Appears like Robert Spillane is the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Man at ILB, he simply did not say it

PITTSBURGH – Robert Spillane won’t admit it, but he’s “the guy” for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Spillane returns to Pittsburgh to keep veterans to a minimum as an exclusive legal free agent. According to laypeople, the Steelers will pay Spillane $ 850,000 in 2021.

About a week later, the Steelers made the investment stronger. After eight years in Pittsburgh, the Steelers released linebacker Vince Williams and gave Spillane the keys.

“Vince is one of the people I have looked up to very much since day one in Pittsburgh,” said Spillane. “He’s the type of guy who does his business the right way. He plays football the right way. The energy he brings to defense is infection, and his ability to really bring guys together and guys on top of that Bringing the same side is a high-end characteristic of him.

“We’re going to miss Vince and that just means it’s time for me and Devin to take over the position of position group.”

The Steelers need Spillane to take on the role this season. In a year that has weighed heavily on Pittsburgh’s defensive depth, younger players – like 25-year-old Spillane – will add to the team’s success.

“We’re going to miss people like Bud Dupree, Vince, people who have done amazing things in defense for years,” Spillane said, “and now it’s time for people like me to get involved – Alex Highsmith, Cam Sutton. Folks, expected to play next year. “

All three will step into starting roles for the first full season of their careers. Highsmith is coming as a sophomore pass rusher, Sutton signed a $ 9 million deal, and Spillane is back to be the next uncovered defensive star in Pittsburgh.

And he’s going to play right next to a top 10 draft pick … for the first time in her career.

“We didn’t have many snapshots in the game together but we’ve been working together for two years,” said Spillane, discussing his lack of experience with fellow center-back Devin Bush. “I know and understand his style of communication and his game. I think we fit together well. We work well together. We did it off the field, so now it will only lead to us taking ours.” Communication styles and their networking to convey the best message to teammates. ”

Even if Spillane plans to rally the team and take some of the lead from Vince Williams, he’s not admitting that he’ll be the starter in Week 1.

“I don’t enroll anywhere because nothing is guaranteed,” said Spillane. I know I have to earn in OTAs, spring camp and everything I have. I don’t expect to be given anything and I don’t want anything to be I expect to get out there and deserve it. Go through the offseason program and show that I can be a better player than last year.

“I’m looking forward to coming back with the group of guys and showing the improvements I’ve made this off-season and moving on from there.”

Who we got to know the Inside Linebacker from is classic Spillane. A humble, hardworking player who just wants to be a great linebacker. It shows. It was revealed when he signed a contract for $ 850,000 without hesitation.

“I only knew my contract situation after the season,” said Spillane. “You told me that you are an exclusive agent with no rights. As long as Pittsburgh wants to keep you, they can keep you to a minimum.”

With nothing on his mind but improving, Spillane went in and out of a Pittsburgh Steeler. And whether he says it or not, he became “the guy” for black and gold.

“They told me they were going [tender me]. It was five seconds, in and out, and I started preparing for the next season. “

Noah Strackbein is a publisher at AllSteelers. Follow Noah on Twitter @NoahStrack and AllSteelers @si_steelers.