Those who are frequent visitors to this blog – both of you – know that I haven't been around for the past week. I was on vacation in Florida, taking the family away for a little R&R.
But I'm obviously back now and ready to hit the ground running as we head into the draft.
The big news of the past week was the Steelers' interest and then lack of interest in signing Booger McFarland following his release by Indianapolis.
The big defensive tackle would have been used as a backup with the Steelers, someone capable of filling in at all three line positions.
Of course, McFarland then barely passed his physical with the team's doctors and the Steelers thought better of it, re-signing Nick Eason instead.
It's not a particularly good tradeoff and keeps the very distinct possibility alive that a defensive lineman will be selected by the Steelers fairly early in the draft later this month.
This team will not go into next season with Travis Kirschke, Eason and Chris Hoke as it's only options behind the starters as it did last season.
Hoke is solid, while Kirschke showed he still has something left in the tank - though you don't want him starting. Eason, however, isn't much more than a camp body.
Ryan McBean is entering his second season with the team and needs to take a big step forward if he is to contribute.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Of course there are differences
No sooner had the Steelers released wide receiver Cedrick Wilson than the finger-pointing started.
Releasing Wilson following his arrest for assault while keeping linebacker James Harrison following an incident in which he received similar charges showed the Steelers’ hypocrisy.
But that’s not the whole story.
Are different players treated differently for the same infraction? Absolutely.
But there’s more to it than just that.
As team president Dan Rooney later explained, “In the situation with James Harrison, he contacted us immediately after his incident and has taken responsibility for his actions. In today's decision with Cedrick Wilson, we determined the situation was severe enough to warrant the player being released immediately.”
There was also a difference in the two situations beyond that.
While Wilson stormed into a public place and allegedly struck his former girlfriend in a crowded restaurant, Harrison allegedly struck his girlfriend at a private residence.
What’s the difference, you might ask?
In Wilson’s case, there are 50 to 100 witnesses that saw him strike his former girlfriend.
In Harrison’s case, the only two people who know what happened are Harrison and his girlfriend.
And, right or wrong, these kind of cases often come down to a he-said, she-said situation.
Harrison reportedly admitted to police and the Steelers immediately after his incident that he did, indeed, strike the woman.
That, in itself, shows some remorse.
Fact is, he could have said nothing happened and would have had a good chance of getting the charges dropped in court.
Wilson’s infraction, on the other hand, showed an extreme lack of sense. Who, after all, goes into a restaurant and picks a fight? And with a woman, at that?
Couple that with the problems the couple had in January, when police were called to Wilson’s home after the woman in question fired a couple of shots – while Wilson wasn’t there – following an argument, and you see a relationship that is troubled.
In fact, it’s a good idea that if SWAT is called into your relationship, you probably shouldn’t see that person any more.
The Steelers likely sat down with Wilson after that and told him as much. Yet he walked into a crowded restaurant and slugged his former girlfriend.
Smart.
Would the Steelers have released Wilson if he were a starting wide receiver?
Maybe, maybe not.
But the fact is, he isn’t.
And different employees are treated differently, based on their value to the company.
Harrison is likely looking at a one-game suspension – at least – from the NFL for his infraction if convicted.
Perhaps the Steelers felt that punishment in itself will be enough to insure that Harrison will walk the straight and narrow from now on.
In Wilson’s case, he was a guy who already had a tenuous spot, at best, on the roster. His arrest and the fact there was no doubt about his actions was just the final straw.
The biggest thing to me is that these kind of incidents are a symptom of one of the ills of our society.
The Steelers have had four players arrested for assault on a woman they were involved with in recent years – Santonio Holmes, Najeh Davenport, Harrison and Wilson.
In each case, the woman involved was somebody that the player had fathered a child with out of wedlock.
That, in itself, is usually a recipe for problems.
The mother is angry that the father didn’t marry her. The father usually ends up angry because he doesn’t get to see the child as much as he likes – if he wants to at all. And those bad feelings lead to plenty of arguments.
But society doesn’t frown upon these kind of unions as it did, say, 30 years ago.
Releasing Wilson following his arrest for assault while keeping linebacker James Harrison following an incident in which he received similar charges showed the Steelers’ hypocrisy.
But that’s not the whole story.
Are different players treated differently for the same infraction? Absolutely.
But there’s more to it than just that.
As team president Dan Rooney later explained, “In the situation with James Harrison, he contacted us immediately after his incident and has taken responsibility for his actions. In today's decision with Cedrick Wilson, we determined the situation was severe enough to warrant the player being released immediately.”
There was also a difference in the two situations beyond that.
While Wilson stormed into a public place and allegedly struck his former girlfriend in a crowded restaurant, Harrison allegedly struck his girlfriend at a private residence.
What’s the difference, you might ask?
In Wilson’s case, there are 50 to 100 witnesses that saw him strike his former girlfriend.
In Harrison’s case, the only two people who know what happened are Harrison and his girlfriend.
