Steelers add to backfield

The Steelers passed on Eddie Lacy and Montee Ball, among others, to take running back Le'Veon Bell in the second round of the draft.

While some might question the move - and I didn't have Bell on my second-round list - I found that Lacy had injury issues that caused some concern and the Steelers just liked Bell more than Ball.

As you all know, I like Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's draft preview guides. McGinn had Bell rated as the third-best back in this draft, with scouts saying he had the look of a feature back.

Will that be the case? We don't know.

But what we do know is that Bell carried the ball 382 times last season for a team in which he was the entire offense and did not break down. He also catches the ball out of the backfield well.

And at 6-1, 230 pounds, he ran a 4.57 40 and had the fastest three-cone drill among running backs at the combine.

OK, that makes some sense.

Bell doesn't always run like a big man - he doesn't look for contact like Isaac Redman. But that's not always a bad thing either, especially when you'd like to see him stay healthy in the NFL.

The Steelers passed on some good talent to take Bell, including Arthur Brown, D.J. Swearinger and Margus Hunt, three players I think could be stars in the NFL.

Bell had better become the player the Steelers think he will be - Tood Haley compared him to Eddie George - for this one not to bite them in the behind in the future. Brown went to Baltimore, while Hunt went to Cincinnati.

If those two players turn into stars and Bell does not, the Steelers will be reminded of that four times per season.

@ In the third round, the Steelers added a dynamic receiver in Markus Wheaton of Oregon State.

Wheaton finished as Oregon State's all-time leading receiver with 227 career catches. The school produced both Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, so it's not a joke record - though Johnson and Houshmandzadeh were there at the same time.

He's also got speed to burn. He ran a 4.45 at the combine but says he can run in the 4.3 range. If he can run somewhere in the middle of that, say a 4.37, he's plenty fast enough to help this team replace Mike Wallace.

Wheaton is also far more polished than some of the other receivers that went ahead of him. It was a solid pick.

@ The draft wraps up today. Look for the Steelers to address the safety position in the fourth round - Phillip Thomas of Fresno perhaps - and then add depth on the offensive line, cornerback and inside linebacker as well.

Wheaton's teammate Jordan Poyer would be a possibility in the fourth round at cornerback - he actually returned punts and kicks ahead of Wheaton at the school - as would William & Mary corner B.W. Webb, whom the Steelers had in for a visit.

One late round safety to consider is California University's Rontez Miles, a player the Steelers are very familiar with and like.

Jones in the first, now what?

Now that the Steelers have selected outside linebacker Jarvis Jones in the first round of the draft, where do they go from here?

The top needs are, in no special order, running back, wide receiver, safety and inside linebacker, with offensive line and quarterback being depth needs.

There is still a lot of talent available at all of those positions, but particularly at WR, RB and safety, even though the safety position got hit harder than usual in the first round.

My top guys still available in no particularl order would be:
Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State
Kevin Minter, LB, LSU
Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
Jonathan Franklin, RB, UCLA
Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin
Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State - even though it's not a "need"
Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
Robert Woods, WR, USC
Keenan Allen, WR, California
Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International

Given that there are 10 players listed there and the Steelers pick at 16 in the second round, they should have a good shot at one or more of those listed when they make their second selection - given that there are several top players also available at non-need positions.

If I'm making the pick for the Steelers, I take somebody in the second round who scores touchdowns - ie. a running back or receiver.

The only way that changes for me is if Brown is still on the board. A defensive captain at Kansas State, Brown has been compared positively to Ray Lewis in terms of his leadership and sideline-to-sideline playing ability.

But if the Steelers were able to pull off taking Jones in the first round and taking, say, Franklin or Woods in the second, I think fans would be ecstatic.

Not buying the Eifert-Steelers connection

I keep seeing mock drafts in the past couple of weeks that link the Steelers to Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert in the first round.

Sorry, I'm not buying it.

People are seeing that Heath Miller has a torn ACL and automatically thinking the team needs a replacement. That won't be the case.

The Steelers signed Matt Spaeth and re-signed David Johnson in free agency to help hold the fort until Miller returns to the lineup.

And while Miller's contract will soon be up, I don't expect the Steelers to part ways with one of their team leaders. They'll find a way to get one of the most respected men in their locker room back under contract.

Eifert, in my opinion, would be a wasted pick by this team, a luxury item.

And spare me the comparisons between the Steelers and Patriots. Yes, New England has had success using two tight end sets, but neither of their two tight ends were first round picks.

I like Eifert as a player. But for the Steelers, it would be a poor pick.

Memo: Kevin Colbert, call Mark Dominik

The Pittsburgh Steelers want to make a trade to acquire more draft picks. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have already dealt their first-round pick to the New York Jets for Darrelle Revis, want to move back into the first round.

It seems like Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert and Mark Dominik, his counterpart in Tampa, should talk.

Tampa Bay owns the 43rd pick in the draft, a long way to move back from 17 for the Steelers for sure, but I think something could be worked out.

In fact, if I were Colbert, I would insist on a second and third-round pick, plus running back LeGarrette Blount, who got just 41 carries last season after putting together a 1,000-yard season in 2011 when the new coaching staff in Tampa benched him in favor of rookie Doug Martin.

According to Jimmy Johnson's draft value chart - you know, the thing that teams say they don't use but somehow trades always seem to work out pretty close to what the chart says - the 17th pick in the draft is worth 950 points.

Tampa Bay's second and third round picks are worth a combined 685 points.

To me, acquiring a 250-pound former 1,000-yard running back who doesn't turn 27 until December and has a base salary of $1.25 million seems like a bargain.

In fact, the last time the Steelers made such a move to acquire a 250-pound running back who had fallen out of favor with his previous team back in 1996, it worked out pretty good.

I'm not comparing Blount to Jerome Bettis, but for a team in search of a lead runner, Blount would make a lot of sense.

