.
Next up is tackle Jonathan Scott. Until there is a new CBA and the labor issues are all worked out, Scott is considered an unrestricted free agent and he was signed by the Steelers as a free agent to a one-year contract by the Steelers on March, 9, 2010. Scott previously played with Bills in 2008 and 2009.
Scott was well known by offensive line coach Sean Kugler after playing for him in Buffalo and Kugler thought enough of him to vouch for his signing in Pittsburgh.
Scott had a rocky start in Pittsburgh, but ended the season as the starting left tackle after Max Starks was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury. In all Scott started 9 regular season games and all 3 playoff games for the Steelers. Initially he was very inconsistent in his play, but actually improved later in the season as if the light finally came on for him at left tackle. On the season Scott allowed 6 sacks from my evaluations along with 27 quarterback pressures. He also missed a key block late in the week 15 game against the Jets that resulted in a safety. Up until that point in the game though, Scott showed signs he was turning the corner and had a good game overall. His pass blocking was adequate throughout the playoffs, but his run blocking still is less than adequate in my opinion.
Future: The early word is that the Steelers are open to re-signing Scott for 2011 as there now have reportedly been some initial contract talks. Scott should not be considered anything more than a backup tackle going forward and if he does re-sign with the Steelers, it will likely be for the minimum or slightly above and he will likely have to earn a spot on the roster regardless in training camp. Kugler seems to see something in him in order for there to be any interest and his future, if signed, will be tied to the status of free agent tackle Willie Colon and veteran Flozell Adams. The Steelers also have lineman Chris Scott coming back off of an injury plagued rookie season and will also likely draft one if not two tackles in the draft. At this point in the offseason, it is not out of the question that Jonathan could be the 7th or 8th lineman on the Steelers roster in 2011, but he should not be considered anything more than a depth guy going forward.
Other 2011 Steelers Free Agents Analysis
Trai Essex
Mewelde Moore
Doug Legursky
Greg Warren
Dennis Dixon
Tony Hills
Chris Hoke
Ryan Mundy
Anthony Madison
Keyaron Fox
Nick Eason
Daniel Sepulveda