And, right or wrong, these kind of cases often come down to a he-said, she-said situation.
Harrison reportedly admitted to police and the Steelers immediately after his incident that he did, indeed, strike the woman.
That, in itself, shows some remorse.
Fact is, he could have said nothing happened and would have had a good chance of getting the charges dropped in court.
Wilson’s infraction, on the other hand, showed an extreme lack of sense. Who, after all, goes into a restaurant and picks a fight? And with a woman, at that?
Couple that with the problems the couple had in January, when police were called to Wilson’s home after the woman in question fired a couple of shots – while Wilson wasn’t there – following an argument, and you see a relationship that is troubled.
In fact, it’s a good idea that if SWAT is called into your relationship, you probably shouldn’t see that person any more.
The Steelers likely sat down with Wilson after that and told him as much. Yet he walked into a crowded restaurant and slugged his former girlfriend.
Smart.
Would the Steelers have released Wilson if he were a starting wide receiver?
Maybe, maybe not.
But the fact is, he isn’t.
And different employees are treated differently, based on their value to the company.
Harrison is likely looking at a one-game suspension – at least – from the NFL for his infraction if convicted.
Perhaps the Steelers felt that punishment in itself will be enough to insure that Harrison will walk the straight and narrow from now on.
In Wilson’s case, he was a guy who already had a tenuous spot, at best, on the roster. His arrest and the fact there was no doubt about his actions was just the final straw.
The biggest thing to me is that these kind of incidents are a symptom of one of the ills of our society.
The Steelers have had four players arrested for assault on a woman they were involved with in recent years – Santonio Holmes, Najeh Davenport, Harrison and Wilson.
In each case, the woman involved was somebody that the player had fathered a child with out of wedlock.
That, in itself, is usually a recipe for problems.
The mother is angry that the father didn’t marry her. The father usually ends up angry because he doesn’t get to see the child as much as he likes – if he wants to at all. And those bad feelings lead to plenty of arguments.
But society doesn’t frown upon these kind of unions as it did, say, 30 years ago.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Wilson arrested
According to reports, wide receiver Cedrick Wilson has been arrested for a fight at a restuarant in Pittsburgh.
If this is the case, it could spell the end of Wilson's days with the Steelers.
Wilson, you'll remember, was involved with an altercation with his then-girlfriend at his home. She apparently had an armed standoff with police at the home - though Wilson was not there.
In the latest altercation, Wilson reportedly assaulted the now ex-girlfriend.
Though technically, he wasn't at fault - though if you read some of the things she claimed he said to her, he was – in the first altercation, there certainly will be plenty of witnesses around for this latest run-in.
It won't be a matter of he-said, she-said. It will be a matter of what the crowd witnessed.
If this is the case, it could spell the end of Wilson's days with the Steelers.
Wilson, you'll remember, was involved with an altercation with his then-girlfriend at his home. She apparently had an armed standoff with police at the home - though Wilson was not there.
In the latest altercation, Wilson reportedly assaulted the now ex-girlfriend.
Though technically, he wasn't at fault - though if you read some of the things she claimed he said to her, he was – in the first altercation, there certainly will be plenty of witnesses around for this latest run-in.
It won't be a matter of he-said, she-said. It will be a matter of what the crowd witnessed.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Random notes
© According to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, the Steelers agreed to contract terms with former Carolina center Justin Hartwig. The deal is reportedly for two years, worth $4 million, and includes a $975,000 bonus.
© Visitors to this blog know that I was in favor of this move as it will send Sean Mahan to the bench and help solidify what was the team's biggest problem area on its offensive line last season.
© The Steelers announced Tuesday that guard Chris Kemoeatu and tackle Trai Essex have signed their one-year restricted free agent tenders with the team.
That means both are intent on working out with the team during the voluntary workout sessions that began Monday.
© Anybody who has kept an eye on who the Steelers bring in prior to the draft knows that they usually are guys who the team winds up selecting in the draft as well.
That said, here's an early list of players they have already brought in or are scheduled to bring in:
Branden Albert, OG/OT, Virginia
Mike Pollak, OC, Arizona St.
Dre' Moore, DL, Maryland
Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
Keilen Dykes, DE, WVU
Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
Curtis Johnson, OLB/DE, Clark-Atlanta
Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas
© Visitors to this blog know that I was in favor of this move as it will send Sean Mahan to the bench and help solidify what was the team's biggest problem area on its offensive line last season.
© The Steelers announced Tuesday that guard Chris Kemoeatu and tackle Trai Essex have signed their one-year restricted free agent tenders with the team.
That means both are intent on working out with the team during the voluntary workout sessions that began Monday.
© Anybody who has kept an eye on who the Steelers bring in prior to the draft knows that they usually are guys who the team winds up selecting in the draft as well.
That said, here's an early list of players they have already brought in or are scheduled to bring in:
Branden Albert, OG/OT, Virginia
Mike Pollak, OC, Arizona St.