Final mock draft

Without any clear-cut stars at the skill positions, the 2013 NFL Draft could prove to be one of the more interesting in years. Here’s one look at how things could go in the first round Thursday:
1. Kansas City, Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M – The Chiefs have a lot of needs – obviously – but Joeckel is considered perhaps the safest pick in this draft. Others to consider: Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida; Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
2. Jacksonville, Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan – The Jags started their frachise with Tony Boselli as their first pick. Fisher gives them another franchise tackle. Others to consider: Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida; Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
3. Oakland, Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida – After getting rid of Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly, this is an obvious need pick for the Raiders. Others to consider: Fisher, Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
4. Philadelphia, Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia - New head coach Chip Kelly wants to run the spread. Smith gives him a top-rated QB to build with while Michael Vick starts one more season. Others to consider: Fisher; Milliner; Ziggy Ansah, DE, BYU
5. Detroit, Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon – The Lions have been building their defense around pass rushers. Others to consider: Milliner, Ansah
6. Cleveland, Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama – The Browns get a second top-notch corner to pair with Joe Hayden. Others to consider: Ansah
7. Arizona, Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma – The Cardinals have been awful protecting the quarterback the past two seasons. Others to consider: Ansah, Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
8. Buffalo, Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia – It’s too early for another quarterback here. Two WVU players in the top 10? That’s how good the offense was in 2012. About that defense. … Others to consider: Ansah
9. N.Y. Jets, Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah – The Jets lost Sione Pouha this offseason and replaced him with a 33-year-old Antonio Garay. Rex Ryan also would like to beef up the pass rush, but Lotulelei could be too good to pass up. Others to consider: Ansah; Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU
10. Tennessee, Chance Warmack, G, Alabama – Ansah’s fall continues as teams pass on potential for immediate needs. Warmack will help clear a path for Chris Johnson. Others to consider: Ansah; Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina
11. San Diego, Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina – The Chargers need offensive line help, though Ansah could make sense here, too. Others to consider: Ansah; Mingo; Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
12. Miami, Ziggy Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU – The Dolphins could trade up to get ahead of Arizona and grab Johnson. If not, Ansah would be too good to pass up in this scenario. Others to consider: Mingo; Jones; D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
13. N.Y. Jets, Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU – Rex Ryan reportedly loves Mingo’s athleticism. This is the pick they received for Darrelle Revis, so a corner would make sense as well. Others to consider: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State; Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
14. Carolina, Sheldon Richardson, DT, Florida State – Missouri. The Panthers need corner help but are said to love Richardson as well. Others to consider: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas; Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State; Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
15. New Orleans, Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia – The Saints are moving to a 3-4 and need outside linebackers. Others to consider: Fluker; Alex Ogletree, LB, Georgia
16. St. Louis, D.J. Fluker, OT/G, Alabama – The Rams covet Austin, but he’s long gone. They have another first-round pick to address safety or wide receiver and take the best remaining offensive lineman instead. Others to consider: Vaccaro; Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
17. Pittsburgh, Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State – With Jones gone, the Steelers will wait on an OLB prospect. Cordarrelle Patterson is too raw, and this draft is deep in receivers. Kenny Vaccarro would be a consideration, but Rhodes can play corner or safety. Others to consider: Vacarro; Patterson; Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State; DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
18. Dallas, Kenny Vacarro, S, Texas – With the top offensive linemen gone, the Cowboys grab the top safety on the board. Others to consider: Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State; Matt Elam, S, Florida
19. N.Y. Giants, Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State – Werner is the best pass rusher still available and the Giants love pass rushers. Others to consider: Watson; Trufant
20. Chicago, Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia – After losing Brian Urlacher and Nick Roach, the Bears need linebacker help. An offensive lineman would work as well. Others to consider: Watson
21. Cincinnati, Matt Elam, S, Florida – The Bengals need safety help badly, though another receiver also would fill a need. Others to consider: Watson; Patterson
22. St. Louis, Cordarelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee – Patterson is raw, but has outstanding speed. The Rams have to give Sam Bradford somebody to get the ball to at some point. Others to consider: Elam; Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee; DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
23. Minnesota, Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington – The Vikings could go for a receiver here, but corner is a pressing need as well. Others to consider: Hopkins; Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina
24. Indianapolis, Datone Jones, DE, UCLA – The offense is good, but the defense needs some pass rush help. Others to consider: Watson; Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State
25. Minnesota, Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina – Once a strong point, the Vikings’ run defense hasn’t been as good recently. Others to consider: Hopkins; Hunter; Jonathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
26. Green Bay, Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame – Yes, Jermichael Finley is back for one more season, but the Packers need a long-term answer at TE. Eifert could be that option. Others to consider: Hokpins, Hunter; Alex Okafor, LB/DE Texas
27. Houston, DeAndre Hokpins, WR, Clemson – The Texans have been searching for a second receiving option to Andre Johnson for years. They get a good one in Hokpins. Others to consider: Hunter; Robert Woods, WR, USC
28. Denver, Jonathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State – The Broncos need to bolster the middle of their defense. Others to consider: Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State; Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU
29. New England, Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State – Taylor didn’t get the pre-draft talk like some of the other corners, but he’s a feisty playmaker. Others to consider: Carradine; Margus Hunt, DE, SMU
30. Atlanta, Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State – Carradine tore his ACL in November, but is healing well. He would have been a top 15 pick if completely healthy. Others to consider: Hunt; Okafor
31. San Francisco, Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International – The 49ers don’t have a lot of needs, but safety is one of them. Others to consider: Brown; Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
32. Baltimore, Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee – Everyone knows how the Ravens like to throw deep. Baltimore passes on an obvious need at ILB and goes for another home run threat on offense. Others to consider: Brown, Ogletree, Minter

Tomlin-Colbert PC news

There wasn't a ton of news to come out of the Mike Tomlin-Kevin Colbert press conference today, which is usually the case for a team that holds its cards close to its chest.

But we do know that the Steelers won't be looking to move up in the draft and, in fact, could be very open to moving down in the first round to acquire more picks.

Whether they have a potential trade partner or now will largely depend on who falls.

If, for example, there is an early run on offensive linemen as expected, some team could look to move up to get a shot at Chance Warmack, Jonathan Cooper or even D.J. Fluker.

With this draft and its depth, however, it's more likely the Steelers will be picking at 17. But I do look for them to move around some in rounds 2 through 7.

I now expect that Jarvis Jones will be gone when the Steelers pick. And with the depth at wide receiver, I look for the Steelers to select Kenny Vacarro, the safety out of Texas.

Pittsburgh currently has some very young and untested players sitting behind Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu. And both are a lot closer to the end of their careers than they are the beginning.

If the Steelers take Vacarro in the first, look for them to grab a running back or linebacker in the second, with a trade up possible to get the guy they covet. If a trade up is needed, look for the team to trade back in round three to acquire an extra pick in rounds four or five.

I expect this to be a wild, wide-open draft.

@ I don't expect the Steelers to take a tight end such as Notre Dame's Tyler Eifert. That would be a wasted pick, in my opinion, since the team expects to get Heath Miller back at some point and Pittsburgh re-signed both Matt Spaeth and David Johnson.

@ Mike Tomlin said that Mike Adams and Marcus Gilbert will compete for the left tackle position. The other will be the right tackle.

@ Getting a running back in this draft is critical, but I don't think the Steelers have closed the door on signing Ahmad Bradshaw. They have a little wiggle room -  very little - so it would take a restructure or extension of somebody to give them the room needed to get it done before June 1.

