- This is my first piece since the Steelers finalized the roster, so you'd think my interest would be on the players. But it's the process of I find intriguing. Productivity, pedigree, potential, promise, and pay comprise the elements held by each player making the final roster or practice squad. I'd imagine a formula equation has 'pay' as the common denominator, with the rest being numerators.
Productivity, potential, and promise, for example, define Cory Trice. His pay (low, based on his drafted pedigree) and his potential and promise are relatively high, so he's given more time to develop. At some point, potential and promise will need to convert to productivity, as patience has an expiration date.
Pay (value) and production enabled punter Corliss Waitman to secure the financial future of himself and his family. In contrast, his predecessor, Cam Johnston, fell victim to the whims of high pay. The disparity in compensation between two players who are relatively close in production leads to questions and replacement solutions. When it's close, the low compensation wins, assuming the guaranteed money doesn't exceed the savings from the lower-waged player. I'm not telling you guys anything you don't already know, but I find that process fascinating.