Dre' Moore, DL, Maryland
Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
Keilen Dykes, DE, WVU
Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
Curtis Johnson, OLB/DE, Clark-Atlanta
Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas
Friday, March 14, 2008
Steelers bring in Hartwig
Apparently, somebody with the Steelers reads my blog.
Pittsburgh brought in center Justin Hartwig for a visit Friday, looking at yet another possible replacement for Sean Mahan.
Hartwig, a starter for the Panthers and Titans, would be a definite upgrade over Mahan, who didn't pan out after signing with the team as a free agent in 2007.
The Steelers also like youngster Darnell Stapleton. But the question is if they like him enough to name him a starter heading into 2008 with Mahan being the only other alternative.
Their interest in Rex Hadnot last week would suggest not.
Pittsburgh brought in center Justin Hartwig for a visit Friday, looking at yet another possible replacement for Sean Mahan.
Hartwig, a starter for the Panthers and Titans, would be a definite upgrade over Mahan, who didn't pan out after signing with the team as a free agent in 2007.
The Steelers also like youngster Darnell Stapleton. But the question is if they like him enough to name him a starter heading into 2008 with Mahan being the only other alternative.
Their interest in Rex Hadnot last week would suggest not.
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.
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.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Cross Hadnot off the list
The Cleveland Browns saved the Steelers from themselves, signing guard/center Rex Hadnot.
The Steelers had Hadnot in for a visit last week, soon after the loss of Alan Faneca in free agency.
But as I had previously stated, I wasn't a big fan of signing him since Miami had let him walk with no apparent replacement in sight.
Those notions were verified over the weekend by people I talked to, who told me Hadnot is a journeyman-type and would have been a negligible upgrade over center Sean Mahan.
Now, the Steelers can look elsewhere for help.
One player who would intrigue me is former Jacksonville guard Chris Naeole.
Naeole ended the 2007 season in injured reserve after suffering a torn tendon in his quad and was released March 3.
The 33-year-old is a nasty run blocker who had proven to be very durable in his 12-year career before this recent injury. If he checks out OK physically, he could be just the kind of player who would help the Steelers up front immediately.
The Steelers had Hadnot in for a visit last week, soon after the loss of Alan Faneca in free agency.
But as I had previously stated, I wasn't a big fan of signing him since Miami had let him walk with no apparent replacement in sight.
Those notions were verified over the weekend by people I talked to, who told me Hadnot is a journeyman-type and would have been a negligible upgrade over center Sean Mahan.
Now, the Steelers can look elsewhere for help.
One player who would intrigue me is former Jacksonville guard Chris Naeole.
Naeole ended the 2007 season in injured reserve after suffering a torn tendon in his quad and was released March 3.
The 33-year-old is a nasty run blocker who had proven to be very durable in his 12-year career before this recent injury. If he checks out OK physically, he could be just the kind of player who would help the Steelers up front immediately.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Harrison arrested
Steelers linebacker James Harrison was arrested in Ohio Township for assaulting his girlfriend early Saturday morning.
According to the reports, Harrison slapped the woman.
We'll have more in this when we find it, but Harrison could be facing a suspension from the NFL if convicted.
According to the reports, Harrison slapped the woman.
We'll have more in this when we find it, but Harrison could be facing a suspension from the NFL if convicted.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Steelers bring in Crocker
Free agent free safety Chris Crocker visited the Steelers Thursday, but left without a contract.
Crocker, a former Browns' draft pick, played in 2007 for Atlanta, recording a career-high three interceptions.
Crocker is the second free safety brought in by the Steelers for a visit this week, joining New England's Eugene Wilson.
That would seem to signal that the team was not only unhappy with Anthony Smith and Tyrone Carter at the position after Ryan Clark was lost for the season, but that it doesn't have a lot of faith that Clark will recover from his surgery to remove his spleen.
Smith, though, could be slated for a move to strong safety.
Crocker, a former Browns' draft pick, played in 2007 for Atlanta, recording a career-high three interceptions.
Crocker is the second free safety brought in by the Steelers for a visit this week, joining New England's Eugene Wilson.
That would seem to signal that the team was not only unhappy with Anthony Smith and Tyrone Carter at the position after Ryan Clark was lost for the season, but that it doesn't have a lot of faith that Clark will recover from his surgery to remove his spleen.
Smith, though, could be slated for a move to strong safety.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Wilson leaves, Hadnot visits
Free safety Eugene Wilson came and left the Steelers on Tuesday without a contract offer.
Guard/center Rex Hadnot visited Wednesday, though he, too, hasn't received a formal contract offer as of yet.
Wilson would be likely need to be promised a starting job to be induced into signing with the Steelers, who are optimistic Ryan Clark can return from his medical problems of last year.
Clark has been working out at the team's facility after having surgery during the season to have his spleen removed.
Anthony Smith started in Clark's place after the surgery and was benched late in the year in favor of veteran Tyrone Carter.
Hadnot would be used as a veteran to push Chris Kemoeatu at left guard – in place of Alan Faneca – and Sean Mahan and Darnell Stapleton at center.