Here's why Patterson scares me

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/tennessees-patterson-with-plenty-of-talent-and-question-marks-rt9i5uj-203524771.html

If you don't read Bob McGinn's pre-draft stuff, you should. McGinn did a breakdown today on Cordarrelle Patterson and it brought out many of the issues that I have with the speedy wide receiver out of Tennessee.

He's a big-time boom-bust prospect and, at least in my opinion, that's not the kind of player the Steelers need to come out of this draft with.

If another team takes Patterson in the first round and he becomes a star, more power to them. But the Steelers can't afford to swing and miss this year - at least in my opinion.

McLendon visits Packers, signs with Steelers

Restricted free agent nose tackle Steve McLendon visited the Packers on Wednesday, a move that sent shock waves through Pittsburgh's front office, so much so that the Steelers signed him to a three-year contract extension on Thursday.

The Steelers tendered McLendon, who is expected to move into the starting lineup this season, at $1.3 million and had the right to match any offer he might receive as a free agent. But they would have received no compensation if he signed elsewhere and they decline to match.

Instead, the Steelers signed him to a three-year, $7.25 million deal, which is a decent price for a 27-year-old nose tackle with little mileage on him.

The Steelers still list McLendon at 280 pounds, but he's actually about 330.

Even so, he's a different style of nose tackle than Casey Hampton, who remains on the free agent market.

McLendon is more of a gap shooter in the mode of Kemo von Oelhoffen, than he is a rock at the point of attack.

Incidentally, Hampton's agent, Ralph Cindrich, told me on Twitter Wednesday that he expects his client to sign with somebody - possibly New England - once training camp begins.

One week out mock draft

Without any clear-cut stars at the skill positions, the 2013 NFL Draft could prove to be one of the more interesting in years. Here’s one look at how things could go in the first round next Thursday:

1. Kansas City, Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M - The Chiefs have a lot of needs - obviously - but Joeckel is considered perhaps the safest pick in this draft. Others to consider: Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida; Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

2. Jacksonville, Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon - The Jaguars want to be like Seattle and build with speed. Jordan is a pure speed rusher. Others to consider: Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida; Fisher

3. Oakland, Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida - After getting rid of Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly, this is an obvious need pick for the Raiders. Others to consider: Fisher, Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

4. Philadelphia, Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia - New head coach Chip Kelly wants to run the spread. Smith gives him a top-rated QB to build with while Michael Vick starts one more season. Others to consider: Fisher; Milliner; Ziggy Ansah, DE, BYU

5. Detroit, Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan - Dee Milliner or Ziggy Ansah make sense here as well, but the Lions have to protect Matt Stafford. Others to consider: Milliner, Ansah

6. Cleveland, Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama - The Browns get a second top-notch corner to pair with Joe Hayden. Others to consider: Ansah

7. Arizona, Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma - The Cardinals have been awful protecting the quarterback the past two seasons. Others to consider: Ansah, Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

8. Buffalo, Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia - It’s too early for another quarterback here. Two WVU players in the top 10? That’s how good the offense was in 2012. About that defense ... Others to consider: Ansah

9. N.Y. Jets, Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah - The Jets lost Sione Pouha this offseason and replaced him with a 33-year-old Antonio Garay. Rex Ryan would also like to beef up the pass rush, but Lotulelei could be too good to pass up. Others to consider: Ansah; Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU

10. Tennessee, Chance Warmack, G, Alabama - Ansah’s fall continues as teams pass on potential for immediate needs. Warmack will help clear a path for Chris Johnson. Others to consider: Ansah; Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina

11. San Diego, Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina - The Chargers need offensive line help, though Ansah could make sense here, too. Others to consider: Ansah; Mingo; Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

12. Miami, Ziggy Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU - The Dolphins could trade up to get ahead of Arizona and grab Johnson. If not, Ansah would be too good to pass up in this scenario. Others to consider: Mingo, Jones, D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

13. Tampa Bay, Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri - If the Bucs don’t trade this pick for Darrelle Revis, Richardson makes the most sense. Others to consider: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State; Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

14. Carolina, Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State - After releasing Chris Gamble, the Panthers have a need at CB. They like Richardson as well, be he doesn’t drop to them here. Others to consider: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas; Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

15. New Orleans, Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU - The Saints are moving to a 3-4 defense and Mingo gives them a speed rusher on the outside. Others to consider: Jones; Fluker

16. St. Louis, D.J. Fluker, OT/G, Alabama - The Rams covet Austin, but he’s long gone. They have another first-round pick to address safety or wide and take the best remaining offensive lineman instead. Others to consider: Vaccaro; Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

17. Pittsburgh, Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia - This is a deep draft for receivers and safeties, two of the Steelers’ other top needs, and it’s too early to take a running back, the final big need. Jones might be the top pure pass rusher in the draft. Others to consider: Vaccaro; Patterson; Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State

18. Dallas, Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas - With the top offensive linemen gone, the Cowboys grab the top safety. Others to consider: Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State; Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International

19. N.Y. Giants, Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State - Werner is the best pass rusher still available and the Giants love pass rushers. Others to consider: Watson; Trufant

20. Chicago, Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State - After allowing both Brian Urlacher and Nick Roach, the Bears need linebacker help. An offensive lineman would as well. Others to consider: Watson; Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

21. Cincinnati, Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International - Cyprien opened eyes on the all-star circuit and isn’t just another small-school prospect. Others to consider: Matt Elam, S, Florida; Watson; Patterson

22. St. Louis, Cordarelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee - Patterson is raw, but has outstanding speed. The Rams have to give Sam Bradford somebody to get the ball to at some point. Others to consider: Elam; Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee; DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

23. Minnesota, Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington - The Vikings could go for a receiver here, but corner is a pressing need as well. Others to consider: Hopkins; Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

24. Indianapolis, Datone Jones, DE, UCLA - The offense is good, but the defense needs some pass rush help. Others to consider: Watson, Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State

25. Minnesota, Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina - Once a strong point, the Vikings’ run defense hasn’t been as good recently. Others to consider: Hopkins; Hunter; Jonathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

26. Green Bay, Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame - Yes, Jermichael Finley is back for one more season, but the Packers need a long-term answer at TE. Eifert could be that option. Others to consider: Hokpins, Hunter; Alex Okafor, LB/DE Texas

27. Houston, DeAndre Hokpins, WR, Clemson - The Texans have been searching for a second receiving option to Andre Johnson for years. They get a good one in Hokpins. Others to consider: Hunter; Robert Woods, WR, USC

28. Denver, Jonathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State - The Broncos need to bolster the middle of their defense. Others to consider: Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State; Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU

29. New England, Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State - Taylor didn’t get the pre-draft talk like some of the other corners, but he’s a feisty playmaker. Others to consider: Carradine; Margus Hunt, DE, SMU

30. Atlanta, Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State - Carradine tore his ACL in November, but is healing well. He would have been a top-15 pick if completely healthy. Others to consider: Hunt; Okafor

31. San Francisco, Matt Elam, S, Florida - The 49ers don’t have a lot of needs, but safety is one of them. Others to consider: Eric Reid, S, LSU; Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

32. Baltimore, Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee - Everyone knows how the Ravens like to throw deep. Baltimore passes on an obvious need at ILB and goes for another home run threat on offense. Others to consider: Ogletree, Minter

Steelers match offer for Sanders. What does it mean

The Steelers on Sunday matched New England's offer sheet for wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.

