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Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Steelers have another visitor

The Steelers hosted Kansas City linebacker Keyaron Fox on Tuesday, the sixth free agent the team has brought in thus far.

The only one they have signed has been running back Mewelde Moore, though the team did re-sign linebacker Andre Frazier as well.

Despite Frazier's new deal, the team is still searching for a capable replacement for former special teams captain Clint Kriewaldt, who was released a couple of weeks ago.

Kriewaldt had been the team's backup to inside linebacker James Farrior.

The 6-3, 235-pound Fox is a four-year pro who was a third-round pick of the Chiefs.

He's started four games in his career and saw some playing time as KC's fourth linebacker when it shifted to a 3-4 at times last season.

He's also been a solid special teams contributor for the Chiefs.

Also, Tennessee free agent free safety Donnie Nickey will visit the team sometime later this week. Nickie is a very good special teams player.

One thing that jumped out at me Tuesday was Carolina's release of center Justin Hartwig.

Hartwig, 29, is 6-4, 315 pounds and has plenty of starting experience, both in Carolina and Tennessee.

A groin problem ended his 2006 season, while a knee injury did him in 2007.

He's definitely somebody worth taking a look at for the Steelers.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well they've signed Fox, so we've added LB depth and special teams help. Looks like Tomlin is serious about fixing this unit.

Do you think we can afford Hartwig? With his recent injury problems do you think his price tag will be workable? Seems unlikely.

I wonder if we pulled the trigger on Moore too early... I read that the Jets released Cedric Houston. We all know what he can do as a return man.

Anonymous said...

Dale,

Great call on Hartwig. I just saw that the Steelers are bringing him in. I've been hoping for a capable veteran on the offensive line all offseason. Hopefully he can get signed and deliver.