Big week

A week that started with the Steelers losing wide receiver Antwaan Randle El ended with a bang for the defendind Super Bowl champions.

After losing Randle El on Sunday, the Steelers went on a mini signing spree, bringing in outside free agents Ryan Clark and Rodney Bailey, and re-signing linebacker Clint Kriewaldt, defensive end Brett Keisel, cornerback Deshea Townsend, tight end Jerame Tuman and offensive lineman Barrett Brooks.

That's not a bad haul for the Steelers, who have now pretty much kept the nucleus of last season's championship team together.

When you look around the league, particularly the AFC, other than Jacksonville, the contenders for the Steelers next season haven't done a lot to help themselves.

New England has just two receivers (Deion Branch and Bethel Johnson) under contract. Indianapolis lost Edgerrin James and some key defensive players. San Diego lost Drew Brees. Miami has bettered itself, but it may take a while for the Dolphins to gel with new quarterback Daunte Culpepper. And the Bengals still have questions about Carson Palmer's return.

Considering what the Steelers have done and the fact they can still add an impact player or two in the draft, the Super Bowl champs have had a strong offseason.