The move holds several meanings for the Steelers over the coming weeks.

First, wide receiver becomes less of a pressing need for the team heading into the draft later this month - at least in the short term.

The guess here is that now that Pittsburgh has kept Sanders, it will attempt to sign him to a long-term deal that will keep him past the 2013 season.

They dealt with Mike Wallace as a lame duck starter in 2012 at wideout and likely won't want to put themselves in a similar situation with Sanders. The two sides will have to come to an agreement that will pay Sanders starter money - not star money - but I look for that deal to get done.

Sanders' new contract also eats up an additional $1.2 million of salary cap space, leaving the Steelers just over $700,000 under the cap.

They will clear an additional $5.5 million once guard Willie Colon's release hits the books on June 1, but with  so little cap space now, the Steelers appear to be out of the market for free agent running back Ahmad Bradshaw - unless he goes into the summer unsigned.

Sanders decision looms

John Clayton is reporting that the Steelers are 50-50 on matching New England's offer sheet to restricted free agent Emmanuel Sanders.

That 50-50 split is probably between the front office and coaching staff.

For the front office, this seems like a no-brainer. Why rent Sanders for a year - and double what you had projected to pay him? Unless something really strange happens, he's unlikely to be back in 2014.

But the coaching staff is strictly looking at the on-field talent. And certainly, a healthy, happy Sanders is a better option than his 30-plus-year-old backups Jerricho Cotchery and Plaxico Burress.

The question that has to be asked is if Sanders will be happy and healthy in 2013 without a long-term contract?

The guess here is no.

And as we saw last season with Mike Wallace, that can make a difference.

I'm not saying Wallace didn't give what he thought was his best effort in 2012. But the lack of financial security certainly mattered to him. He missed all of training camp because of it.

And the questions about his status dogged him throughout the season, becoming a distraction at times.

In this instance, the front-office view seems to be the more realistic one. Why deal with another potential headache when you can get rid of it and pick up a solid draft choice at the same time?

We'll find out Sunday which side wins this discussion.

Sanders finally signs an offer sheet

Steelers wide receiver finally signed an offer sheet with the Patriots on Tuesday, giving the Steelers five days to match the $2.5 million, one-year deal or receive a third-round pick as compensation.

If I were Kevin Colbert, I'd take the pick and run.

Here's why:

In three seasons, Sanders has appeared in all 16 games one time - that being last year. And, with Antonio Brown already locked up to a long-term deal, the Steelers already have a receiver that does a lot of the same things as Sanders.

In addition, if the Steelers acquire New England's third-round pick, they would hold four of the top 91 and five of the top 115 selections in this year's draft. With that kind of ammunition, the Steelers could fill a lot of holes on their roster.

When you also factor in that, with a one-year deal, Sanders will be an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2013 season, the Steelers will be hard-pressed to re-sign him at the end of the season, ala. Keenan Lewis' situation.

If Sanders has a good season, his price tag could be more than the Steelers are willing to pay. If he doesn't have a good year, they might not want to re-sign him.

So, the Steelers should take the third-round pick now, take De'Andre Hopkins in the first round of the draft - Keenan Allen's 40 time will move him out of the first round, while Cordarrelle Patterson's stock is also falling thanks to off-field issues - and then double down on the position later in the draft.

They'll still have three picks remaining in the next two rounds to address their linebacker, safety and running back issues.

Rhodes makes some sense

Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes was scheduled to visit the Steelers on Tuesday. And while some might think the team wouldn't necessarily need another corner, realize that Rhodes might possibly be the best safety prospect available in this draft - at least for the Steelers.

According to Bob Labriola of Steelers digest, Rhodes wasn't in on Tuesday.

But if he does finally visit, it is one that makes sense for the Steelers.

At 6-2, 210 pounds Rhodes is a big cornerback. But he's got good straight line speed as evidenced by his 4.39 time in the 40 at the combine. You want explosiveness? How's an 11-0 broad jump and 40.5 vertical grab you?

He's also exhibited good ball skills, grabbing eight interceptions in three seasons as a starter despite most teams staying away from him in his final two seasons.

So why isn't he being talked about as a top-10 pick?

Rhodes, like many bigger corners, has some issues with being too physical and being a little stiff in coverage.

But, at safety, that wouldn't be as much of an issue for him.

It's questionable whether Rhodes will be available when the Steelers make their pick with the 17th selection in the first round. In fact, he's one of the few first-round quality players they have brought in thus far.

But if he is, they will have to give him serious consideration as a possibly replacement for Ryan Clark or Troy Polamalu in the future.

Three weeks out mock draft

I completed my first mock draft of the year a couple of weeks ago - much to the consternation of some - and now that we're about three weeks out from this year's draft, it's time to throw some more stuff against the wall and see what sticks.

Understand that mock drafts are just that - mock. It's what could happen in certain scenarios once teams start picking. And often times, things change from week to week.

Editor's note: This mock was done BEFORE Keenan Allen ran a 4.71 40 at his pro day. Obviously, he is no longer a first-round consideration.

Anyway, here we go:

1. Kansas City, Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M - No reason to change from my original draft here.
2. Jacksonville, Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida State - Jacksonville could go a lot of different ways with defenders.
3. Oakland, Ezekial Ensah, DE, BYU - The Raiders have been known to grab workout warriors in recent years. Ensah has a ton of potential.
4. Philadelphia, Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia - The Eagles seem the likely destination for Smith.
5. Detroit, Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan - With Jeff Backus done, the Lions have to protect their investment at QB.
6. Cleveland, Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama - The Browns would have two very good young corners.
7. Arizona, Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma - Any offensive line help is needed in Arizona.
8. Buffalo, Matt Barkley, QB, USC - So much for quarterbacks not being a priority in this draft. Kevin Kolb is not the long-term answer.
9. N.Y. Jets, Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon - The Jets have been searching for pass rushers seemingly since Klecko and Gastineau retired.
10. Tennessee, Chance Warmack, G, Alabama - Warmack is more of a sure thing than some of the guys taken ahead of him. But he's also a guard.
11. San Diego, Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina - The Chargers line was a mess last season. Cooper can play guard or center.
12. Miami, Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State - The Dolphins have filled a lot of holes, but need to get better in the secondary.
13. Tampa Bay, Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington - Tampa Bay's secondary needs an influx of talent.
14. Carolina, Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah - The Panthers get some beef up front.
15. New Orleans, Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia - Jones' neck issues are scaring some teams away, but his pass rushing ability can't be denied. The Saints are moving to a 3-4.
16. St. Louis, Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia - To steal a Todd Grahamism, speed, speed, speed.
17. Pittsburgh, Keenan Allen, WR, California - Something about Allen reminds me of when the Steelers selected Heath Miller in the draft. Miller was unable to work out for teams during the offseason due to a sports hernia and fell into Pittsburgh's lap. Allen was considered the top WR in this draft but has been unable to work out due to injuries - though he is scheduled to do so April 9. He has size and is polished.
18. Dallas, Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas - It's no secret the Cowboys are looking for safety help. And no, Will Allen is not the answer.
19. N.Y. Giants, Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State - The Giants love to college pass rushers.
20. Chicago, D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama - The Bears need to do a better job of protecting the quarterback.
21. Cincinnati, Barkevious Mingo, LB/DE, LSU - Mingo is the type of lanky pass rusher who fits into what the Bengals are doing defensively.
22. St. Louis, Matt Elam, S, Florida - The Rams want to come out of their two first round picks with a WR and safety.
23. Minnesota, Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri - The Vikings were a premiere run-stopping team for many years but have slipped of late.
24. Indianapolis, Cordarelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee - Patterson has speed and size but is very raw.
25. Minnesota, Robert Woods, WR, USC - Woods is silky smooth and has good size.
26. Green Bay, Damontre Moore, OLB, Texas A&M - The Packers need somebody to provide a pass rush other than Clay Matthews.
27. Houston, DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson - The Texans need a No. 2 option on the outside.
28. Denver, Jonathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State - The Broncos are in a win-now mode and Hankins should help their run defense right away.
29. New England, Datone Jones, DE, UCLA - Jones just seems like a Belichick-type of pick. Smart, effort guy.
30. Atlanta, Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame - Atlanta needs to groom somebody to replace Tony Gonzalez.
31. San Francisco, Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International - The 49ers don't have a lot of needs, but safety could be considered one.
32. Baltimore, Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU - The Ravens need help at inside linebacker and get a thumper.

What we've seen thus far

By the end of Thursday, the Steelers this week will have had at least 12 of their rookie visitors in for meetings. UCLA running back Jonathan Franklin and Nevada safety Duke Williams will be in on Thursday.

That will mean that the Steelers will have had seven linebackers - John Simon, Vince Williams, Jarvis Jones, Jamie Collins, Khaseem Greene, Michael Mauti and Malliciah Goodman

- three safeties - Williams, Jonathan Meeks and Phillip Thomas - and two running backs - Franklin and Christine Michael - in for visits.


What can we read into that?


Judging from who and the number of linebackers they have brought in, the Steelers aren't going to be looking linebacker in the first round.


Sure, Jones is considered a first-round prospect, but it's likely the Steelers were kicking his tires and having team doctors check out his spinal stenosis issue. The other six guys are all expected to be second round picks or lower.


Michael and Franklin are both considered second or third-round prospects at running back, a position at which there might not be a first-round selection this season unless somebody falls in love with Eddy Lacy.


And the three safeties are all mid-round guys.


What's missing from the players the Steelers have brought in thus far? Wide receivers.


The Steelers have a need at that position and there is a good crop available this year. But none have walked through the doors at the Steelers' offices at this point.


The team can have as many as 30 visitors, and for all we know, their next 20 visitors could all be wideouts. But at this point, if I were a betting man, I'd guess they're looking at taking a wideout in the first round.


Then again, it could all be subterfuge. This is why you have to love this time of year.

More visitors for the Steelers

The Steelers hosted another group of rookies today, while also having a veteran guard in for a visit.

The rookies included trio of linebackers - Jarvis Jones, Jamie Collins and Khaseem Greene - and a pair of safeties - Jonathn Meeks and Phillip Thomas.

The veteran guard was former Houston part-time starter Antoine Caldwell.

Jones is the lone potential first-round pick of the bunch, though I've seen some mocks with Greene sneaking into the first round.

Jones has a neck issue that the Steelers will want to check out for themselves, so this was likely a fact-finding issue. He is a first-round consideration for the Steelers.

Collins is a 6-4, 250-pound outside linebacker from Southern Mississippi. He ran a very quick 4.64 40, did 19 reps of 225 on the bench press and showed off his explosiveness with a 41 1/2 inch vertical at his workouts.

He spent a lot of time in opponent's backfields in the past two seasons, recording 39.5 tackles for a loss and 16.5 sacks. He is said to be lacking in instincts, which is why he's more of a second-to-third round prospect.

Greene is a player many in Pittsburgh are familiar with since the former Rutgers star is the brother of Pitt running back Ray Graham. At 6-1, 241, he's not as big as Collins, but has a better motor and instincts.

Greene also runs in the 4.6 range, which is what you'd expect for a former safety. But he also excels in forcing turnovers. He recorded 125 tackles, 5.5 sacks and forced six fumbles in 2012. In Pittsburgh's defense, he would likely be an inside linebacker and would be a second-round possibility.

Thomas is a playmaking free safety who recorded 13 interceptions and six forced fumbles at Fresno State. And at 6-1, 208, he looks like an NFL safety. He did, however, have a knee injury in 2011 that cost him the entire season.

Meeks is a 6-1, 205-pound safety from Clemson who is more of a late-round prospect. He did, however, run a 4.55 40.

As for Caldwell, he appeared in 39 games for the Texans in four seasons, making 19 starts. The former Alabama star can play both guard and center, making him a viable backup option as the swing player on game days.

No movement right now for Bradshaw

Running back Ahmad Bradshaw visited the Steelers last week to get checked out by team doctors now that he's out of his walking boot, which was required after the former Giants star had surgery in January to insert a screw into his foot to help heal a broken bone.

The Steelers liked what they saw of his health, but did not offer Bradshaw a contract.

That could, however, change at some point.

In fact, the Steelers are expected to meet with Bradshaw again in a couple of weeks to see how he's healing. That meeting is expected to come prior to the NFL draft.

If Bradshaw checks out OK at that time, the Steelers could make the move to sign him.

@ Today was the first day for pre-draft visits and the Steelers had three guys in: Texas A&M running back Christine Michael, Ohio State linebacker John Simon and Florida State linebacker Vince Williams.

Michael is considered a third-round prospect. He had some injuries in college and issues with the coaching staff at Texas A&M, but is a talented runner. The Steelers are likely trying to get to know him as well as possible - while also allowing their doctors to check him out.