At 6-2, 325 pounds, he has more bulk than the 295-pound Mahan, who was the team's starting center last year.
Guard/center Rex Hadnot visited Wednesday, though he, too, hasn't received a formal contract offer as of yet.
Wilson would be likely need to be promised a starting job to be induced into signing with the Steelers, who are optimistic Ryan Clark can return from his medical problems of last year.
Clark has been working out at the team's facility after having surgery during the season to have his spleen removed.
Anthony Smith started in Clark's place after the surgery and was benched late in the year in favor of veteran Tyrone Carter.
Hadnot would be used as a veteran to push Chris Kemoeatu at left guard – in place of Alan Faneca – and Sean Mahan and Darnell Stapleton at center.
At 6-2, 325 pounds, he has more bulk than the 295-pound Mahan, who was the team's starting center last year.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Steelers sign Roethlisberger, Moore
The Steelers made their first big splash of the offseason, signing QB Ben Roethlisberger to an eight-year contract extension worth $102 million and signing free agent running back Mewelde Moore.
Roethlisberger's signing was a priority for the team an gives them stability for the better part of the next decade at the position.
Moore, as regular readers of this blog know, was one of the target players for the Steelers, mainly due to his abilities as a return man and third-down back.
He'll handle punt and kickoff returns for the Steelers and also catch a lot of passes out of the backfield spelling Willie Parker, serving in the same role Kevin Faulk does in New England.
Moore's deal is for three years.
The Steelers are scheduled to host New England free safety Eugene Wilson later this week.
Roethlisberger's signing was a priority for the team an gives them stability for the better part of the next decade at the position.
Moore, as regular readers of this blog know, was one of the target players for the Steelers, mainly due to his abilities as a return man and third-down back.
He'll handle punt and kickoff returns for the Steelers and also catch a lot of passes out of the backfield spelling Willie Parker, serving in the same role Kevin Faulk does in New England.
Moore's deal is for three years.
The Steelers are scheduled to host New England free safety Eugene Wilson later this week.
Don't get perplexed
With Ben Roethlisberger due a $3 million roster bonus March 5, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been focused on signing their franchise quarterback.
And that deal is getting closer to happening.
Meanwhile, save guard Alan Faneca’s signing with the New York Jets, all has been relatively quiet for the Steelers on the free agent front, particularly compared to what’s been happening with some of their rivals in the AFC North.
Cleveland has been a major player in the first few days of free agency, signing former New England wide receiver Donte Stallworth to a seven-year, $35-million contract; trading a fifth-round draft pick and cornerback Leigh Bodden to Detroit for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers; sending a second-round pick to Green Bay for defensive end Corey Williams – and signing him to a six-year, $38-million deal; and re-signing quarterback Derek Anderson to a three-year, $26-million deal.
Consider the team had already signed running back Jamal Lewis to a three-year, $17-million deal prior to the opening of free agency, and the Browns have taken on a ridiculous amount of money for what? A quarterback with one good season under his belt, an overweight nose tackle who played – when he felt like it – on the worst defense in the NFL last season, a defensive end who’s never played in a 3-4, and a wide receiver who has spent more time nursing injuries than he has catching passes during his career.
In return, the Browns have given up pretty much their entire 2008 draft and their best cornerback.
It’s a pretty big gamble, one that could add up to a winning season or two, but in the long run will severely damage Cleveland considering the amount of money the Browns are spending.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, has seen two of its better defensive players, defensive end Justin Smith and free safety Madieu Williams, sign with San Francisco and Minnesota, respectively.
And the Bengals have yet to make a free agent addition.
Considering the Bengals’ defense was among the worst in the league last season – and in the past decade, for that matter – that’s not a good sign.
Baltimore, meanwhile, has had no free agent losses, but hasn’t added anyone, either.
So while Steelers fans may gnash their teeth over the loss of Faneca – something that hurts, but was not unexpected – a quick look around the division shows Pittsburgh isn’t really in bad shape.
Certainly losing Faneca hurts the Steelers, but don’t think for a second that the team is going to sit on its hands and come back with the same cast of characters – minus Faneca – that it fielded in 2007.
Signing Roethlisberger to a long-term contract was the team’s main focus for this offseason and that’s going to get done.
And once it is, the Steelers will focus on the offensive line, both in free agency and the draft.
And that deal is getting closer to happening.
Meanwhile, save guard Alan Faneca’s signing with the New York Jets, all has been relatively quiet for the Steelers on the free agent front, particularly compared to what’s been happening with some of their rivals in the AFC North.
Cleveland has been a major player in the first few days of free agency, signing former New England wide receiver Donte Stallworth to a seven-year, $35-million contract; trading a fifth-round draft pick and cornerback Leigh Bodden to Detroit for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers; sending a second-round pick to Green Bay for defensive end Corey Williams – and signing him to a six-year, $38-million deal; and re-signing quarterback Derek Anderson to a three-year, $26-million deal.
