Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Things I'd Like to See Done in the Offseason

There's not much happening around the NFL right now. It's so slow that former Steelers receiver Plaxico Burress is making the headlines.

There is a lot of tumbleweed bouncing across the dust that lies in the wake of sporadic players and owners meetings that don't satisfy the thirst for football fans.

As for the Steelers, they are a team that aren't too bothered to sit where they are. The veteran-laden defense doesn't have much starting youth,provided that Ike Taylor returns, while the offense has never been the most regimented.

Here are a few things I'd like to see the Steelers do before the start of next season.

Sign David Akers

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: David Akers #2 kicks as Sav Rocca #6 of the Philadelphia Eagles holds against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (P

David Akers was somewhat unlucky to lose out in Philadelphia, which he did after the team drafted Alex Henery.

Akers lost his job in Philadelphia because of a poor performance in the playoffs while his daughter was undergoing tests for cancer. Current Steeler Aaron Smith can relate a similar story with his son Elijah.

Regardless of the off-field issues, David Akers remains an outstanding kicker. He was the NFC's representative in the Pro Bowl last season and could be a great addition to the Steelers as they look to replace Jeff Reed.

The team needs a veteran who knows how to manage the trials that come with playing in Heinz Field. He may not be the most powerful, but he is very accurate and, at 36 years old, has plenty of experience.

Re-Sign Limas Sweed

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PITTSBURGH - AUGUST 29: Wide Reciver Limas Sweed #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a frist down catch in the first quarter tackled by Paul Posluszny #51 of the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field on August 29, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Grego

Limas Sweed is undoubtedly a talented receiver. He never had any problem getting open in the NFL but, because of what I believe to be a mental issue, had trouble catching the ball.

The Steelers have little to lose in bringing back Sweed because he will not demand anything more than the minimum. If he overcomes his issues he has much greater potential for the team than 31-year-old Antwaan Randle El.

Sweed is very different from the team's other receivers in that he has the height to complement them. Standing at 6'4" he will always be able to compete for jump balls.

Tall receivers with speed are like 7'+ basketball players. No matter how bad they are, someone will always give them a shot. There is a reason for that, and, if he sorts himself out mentally, Sweed's sheer physical gifts give him the potential to become an elite player.

Re-Sign Ike Taylor

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Ike Taylor #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won 24-19. (Photo by Nick Laham/G

For obvious reasons, the team needs to re-sign Taylor.

Not only was he the team's best cover corner last season, but he is also probably the best tackling cornerback in the league. Tackling is a vital aspect of the cornerback's game in Dick LeBeau's scheme.

The Steelers' scheme is a huge reason why Taylor must return. Without a full offseason or preseason, the coaching staff won't be able to educate another addition.

Move Flozell Adams to Guard

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers rushes in past Flozell Adams #71 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Doug Pensi

Flozell Adams has one more season left as a Steeler.

He was dominant against the run last season on the edge of the offensive line, but, should Willie Colon return, he would be better suited inside. Adams' size alone would allow him to be a mauling lineman, and he would be less exposed as a pass protector on the inside.

There has been some talk of moving Colon to guard (where he may be better suited), but Colon is a long term option as a tackle. Adams could be plugged in at guard for one season while Marcus Gilbert finds his best fit either on the inside or out.

Relieve Bruce Arians of Offensive Play-Calling

There are a vast number of people who would like to see Bruce Arians lose his job. Personally, I am not one of them; however, I would like him replaced when it comes to calling plays.

Arians is obviously a good coach, as the Steelers' offensive talent has excelled over the past few years. There is a reason why Mike Tomlin keeps his offensive coordinator around amid criticism from the majority of fans and some pockets of the media.

The easiest thing for onlookers to use when evaluating Arians is his play calling. It is a seriously poor aspect of his coaching, which has not improved over the past few seasons. It is glaringly obvious to anyone who watches the team regularly when they are going to run or pass.

Arians needs to be relieved of his play-calling duties. However, he should be given credit for many of the inventive plays—such as the two point conversion in the Super Bowl, or the delayed draw play that has reaped rewards on many occasions—that he carries in his playbook.

Arians' issues are all about timing. He routinely runs in obvious situations and often calls slow-developing plays in blitzing situations.

Whether Mike Tomlin decides to take over himself—which is unlikely, as his background is defense—or someone is brought in/promoted, this is something that would help the team.