Simon had a better junior season than senior year thanks to a shoulder injury that required surgery. But at 6-1, 257, he's what the Steelers look for in their outside linebackers. And considering the Buckeyes run a similar defensive system to what the Steelers employ, the transition isn't as difficult for Ohio State players.

Williams, 6-1, 235, is a little undersized, but that seems to be what the Steelers are looking for in their inside linebackers now - smaller guys who can cover in space.

He and Simon are both considered mid-round prospects.

One month out mock draft

With a month remaining before the NFL holds its draft April 25-27, things are starting to take shape and the subterfuge being put out is heavy.

There's no clear-cut No. 1 player in this year's draft and there's no a clear line of separation as their usually is between the can't-miss prospects and the second tier.

With that in mind, here's a look at how the first round could go in a month - though things will certainly change.

1. Kansas City, Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M - It's not a flashy pick, but it's a safe one for a team in need of help up front. Sharrif Floyd could sneak in here as well.

2. Jacksonville, Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon - Jacksonville has been searching for a pass rusher for the better part of the past decade. Jordan has extreme speed coming off the edge.

3. Oakland, Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida State - As mentioned, Floyd could be the top pick. If he's not, the Raiders could use help on the interior of their defensive line.

4. Philadelphia, Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia - Chip Kelly needs a QB that fits his offense. And Dennis Dixon won't be the answer, while Nick Foles is a bad fit. Smith isn't a big runner, but he ran the spread extremely efficiently at WVU.

5. Detroit, Dee Millner, CB, Alabama - The Lions could go for Eric Fisher, the big offensive tackle from Central Michigan, but Millner fills a big need as well.

6. Cleveland, Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State - Cleveland signed Paul Kruger to match with Jabaal Sheard on the outside and doesn't need linemen. The Browns would have liked Millner here, but settle for a big corner in Rhodes.

7. Arizona, Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan - Some had Fisher rated just as high or higher than as Joeckel. The Cardinals were a mess up front last season.

8. Buffalo, Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee - With Smith gone, the Bills will wait a round to take a QB or make a move up into the latter parts of the first to get the guy they want. Patterson will give that young QB a weapon.

9. N.Y. Jets, Ezekial Ansah, OLB, BYU - He's raw, but the Jets have been in search of a pass rush for years. Ansah might be too good to pass up.

10. Tennessee, Chance Warmack, G, Alabama - A nice safe pick for the Titans.

11. San Diego, Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma - The Chargers need to protect lead-footed Phillip Rivers.

12. Miami , Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina - The run on offensive linemen continues.

13. Tampa Bay, Star Louteleli, DT, Utah - His heart condition isn't as big of a deal as originally thought. Louteleli wasn't the sure-fire first pick that some thought, but he's not bad, either.

14. Carolina, Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington - With the release of Chris Gamble, the Panthers need help at CB.

15. New Orleans, Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU - Jarvis Jones would be a consideration as well for the Saints, who are moving to a 3-4. But the Saints keep Mingo in the Bayou.

16. St. Louis, Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia - Austin will look good running on the turf in St. Louis.

17. Pittsburgh, Kenny Vacarro, S, Texas - With both Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark on the wrong side of 30 and no backups at the position with any experience, the Steelers need help at safety. Austin would have been a serious consideration, but he's gone. Jarvis Jones also gets some consideration - if his neck checks out. Arthur Brown also has a shot here.

18. Dallas, Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri - The Cowboys would love to get their hands on Vacarro, but are thwarted and settle for defensive line help.

19. N.Y. Giants, Bjoren Werner, DE, Florida State - Werner doesn't wow you with his athleticism, but he gets after the passer. The Giants love pass rushers.

20. Chicago, Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State - Alec Ogletree is a knucklehead and Manti Te'o was overrated all season. Brown is the top middle or inside linebacker in this draft.

21. Cincinnati, Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia - The Bengals take a chance on a pass rusher to add to their stable of young pass rushers.

22. St. Louis (from Washington), Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia - The Rams ignore the character risks and take another speed player. The NFC West teams are all building that way.

23. Minnesota, Keenan Allen, WR, California - Heading into the draft process, many had Allen rated the top receiver in this draft class. But he hasn't been able to work out much. The Vikings will reap the benefits.

24. Indianapolis, Jesse Williams, NT, Alabama - It's not a high-profile pick like last year, but the Colts get a solid, if unspectacular player, to plug in at the nose.

25. Minnesota (from Seattle), Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina - Having addressed the WR position, the Vikings add an interior lineman.

26. Green Bay, Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama - Another Alabama player in the first round. Lacy gives the Packers a running game, something they haven't had - or tried to use - in years.

27. Houston, Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee - Hunter is an Andre Johnson clone who struggled through injuries in his college career. But his size, speed and ability cannot be ignored.

28. Denver, Damontre Moore, OLB, Texas A&M - Once thought to be a top-10 pick, Moore falls to the bottom of the round due to his lackluster 40 time. After losing Elvis Dumervil, the Broncos have a need here.

29. New England, Robert Woods, WR, USC - After flirting with Emmanuel Sanders, the Patriots go with Woods to help revamp their receiving group.

30. Atlanta, Datone Jones, DE, UCLA - The Falcons have holes at CB and DE.  The top three corners are gone and Jones is the best defensive end available.

31. San Francisco, Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State - Carradine tore his ACL in November, but the 49ers don't necessarily need him to play right away.

32. Baltimore, Kevin Minter, LB, LSU - The Super Bowl champs have an obvious need at linebacker.

Allen to visit Cowboys

Steelers safety Will Allen is schedule to be in Dallas to visit the Cowboys on Monday.

Allen, who is entering his 10th season in the league, is an unrestricted free agent who has spent the past three seasons with the Steelers after originally being drafted by the Tampa Bay Bucs.

While not much more than a special teams contributor in his first three seasons with the Steelers, Allen, 6-1, 200, played a substantial role in 2012, displacing Ryan Mundy as a replacement for injured Troy Polamalu.

Allen started seven games in 2012, making 34 tackles and defending three passes. He was a more physical force in the secondary than Mundy and helped the Steelers to a No. 1 ranking in pass defense.

Allen's potential departure could leave the Steelers with a big hole on the roster behind Polamalu and free safety Ryan Clark.

Mundy, also a free agent, has already signed with the New York Giants, leaving second-year pro Robert Golden as the lone experienced backup at this point. And though the Steelers like Golden's potential, his experience in his rookie season was limited in 2012 when he recorded eight tackles.