Consider the team had already signed running back Jamal Lewis to a three-year, $17-million deal prior to the opening of free agency, and the Browns have taken on a ridiculous amount of money for what? A quarterback with one good season under his belt, an overweight nose tackle who played – when he felt like it – on the worst defense in the NFL last season, a defensive end who’s never played in a 3-4, and a wide receiver who has spent more time nursing injuries than he has catching passes during his career.
In return, the Browns have given up pretty much their entire 2008 draft and their best cornerback.
It’s a pretty big gamble, one that could add up to a winning season or two, but in the long run will severely damage Cleveland considering the amount of money the Browns are spending.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, has seen two of its better defensive players, defensive end Justin Smith and free safety Madieu Williams, sign with San Francisco and Minnesota, respectively.
And the Bengals have yet to make a free agent addition.
Considering the Bengals’ defense was among the worst in the league last season – and in the past decade, for that matter – that’s not a good sign.
Baltimore, meanwhile, has had no free agent losses, but hasn’t added anyone, either.
So while Steelers fans may gnash their teeth over the loss of Faneca – something that hurts, but was not unexpected – a quick look around the division shows Pittsburgh isn’t really in bad shape.
Certainly losing Faneca hurts the Steelers, but don’t think for a second that the team is going to sit on its hands and come back with the same cast of characters – minus Faneca – that it fielded in 2007.
Signing Roethlisberger to a long-term contract was the team’s main focus for this offseason and that’s going to get done.
And once it is, the Steelers will focus on the offensive line, both in free agency and the draft.
Friday, February 29, 2008
What's happening
Steelers Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca has agreed to terms with the New York Jets on a four-year, $32-million deal that includes $23 million in guaranteed money. Or at least that's what ESPN.com was reporting.
According to Faneca's agent, no deal has been agreed to as of yet and he's still mulling offers from the Jets, Rams and 49ers.
Any deal Faneca would sign will dwarf the 4-year, $21-million offer the Steelers made to Faneca.
© The Steelers could pull the transition tag off of tackle Max Starks soon.
The team has no intention of paying Starks – its No. 3 offensive tackle last season – just under $7 million to play next season and has been working on a new deal with his representatives.
Also, the Steelers have just $2 million in free cap space at this point and would need to relinquish the tag on Starks if it wishes to sign any free agents.
The transition tag was used solely to give the team some wiggle room during the initial flurry of free agent signings.
© Kick returner Allen Rossum, released by the Steelers last weekend, was signed Friday by the San Francisco 49ers.
© Linebacker Clark Haggans is garnering interest from the Browns and Patriots, but don't rule out a return to the Steelers - as a backup, of course.
According to Faneca's agent, no deal has been agreed to as of yet and he's still mulling offers from the Jets, Rams and 49ers.
Any deal Faneca would sign will dwarf the 4-year, $21-million offer the Steelers made to Faneca.
© The Steelers could pull the transition tag off of tackle Max Starks soon.
The team has no intention of paying Starks – its No. 3 offensive tackle last season – just under $7 million to play next season and has been working on a new deal with his representatives.
Also, the Steelers have just $2 million in free cap space at this point and would need to relinquish the tag on Starks if it wishes to sign any free agents.
The transition tag was used solely to give the team some wiggle room during the initial flurry of free agent signings.
© Kick returner Allen Rossum, released by the Steelers last weekend, was signed Friday by the San Francisco 49ers.
© Linebacker Clark Haggans is garnering interest from the Browns and Patriots, but don't rule out a return to the Steelers - as a backup, of course.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thoughts on Cope's passing
What can you say about Myron Cope that hasn't already been said?
I consider myself fortunate to have known the man for the past 16 years, having met him when I was a young reporter new to the Steelers beat.
Perhaps in that is where I can describe Cope the best.
When I came to the Observer-Reporter in 1993, I was still very wet behind the ears and in way over my head covering the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Heck, the first preseason game that season was in Barcelona, Spain, against the great San Francisco 49ers. I had never before even been on a plane.
But a scant 12 hours after taking off from Pittsburgh, there we were watching practice in Barcelona and sitting next to me was none other than Cope.
I hadn't slept – none of us had – and Cope was certainly ornery from not having been able to smoke – much, I'm pretty sure he snuck off to the bathroom a couple of times – but he sat there and talked to me as if we'd known each other all our lives.
That was Cope. He always had a special place in his heart for the writers covering the team because he knew what they had to deal with.
I remember during the 1995 season having a conversation with him on the bus ride from the hotel to Soldier Field in Chicago. I had seen one of the Bears' players in college at Cheyney and he wanted to know all about this kid so that he could talk about him on the air.
He credited me on the broadcast with the information and needless to say, I got more than one call when I returned home telling me so.
I also remember when the Steelers would take the media covering the team out to dinner on the road on Saturday night before a game and just listening to Cope stories about players from the decades he had been around the team. Stories of players such as Jack Lambert, Bobby Layne and others could and later did fill books.
