how many years do you figure we will have heath?

after reading this, I'll go with 2-3 years instead of 1-2. This year's performance could determine if they draft a TE in rounds 1 or 2. If he has 60+ catches again, I would guess they wait till the '17 draft to do so unless a TE is the BPA.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if this is his last year. He's still under contract for the 2016 season so there's a chance he could play 2 more years. There's not a snowball's chance in hell he is resigned/extended past that.

 

I think by the end of '16, Heath will be like Troy was this past yr: people will be hoping he retires.

 

Pretty sure he's had 4 fumbles over the past 2 seasons by my count http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillHe00.htm which qualifies as "several"

I said they seem to come at inopportune times..

And I didn't bring into question his character, or ring-of-honor career for the steelers, no need to bombard me with career numbers that aren't relevant to a discussion regarding his future.

This is just a gut call, not claiming to have reviewed in-depth film, but he's had a bunch of drops/fumbles in key moments since the knee tear. I'm not denying that he'll be a great player for us next year, but I think it's unrealistic to expect more than that as a guarantee

and what does todd heap have to do with anything?

 

I sure wouldn't mind vannett from ohio state in next years draft. clear as the replacement for spaeth eventually. vannett the eventual replacement for heath and james and blanchflower or egnew worked on, on the PS until heath does retire down the road using one of these guys as the 3rd TE eventually. heath is still steady eddie as far as his production.

it will be interesting to see if spaeth can make a full season until he retires. he's the one that can't stay on the field.

 

Steelers' Heath Miller not worried about the future



FOX Sports
JUN 02, 2015
Steelers veteran tight end Heath Miller is entering his 11th season in the NFL.

The fact that the Steelers may have drafted their tight end of the future has no effect on Heath Miller's mindset.​

Now 32 years old, Miller is entering his 11th season in the league, all with the Steelers. While he may not be as quick as his younger self, he is certainly wiser, which he believe makes up for any physical dropoff.
"Obviously, physically you're at your peak when you're young, but mentally you're not where you are, or I am, at this point, so I think it kind of evens itself out," Miller told the team's official website Tuesday. "I think I've probably seen all the looks that I can see, been in all types of situations. So there's a comfort level in knowing that and recognizing things, and having a feel for what's about to happen before it happens."
Miller, who caught 66 passes for 761 yards, is under contract with Pittsburgh through 2016. While fifth-round pick Jesse James out of Penn State may take his spot down the road, Miller is only worried about this season.
"I just try to approach each year in and of itself and not try to think about the future," Miller said. "I'm focused on this year and I guess when the time is right maybe I'll know, but right now I'm all in for this year."
h/t: Steelers Depot

 

nice read diamond. I can't imagine any steeler fan that doesn't love heath and what he brings to the team. I also can't imagine anyone not wanting him doing that thing for a few more years.

 

Sadly, I don't expect us to have too many years left of Heath. It hurts me to say it and honestly I think I will miss him even more than I will miss Troy. He is flat out one of my all time favorites. When I think about what a "Steeler" is I think about Heath.

 

I love Heath too. Unfortunately Father Time catches up with everybody and I think he probably has two more years tops. On the flip side, he is fortunate that he plays TE and not SS like Troy. When you lose a step at TE, you run the routes slightly slower, which doesn't hurt the team all that much and the effect is somewhat minimal. At SS you cover receivers slower, which is a recipe for disaster. That will help Heath hang on just a tad longer.

 

I think barring injury Heath will have two more good years, and maybe like he said he will know when it's time to go, Tony Gonzalez played for 16 years, of course he was used more as a receiver than a blocker, Heath was always that lunch pail guy who never tooted his own horn, I will always remember him for his high quality character and for being a gentleman, play on Heath fans love you....

 

I say two more years

Then of course we keep Heath as TE COACH.

 

For sure. I think 2 years minimum. possibly 3-4.

 

just out of curiosity, when is it an opportune time to fumble?

 

Not during a playoff game when you're desperately trying to get back into the game. Fair enough though.

 

The extra point when you're up by six TDs. Gives the ST unit a bit of a workout, everyone's a winner.

 

This is Heath's last year, I predict