The Steelers do have, however, a draft that is deep in safety prospects this year, led by Texas star Kenny Vaccaro, who is considered a first-round prospect and could be available when the Steelers pick in the first round with the 17th overall selection,

Texas holds its Pro Day on Tuesday. You can bet the Steelers will have plenty of people in attendance to check out the Longhorns, with an eye on Vaccaro, who will be looking to improve on his combine 40-yard dash time of 4.63 seconds.

Vaccaro plays much faster than that time. In fact, the Longhorns often used him to match up on passing downs with opposing slot receivers.

@ With Elvis Dumervil's signing by Baltimore, the odds are increasing ever so slightly that James Harrison could be back in Pittsburgh in 2013.

Baltimore was one of the few possible landing spots for Harrison, who hasn't drawn a great deal of interest on the open market thanks to his injury history.

Denver would be another possibility. The Broncos are currently looking at Dwight Freeney and John Abraham as replacements for Dumervil, but could turn to Harrison if those two options don't work out.

But the Steelers and Harrison could kiss and make up - if he's willing to swallow his pride - and get something done, probably after the draft.

Interest in Freeny, Dumervil? Eh

There are reports citing league "sources" that the Steelers are interested in free agents Dwight Freeney and Elvis Dumervil as a possible replacement for James Harrison.

My first thought is, eh.

I just don't see either being a significant upgrade over Jason Worilds at this point in their careers - at least not for the money it would cost the Steelers to bring one of them in.

The 33-year-old Freeney had five sacks in an injury-riddled 2012 season. IF we were talking about Freeney circa 2008, it would be different. That Freeney would be worth whatever money you had to spend on him. This one is not.

As for Dumervil, yes he's younger than Freeney. And yes, he's been productive over the past three seasons, recording 37.5 sacks. But what else is he going to bring to the table for you? He's got five pass defenses in the past three seasons.

Harrison wasn't great dropping into coverage. In fact, he didn't have a pass defense in any of the past two seasons. But he did have five in 2010. And his play against the run - in addition to his pass rush ability - was and has always been what has made him a great player. 

The Steelers currently have just $2 to $ 3-million in cap space, surely not enough to put them in the conversation with Dumervil. They would likely have to release a veteran or two to free up the cash to sign him.

Besides, they still have Jason Worilds.

In know, some of you hate Worilds for whatever reason. But he has been productive when he's played in the past two seasons. In fact, he had five sacks last season - showing great burst to the quarterback - in limited playing time while also defending two passes.

With another offseason and training camp under his belt, he could be a nice workable part, with the potential to be a good replacement for Harrison or bridging the gap for somebody else to do so - Chris Carter or a draft pick.

The Steelers will see a $5.5-million windfall in June when Willie Colon's release goes on the books. That money can be used to sign their draft picks and sign another veteran to fill whatever need the Steelers don't take care of in the draft - or a luxury item such as bringing Max Starks back.
But the current cap space could be better used to sign a player such as Ahmad Bradshaw, a running back who has stated publicly that the Steelers have shown an interest in him. That's a source that I trust.

The sky is not falling

Fans tend to look at things in a vacuum. They are so intent on what's going on with their favorite team that they don't look around at what's happening with everyone else.

And that's what we've had the past couple of weeks with the Steelers, who have released Willie Colon and James Harrison and lost Mike Wallace and Keenan Lewis in free agency.

Depending on who you listen to, the Steelers are looking at having the first-overall pick in next year's draft to being so bad that everyone in the front office and on the coaching staff will be fired.

But when you look at what's happened to the Steelers - none of which was a surprise - it pales in comparison with what's going on in Baltimore.

With Ed Reed's signing with Houston Wednesday, the Ravens are now down eight starters. Eight!

And we're not even close to being done with free agency at this point.

Cincinnati, despite having a ton of salary cap space, has lost linebacker Manny Lawson without making any significant upgrades.

Meanwhile in Cleveland, the Browns have been active in free agency, but are still lacking in the most important position on the field, quarterback.

The bottom line is that nothing happens in a vacuum. And there will be other moves made both in free agency and in the draft.

There's several months for things to play out, including the all-important draft.

Steelers get sixth round compensatory pick

The NFL announced its compensatory picks for the draft on Monday night and the Steelers added an extra sixth-round selection for losing William Gay to Arizona last season.

The ironic thing is that Arizona released Gay in the offseason and the Steelers re-signed him.

So, in effect, the Steelers got both Gay and a sixth-round draft pick for signing him back after renting him to Arizona for a season.

Of course, the Steelers should reap at least two - and possibly more - higher compensatory picks in 2014 after losing Mike Wallace, Keenan Lewis, Rashard Mendenhall and Ryan Mundy - so far this year.

Pittsburgh hasn't signed anyone to a big-money contract and isn't really counting on their current signings - Gay and tight end Matt Spaeth - to play major roles in 2013.

The Steelers figure to get at least a third-round pick for Wallace and a fourth or fifth-round selection for Lewis.

If Mendenhall has a bounceback season in Arizona, he could net a fifth or sixth-round compensation pick, while Mundy's signing will probably be cancelled out by the moves the Steelers have already made.

@ Speaking of draft picks, there has still been no movement on the Emmanuel Sanders front.

The longer the Patriots go without making Sanders an offer, the less likely they are to do so.

No movement on Sanders

Emmanuel Sanders has not received, nor has he signed, an offer sheet from the New England Patriots.

It could be forthcoming in the coming days, but at this point, he remains property of the Steelers.

New England did release starting wideout Brandon Lloyd on Saturday rather than pay him a $3 million roster bonus, so the Patriots, who have already lost Wes Welker, do have something of a need at the position, though they have signed Donald Jones and Jeremy Amendola.

Jones, however, is something of a China doll, so the Patriots could still be looking for more help there.

But even if the Steelers were to lose Sanders, is it that big of a deal?

Certainly, he's No. 2 on the depth chart right now behind Antonio Brown, and he's a promising young receiver, but he's also one who has played in 16 games just once in three seasons while playing in a limited role.

You could make the argument that the Steelers might be better served if he does sign with New England and they receive a third-round pick in return.

That would also clear $1.323 million in cap space for Pittsburgh, which could then sign another receiver or go hard after another free agent, let's say Victor Butler, as a possible replacement for James Harrison.

With four picks in the first three rounds of the draft, the Steelers could then do what they did in 2010 when they selected Sanders in the third round and Antonio Brown in the sixth.

Given that there are a good number of solid mid-round receiver prospects available in this draft, it wouldn't be the worst thing to happen.

And the Steelers still have Jerricho Cotchery and Plaxico Burress to help out with the passing game this season if the young guys aren't quite ready.

Sanders meets with New England

Steelers restricted free agent Emmanuel Sanders was in New England to meet with the Patriots.