And finally, I remember sitting in Cope's room at training camp having a drink with the man, again, listening to his stories.
There are other stories, many I can't tell in a forum such as this. But I consider myself fortunate to have known the man.
I was 40 years his junior, but it didn't matter. We were all in the same business and Cope was, after all, always a writer at heart.
I consider myself fortunate to have known the man for the past 16 years, having met him when I was a young reporter new to the Steelers beat.
Perhaps in that is where I can describe Cope the best.
When I came to the Observer-Reporter in 1993, I was still very wet behind the ears and in way over my head covering the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Heck, the first preseason game that season was in Barcelona, Spain, against the great San Francisco 49ers. I had never before even been on a plane.
But a scant 12 hours after taking off from Pittsburgh, there we were watching practice in Barcelona and sitting next to me was none other than Cope.
I hadn't slept – none of us had – and Cope was certainly ornery from not having been able to smoke – much, I'm pretty sure he snuck off to the bathroom a couple of times – but he sat there and talked to me as if we'd known each other all our lives.
That was Cope. He always had a special place in his heart for the writers covering the team because he knew what they had to deal with.
I remember during the 1995 season having a conversation with him on the bus ride from the hotel to Soldier Field in Chicago. I had seen one of the Bears' players in college at Cheyney and he wanted to know all about this kid so that he could talk about him on the air.
He credited me on the broadcast with the information and needless to say, I got more than one call when I returned home telling me so.
I also remember when the Steelers would take the media covering the team out to dinner on the road on Saturday night before a game and just listening to Cope stories about players from the decades he had been around the team. Stories of players such as Jack Lambert, Bobby Layne and others could and later did fill books.
And finally, I remember sitting in Cope's room at training camp having a drink with the man, again, listening to his stories.
There are other stories, many I can't tell in a forum such as this. But I consider myself fortunate to have known the man.
I was 40 years his junior, but it didn't matter. We were all in the same business and Cope was, after all, always a writer at heart.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Free agency primer
With free agency set to begin March 1 here’s a quick look at some players the Steelers could be looking at.
Don't expect the Steelers to go wild, particularly since many of the top players have received the franchise tag this year. But Pittsburgh could look at filling some depth at certain positions, particularly on the defensive line, linebacker and running back.
The only place where the Steelers might be willing to pay starter's money is on the offensive line.
Running backs
Melwelde Moore, Minnesota - a deceptively tough inside runner with good pass-catching skills who also returns punts and kicks.
Musa Smith, Baltimore - a very strong runner who could replace Najeh Davenport as Willie Parker’s backup.
Maurice Hicks, San Francisco - a bigger back who could back up Parker and has also returned kickoffs in his career.
Wide receivers
Andre Davis, Houston - an outstanding return man who blossomed as a receiver in Houston.
Antonio Chatman, Cincinnati - has had a couple of injury-plagued seasons, but could solve the Steelers’ return problems.
Offensive linemen
Jake Scott, Indianapolis - the Colts’ starting right guard could be the perfect replacement for Alan Faneca.
Justin Smiley, San Francisco - suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery in 2007, but should be OK for 2008. Some feel Smiley could play center.
Jason Fabini, Washington - Fabini started at guard for Washington in 2007, but has spent the majority of his career at right tackle. That kind of versatility could be what the Steelers are looking for.
Defensive linemen
Tommy Kelly, Oakland - is coming off a torn ACL, but like Smiley, should be OK for the start of training camp. Is a solid run defender who could be tired of the losing in Oakland.
Bobby Hamilton, Cleveland - Hamilton has bounced around a little in recent years, but he’s got plenty of 3-4 experience and could slide into a backup role for the Steelers getting a handful of snaps per game.
Linebackers
Chaun Thompson, Cleveland - Thompson has played inside and outside in Cleveland’s 3-4 and is a solid special teams player.
Donotarrious Thomas, Minnesota - started some games in 2006 when Mike Tomlin was the team’s defensive coordinator. Has been Minnesota’s best special teams player since entering the league four years ago.
Rocky Boiman, Indianapolis - the Steelers showed an interest last season, but he re-signed with Indianapolis for a season. But Boiman could play inside or outside for Pittsburgh and is an excellent special teams player.
Defensive backs
B.J. Sams, Baltimore - the Steelers wouldn’t be bringing Sams in as a cornerback, but as a return man, where he’s still electrifying despite some injuries.
Jim Leonhard, Buffalo - a special teams ace who ended up starting at free safety this season because of some injuries.
Don't expect the Steelers to go wild, particularly since many of the top players have received the franchise tag this year. But Pittsburgh could look at filling some depth at certain positions, particularly on the defensive line, linebacker and running back.
The only place where the Steelers might be willing to pay starter's money is on the offensive line.
Running backs
Melwelde Moore, Minnesota - a deceptively tough inside runner with good pass-catching skills who also returns punts and kicks.
