Most NFL careers are short. The fact that the NFL and NFLPA debate about just how short they are proves the point.
- Regardless of who is right, even under the best circumstances the NFL is merely a way point on the road to “Life’s Work.”
Yet if you can stick around long enough in the NFL to get that coveted second contract, you can typically latch on for the long term. All of which is to say that “roster bubble players” typically have a shelf life of 2 to 3 years tops. In that sense Jordan Dangerfield of the Steelers has beat the system as he’s already spent 5 years on Steelers active rosters along with stints on practice squads in two other seasons.
Will 2021 be a 6th season for Jordan Dangerfield?
Jordan Dangerfield in his only start for the Steelers. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com
Capsule Profile of Jordan Dangerfield’s Career with the Steelers
After signing with the Bills as an undrafted free agent out of Towson in 2013, Jordan Dangerfield bounced around the football world for a few years, including stints with the Steelers and some team called the Brooklyn Bolts, before finally making Pittsburgh’s active roster in 2016.
While Dangerfield is a safety by trade, it’s on special teams where’s he’s earned his keep with the Steelers. Dangerfield’s dedication to special teams was rewarded in 2020 when he was named captain of coach Danny Smith’s unit. And for good reason.
- Remember that trick play the Cowboys ran in 2020 that almost resulted in a touchdown?
It was Jordan Dangerfield who made touchdown saving tackle for the Steelers.
The Case for the Steelers Resigning Jordan Dangerfield 2021
When you find a player who is dedicated to special teams, even one who just turned 30 as Dangerfield did on Christmas Day, he’s someone worth keeping around. Also, considering Dangerfield signed a one-year deal for $825,000 to stay in Pittsburgh last year, it’s not going to take much to retain his services for another season.
The Case Against the Steelers Resigning Jordan Dangerfield 2021
As already stated, Dangerfield is 30 years old. Also, he doesn’t offer much in terms of safety depth, other than someone who “knows the system” and can come in and defend against the run.
- His coverage skills are limited at best.
With depth such an important aspect in the NFL, maybe it’s best the Steelers find a younger player who is not only eager to kick butt on special teams but who also has upside at the safety position.
Curtain’s Call on Jordan Dangerfield and the Steelers 2021
Nobody worries about special teams until they jump up and bite a team. I think there’s always room on the depth chart for a player who excels at special teams and nothing else. The Steelers should bring back Jordan Dangerfield and allow him to captain the special team’s ship for 2021.
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