If you'd have told me last August the Steelers would be re-signing offensive lineman Guy Whimper, I'd have told you they were in desperation mode.
But after a solid season in 2013 as Pittsburgh's swing offensive lineman, Whimper was brought back Monday for a one-year deal.
It's a solid signing and gives the Steelers eight of their top nine offensive linemen returning in 2014.
Center Maurkice Pouncey is on pace with his rehab and should be ready to return from his torn ACL by the start of training camp, at the latest.
Because of that, a line that has often entered training camp in a state of flux, will be pretty well set heading into 2014.
Unless something changes dramatically, Pouncey will be at center with David DeCastro and Ramon Foster at guard, Kelvin Beachum at left tackle and either Mike Adams or Marcus Gilbert at right tackle.
Certainly the tackle spots could change, but none of the changes would be drastic. Adams could blossom under the tutelage of new line coach Mike Munchak and take the left tackle spot from Beachum, for example.
But after years of being unsettled, the Steelers' line finally has some semblance of continuity.
@ After signing Whimper, the Steelers have $2.4 million in remaining cap space.
They can, however, free up some cap room by working out and extension with transition tagged linebacker Jason Worilds or with a restructure of Lawrence Timmons' contract.
@ Adam Schefter is now reporting that running back James Starks will re-sign with Green Bay for a two-year deal. The Steelers will have to look elsewhere for running back help.
At this point, I like Michael Bush of Chicago and Bernard Scott, formerly of Cincinnati and Baltimore.
I think guys such as Knowshon Moreno and LeGarrette Blount will just be too expensive.
11 comments:
What is wrong with Felix Jones?! He's 26 yrs old averages almost 4 yds a carry has good hands and can return kicks. I think he's a solid #2. Just my opinion.
Ooh...I'd love Michael Bush. I was hoping the Steelers would've gotten him a few years ago when he first left Oakland.
Unless by some miracle they can get Bush for vet minimum then forget going after a free agent RB. There are enough very talented RB's in the upcoming draft to make signing a veteran a moot point. Besides, with the proliferation of the passing game the RB position is no longer seen as the high value position it once was a few short years ago.
I agree with anon 12:31 about re-signing Felix Jones. I thought he played well and ran hard when asked.
the backup running back situation is officially a disaster
Is there no love out there for Maurice Jones Drew? Is he considered done?
Bouchette seems to think James Harrison might return to the Steelers.
Do you agree, Dale?
Joey Porter as player/coach?
I would say it's 50-50 Harrison returns. He wants to, but it could depend on what the Steelers get in the draft.
As for Felix Jones, I just don't see anything there that says you have to re-sign him unless nobody else is available.
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