This week, I have covered what the Steelers should do in regards to their pending decisions on restricted free agents and exclusive rights free agents. I also predicted which unrestricted free agents (UFA’s) will most likely not be back in Pittsburgh for the 2017 season.

Now, the fun part. What UFA’s to re-sign is always a popular discussion topic this time of year, because usually it encompasses several big name players who are seen as essential to the success of a team. That point is no different for the Steelers, especially this offseason.

Without further ado, here are the players I expect back for the 2017 season and beyond:

Lawrence Timmons – Linebacker

At 30 years of age after 10 years in the league, the first ever draft pick of the Mike Tomlin era continued to be rock solid throughout the 2016 season. Many have speculated that Timmons would be a cap casualty this offseason, paving the way for Vince Williams to start next to Ryan Shazier in 2017. After Timmons’ performance in ’16, I disagree. His current market value is estimated at $6.2 million annually – but LT has publicly stated he would be willing to take a hometown discount. I believe this will be the case: Timmons accepts a team-friendly deal to chase another Super Bowl appearance and retire a Steeler.

DeAngelo Williams – Running Back

Many people tend to gasp when they realize Williams is 33 years-old. That’s not old age, but we’re talking football age on a guy that plays a position that is brutal on the body. However, Williams has benefited from being in time-share backfields for a good portion of his career. He doesn’t have the wear and tear of most backs who have spent 11 years in the league. His original contract was 2 years for $4 million. Pittsburgh could elect to bring DWill back on a similar salary or less for one year. The Steelers don’t know what they have in Karlos Williams, and there’s no guarantee that a draftee would immediately be capable of backing up Le’Veon Bell. Williams is the bridge to answer both of those questions.

James Harrison – Linebacker

I’m not going to argue against Deebo. He said he’s not done. I believe him. The organization believes him. While I believe Pittsburgh looks to draft an edge rusher early, Harrison is still the emotional leader of the defense and sets the working example for the younger guys. No brainer, re-sign this man.

Cody Wallace – Center

I touched in a previous article how a team can never have too much depth and experience along the offensive line. Wallace has done a solid job when called upon to fill in for Maurkice Pouncey, who ran into some bad luck with injuries a few times. I believe it’s an easy decision when talking cheap, experienced, and somewhat proven depth. For this reason I think Wallace is brought back on a short deal.

Le’Veon Bell – Running Back

There’s no question in my mind that the Steelers wish to lock up Bell long-term. He is arguably the best back in football. At only 24 years of age, a healthy and not suspended Le’Veon has at least six years of elite play ahead of him. However, given that Pittsburgh has several players they need to sign long-term on the horizon, the most sensible course of action would be to apply the one-year franchise tag to Bell, with the promise of a long-term extension barring any issues. This way, Le’Veon would be receiving a nice payday – upwards of $12 million for 2017, while also proving to the organization he can stay out of random trouble for a full offseason. I have no reason to think Bell won’t be a Steeler for a very long time.

David Johnson – Tight End

I keep bringing up three words: Cheap, experienced, and depth. Johnson provides all of those at tight end, and he can also play fullback. With Ladarius Green‘s future uncertain, it makes sense to keep a guy on the roster like Johnson to do the “dirty work” while someone – be it Green, Jesse James, or Xavier Grimble – establishes himself as the receiving threat.

Ricardo Mathews – Defensive Tackle

Yawn – cheap, experienced, and depth yet again. Mathews provides all three, and can play any position along the defensive front. He has been a huge upgrade from Cam Thomas, and played well enough to earn another short contract.

Steven Johnson – Inside Linebacker

The Steelers are pretty well set at this position, but keeping Johnson around will create cheap competition among he and Tyler Matakevich behind Shazier, Timmons (hopefully), and Vince Williams. If anything, Johnson ends up on the practice squad and fights Dirty Red for a helmet every week.

Landry Jones – Quarterback

I can almost hear all of you yinzers letting out collective grunts at this one, but let’s be realistic. The last two seasons, Jones has emerged as a capable backup. I have no idea why any rational person thinks a rookie draft pick, or a different veteran who doesn’t know the system at all, would actually be better than Landry. It’s a ridiculous notion, and the unfounded narratives against Jones need to end. He will most likely test the market and gauge the interest of other teams, but if I’m the Steelers, I’m keeping Landry around until Ben Roethlisberger‘s contract expires in 2019.