Musa Smith, Baltimore - a very strong runner who could replace Najeh Davenport as Willie Parker’s backup.
Maurice Hicks, San Francisco - a bigger back who could back up Parker and has also returned kickoffs in his career.
Wide receivers
Andre Davis, Houston - an outstanding return man who blossomed as a receiver in Houston.
Antonio Chatman, Cincinnati - has had a couple of injury-plagued seasons, but could solve the Steelers’ return problems.
Offensive linemen
Jake Scott, Indianapolis - the Colts’ starting right guard could be the perfect replacement for Alan Faneca.
Justin Smiley, San Francisco - suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery in 2007, but should be OK for 2008. Some feel Smiley could play center.
Jason Fabini, Washington - Fabini started at guard for Washington in 2007, but has spent the majority of his career at right tackle. That kind of versatility could be what the Steelers are looking for.
Defensive linemen
Tommy Kelly, Oakland - is coming off a torn ACL, but like Smiley, should be OK for the start of training camp. Is a solid run defender who could be tired of the losing in Oakland.
Bobby Hamilton, Cleveland - Hamilton has bounced around a little in recent years, but he’s got plenty of 3-4 experience and could slide into a backup role for the Steelers getting a handful of snaps per game.
Linebackers
Chaun Thompson, Cleveland - Thompson has played inside and outside in Cleveland’s 3-4 and is a solid special teams player.
Donotarrious Thomas, Minnesota - started some games in 2006 when Mike Tomlin was the team’s defensive coordinator. Has been Minnesota’s best special teams player since entering the league four years ago.
Rocky Boiman, Indianapolis - the Steelers showed an interest last season, but he re-signed with Indianapolis for a season. But Boiman could play inside or outside for Pittsburgh and is an excellent special teams player.
Defensive backs
B.J. Sams, Baltimore - the Steelers wouldn’t be bringing Sams in as a cornerback, but as a return man, where he’s still electrifying despite some injuries.
Jim Leonhard, Buffalo - a special teams ace who ended up starting at free safety this season because of some injuries.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
What Starks tag means
The Steelers' transition tagging of Max Starks means that Alan Faneca's days in Pittsburgh are over.
But it also means that Willie Colon is looking at a move to guard or even center – which is also a possibility – if not Colon, then Kendall Simmons could be shifted to center.
The Steelers weren't at all happy with center Sean Mahan's play and will be looking at different options there.
Darnell Stapleton will also get a serious look.
Does this mean the Steelers won't look for an offensive lineman in the draft? Nope.
Marvel Smith is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2008 season and given his back problems, the team is unlikely to re-sign him. Plus, they don't want to hand a starting spot to Chris Kemoeatu.
But it also means that Willie Colon is looking at a move to guard or even center – which is also a possibility – if not Colon, then Kendall Simmons could be shifted to center.
The Steelers weren't at all happy with center Sean Mahan's play and will be looking at different options there.
Darnell Stapleton will also get a serious look.
Does this mean the Steelers won't look for an offensive lineman in the draft? Nope.
Marvel Smith is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2008 season and given his back problems, the team is unlikely to re-sign him. Plus, they don't want to hand a starting spot to Chris Kemoeatu.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Steelers re-sign Kirschke
It's not the signing that many wanted, but the Steelers have re-signed defensive end Travis Kirschke to a two-year deal.
On the surface, it seems like a lot of nothing. Kirschke's been little more than a backup for the Steelers over the years.
But he proved to still have something left in the tank last season replacing Aaron Smith in the final stretch – when he was far better than Nick Eason.
Do you want Kirschke starting?
Nope. But he's a capable guy when he's getting five to 10 snaps per game.
On the surface, it seems like a lot of nothing. Kirschke's been little more than a backup for the Steelers over the years.
But he proved to still have something left in the tank last season replacing Aaron Smith in the final stretch – when he was far better than Nick Eason.
Do you want Kirschke starting?
Nope. But he's a capable guy when he's getting five to 10 snaps per game.
Friday, February 15, 2008
What it all means
The NFL’s worst nightmare is now coming to fruition.
When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell punished the New England Patriots early in the 2007 season for spying with video cameras on the New York Jets during the opening game of the regular season, he hoped the problem would go away.
It hasn’t.
In fact, it’s growing exponentially.
Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Friday that Goodell confirmed to him during a special meeting about the Patriots’ spying that the team filmed coaches of the Pittsburgh Steelers on four occasions, presumable using those stolen signals against them. Included in those instances are two AFC Championship games.
The Patriots upset the Steelers in the AFC Championship in 2001 and again in 2004 en route to two of the three Super Bowl victories they’ve had this decade.
“I think Steelers fans have a lot to be concerned about this and I'm one of them,” Specter told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, adding that “maybe Steelers ownership should think about it a little.”
They should, but even if the Steelers’ ownership is privately outraged by this, they won’t take it public.
The Rooney family, if anything, has shown great loyalty to the NFL over and over again throughout the years. Dan Rooney is not Al Davis, to be sure.
