Although Harbaugh said he’d love for the defense to return intact, he admitted change is inevitable due to the salary cap, contracts, etc. And since the players with uncertain futures are mostly 30 and up, there’s little doubt Defensive Coordinator Don (Wink) Martindale will orchestrate a relatively new cast of characters sooner rather than later.
Despite the latest round of public drama, Antonio Brown could remain a Steeler in 2019 and beyond. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that while a fresh start is now the preferred outcome, the Steelers have not yet given Brown and his agent permission to facilitate a trade, meaning the issue remains in the team’s hands.