Rooney realizes that a scandal involving the integrity of the league such as this can serve no purpose other than to give the league – and by extension, the Steelers – a black eye.
And the rest of the ownership in the league knows it as well. That’s why there wasn’t a greater outcry when the “Spygate” story originally broke, at least not from the powers that be in the NFL.
The NFL doesn’t want this scandal to turn into what steroids and performance-enhancing drugs have been to Major League Baseball. The league doesn’t want its owners and coaches hauled in front of a grand jury to air its dirty laundry.
So go ahead, be angry that the Steelers, Broncos, Colts – pick a team, the Patriots likely spied on them all – were perhaps cheated out of a championship.
But the NFL owners don’t want this to go any farther and they hold enough pull – for better or worse – with the rest of Specter’s cohorts in the government to likely stop this thing from getting that far.
But much like an entire generation of baseball players are now tainted by the steroid scandal, so too are the Patriots’ championships in the 2000s.
New England fans can scream about it all they want, but nothing the team has done in this decade now matters. They’ll try to call it sour grapes or whining, but nobody’s talking about taking those championships away.
The Patriots won them. They just didn’t do so fair and square.
And the only thing worse than that would be to win the first 18 games of a season and then lose in the Super Bowl. Oh wait, that already happened.
When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell punished the New England Patriots early in the 2007 season for spying with video cameras on the New York Jets during the opening game of the regular season, he hoped the problem would go away.
It hasn’t.
In fact, it’s growing exponentially.
Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Friday that Goodell confirmed to him during a special meeting about the Patriots’ spying that the team filmed coaches of the Pittsburgh Steelers on four occasions, presumable using those stolen signals against them. Included in those instances are two AFC Championship games.
The Patriots upset the Steelers in the AFC Championship in 2001 and again in 2004 en route to two of the three Super Bowl victories they’ve had this decade.
“I think Steelers fans have a lot to be concerned about this and I'm one of them,” Specter told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, adding that “maybe Steelers ownership should think about it a little.”
They should, but even if the Steelers’ ownership is privately outraged by this, they won’t take it public.
The Rooney family, if anything, has shown great loyalty to the NFL over and over again throughout the years. Dan Rooney is not Al Davis, to be sure.
Rooney realizes that a scandal involving the integrity of the league such as this can serve no purpose other than to give the league – and by extension, the Steelers – a black eye.
And the rest of the ownership in the league knows it as well. That’s why there wasn’t a greater outcry when the “Spygate” story originally broke, at least not from the powers that be in the NFL.
The NFL doesn’t want this scandal to turn into what steroids and performance-enhancing drugs have been to Major League Baseball. The league doesn’t want its owners and coaches hauled in front of a grand jury to air its dirty laundry.
So go ahead, be angry that the Steelers, Broncos, Colts – pick a team, the Patriots likely spied on them all – were perhaps cheated out of a championship.
But the NFL owners don’t want this to go any farther and they hold enough pull – for better or worse – with the rest of Specter’s cohorts in the government to likely stop this thing from getting that far.
But much like an entire generation of baseball players are now tainted by the steroid scandal, so too are the Patriots’ championships in the 2000s.
New England fans can scream about it all they want, but nothing the team has done in this decade now matters. They’ll try to call it sour grapes or whining, but nobody’s talking about taking those championships away.
The Patriots won them. They just didn’t do so fair and square.
And the only thing worse than that would be to win the first 18 games of a season and then lose in the Super Bowl. Oh wait, that already happened.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A nugget or two
It's obvious to anybody who's been paying attention that the Steelers will address their offensive and defensive lines in this year's draft.
With that in mind, here are a couple of nuggets from this year's Pro Bowl to consider.
Of the six guards in the Pro Bowl – including Alan Faneca – five were former first-round picks. The other was an undrafted rookie.
Eight of the nine offensive tackles who were elected or attended as an injury replacement were first or second-round picks. One was not drafted.
Three of the four centers in the game were selected in the fourth round or later. The other was undrafted.
Every defensive end in the game was drafted, with five of the eight being selected in the first three rounds.
Four of the eight defensive tackles were first-round picks. Two others were first-day picks, while two were undrafted.
With that in mind, here are a couple of nuggets from this year's Pro Bowl to consider.
Of the six guards in the Pro Bowl – including Alan Faneca – five were former first-round picks. The other was an undrafted rookie.
Eight of the nine offensive tackles who were elected or attended as an injury replacement were first or second-round picks. One was not drafted.
Three of the four centers in the game were selected in the fourth round or later. The other was undrafted.
Every defensive end in the game was drafted, with five of the eight being selected in the first three rounds.
Four of the eight defensive tackles were first-round picks. Two others were first-day picks, while two were undrafted.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Keeping the grass
The Steelers will be keeping grass at Heinz Field.
After toying with the idea of putting in an artificial surface, the team has decided to stick with grass.
After toying with the idea of putting in an artificial surface, the team has decided to stick with grass.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)