The Steelers put regular tender on Sanders, meaning they have the right to match any offer he receives as a free agent or receive a third-round pick in return from the Patriots.

Of course, that has yet to happen, and there hasn't been a lot of movement in restricted free agents over the pat few years.

In other Steelers news, guard Willie Colon wasn't out of work long, signing a one-year, $1.2-million deal with the New York Jets.

It's a good signing for both signing the Jets and Colon, who has a lot to prove after three injury-riddled seasons.

It's interesting that Colon was out of work less time than James Harrison, who isn't getting the kind of interest he thought he would on the open market.

That doesn't mean Harrison is likely to think about returning to Pittsburgh. His pride, which already wouldn't let him accept a pay cut from the Steelers, likely wouldn't let him come back for a lesser contract after being released.

Meanwhile, the Steelers met with Beanie Wells, Victor Butler and Kellen Davis on Friday, but all left town without contracts.

That doesn't mean the Steelers won't sign them, but they'll wait while the free agent market softens up.

@ ESPN is reporting the Steelers signed former draft pick Matt Spaeth, who spent the past two seasons with Chicago.

I guess that means they won't be signing Davis.

Spaeth had just six receptions for 28 yards in Chicago last season, serving mainly as a blocker.

Steelers couldn't afford Lewis

Keenan Lewis signed a five-year, $26.3 million contract with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday and the teeth gnashing began for Steelers fans.

Yes, I think Lewis is a good player. But he's not a great one.

To be a great corner, you have to create turnovers - period.

Lewis doesn't do that. In fact, in four NFL seasons, he has one interception.

The way the rules have shifted in the NFL over the past decade - and particularly the past five years - it doesn't pay to just have guys who can cover.

Look at the Steelers the past two seasons. They've ranked No. 1 in the league against the pass both years. But there have been times late in games that opponents have rallied late to win games.

Why?

One part of the answer is a lack of pass rush. But the other part of the equation is that the Steelers don't have a secondary that takes the ball away.

The Steelers feel that putting Cortez Allen in the lineup full time will give them somebody else - with Troy Polamalu - who can force turnovers. Allen gave them a glimpse of that in the final two games of 2012 when he forced four turnovers while seeing his most extensive playing time.

This is the kind of secondary they want to make a shift to. It's the kind of secondary they had early on in Bill Cowher's tenure. Rod Woodson had excellent hands, as did Darren Perry.

In fact, Perry was limited in all facets of the game except catching the ball.

We'll see a continued shift in Pittsburgh's philosophy come out of this year's draft. The Steelers are going to take a safety. And you can bet he'll be a player with ball skills.

So no, the Steelers couldn't match the 5-plus million per season for Lewis. They weren't going to pay that kind of money to a player who doesn't get them possession of the ball back.

And they have other holes to fill.

Steelers keep moving forward

With Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert in Morgantown for the West Virginia pro day - they've been quite busy this offseason visiting pro days - the Steelers were still moving forward in free agency.

That included re-signing long snapper Greg Warren and having running back Beanie Wells in on Friday to meet with team doctors.

The signing of Warren is a good one. Solid long snappers are hard to find and the team didn't want to go into 2013 having an open tryout for that position.

As for Wells, he would seem to be a similar back to both Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer. And the Steelers were just kicking his tires a little bit - a smart move for a back who has the knee issues that Wells has had.

Something tells me that if the Steelers were so inclined to make a move to sign Wells, it might come at the expense of Dwyer or Redman.

Tender offers can be pulled and players who have signed their tenders can be released. It wouldn't make much sense to have three power backs on the roster.

@ It appears both Keenan Lewis and Ryan Mundy are close to leaving.

Lewis is reportedly working on a deal with New Orleans, while Mundy is doing the same with the Giants.

Steelers release Colon, sign Gradkowski

The Steelers on Tuesday released guard Willie Colon with a June 1 designation and signed free agent quarterback Bruce Gradkowski.

The move to release Colon with the June 1 designation means the Steelers won't see the $5 million in savings until after June 1. But it also means they don't have to play the game of telling Colon not to show up at offseason workouts.

They can also move forward knowing they will have his money available in the future - likely to sign draft picks.

Gradkowski's signing means the Steelers are done with Byron Leftwich - which was a given - and possibly Charlie Batch - which wasn't.

The Steelers could still make a move to bring back the 38-year-old Batch if they don't get a quarterback in the draft.

In other news, running back Rashard Mendenhall signed a one-year deal with Arizona, reuniting him with Bruce Arians there.

It's probably a good signing for both. Mendenhall gets a year - more than a year removed from his knee surgery - to prove he's better than he was in 2012, while the Cardinals get a replacement for Beanie Wells.

The Steelers are also reportedly interested in the oft-injured Wells - at least according to ESPN. But considering they already have a pair of comparable runners in Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman, I don't see the fit.

Meanwhile, Keenan Lewis is heading to New Orleans for a meeting with his hometown Saints.

So much for Wallace not getting paid

Mike Wallace cashed in as a free agent Tuesday, signing a five-year $65-deal with the Miami Dolphins.

The signing makes him the third-highest paid receiver in the league behind Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald and Detroit's Calvin Johnson.

So much for the "Wallace is hurting himself in free agency" crowd.

Spare me the discussion of whether or not you feel Wallace is worth that kind of money. Fact of the matter is, right or wrong, the Dolphins felt he is.

@ The Steelers made a couple of moves of their own Tuesday, signing linebacker Larry Foote to a three-year deal and wide receiver Plaxico Burress to a one-year contract.

Both were solid moves.

If Sean Spence recovers and wins a starting job, Foote gives the Steelers a solid backup at both inside positions at a minimal cost.

If Spence doesn't recover from his preseason knee injury, Foote can help hold down the position while the Steelers groom another player to move into that slot.

Burress' signing at the veteran minimum also gives the Steelers options at the WR position without Wallace.

He showed me enough in his late tryout last season to know that he still has something left in the tank. After all, the 6-5 Burress was never a speed demon. His game was built around using his 230-pound frame to beat corners.

He's also a player that the younger players on this team respect. Burress is much more mature now than he was earlier in his career - prison will do that to a man.

@ The moves to sign Burress and Foote were made after the Steelers restructured linebacker LaMarr Woodley's contract, freeing up $4 million in cap space.

With that restructure and the signings of Burress and Foote, the Steelers currently have $4.7 million in cap space.

@ The Steelers will reportedly entertain free agent quarterback Bruce Gradkowski and linebacker Moise Fokou on Wednesday.

All Steelers fans pretty much know Gradkowski's story by now. But he's spent the past two years backing up Andy Dalton in Cincinnati.

Fokou, 6-1, 237, is a cover linebacker who spent last season in Indianapolis, starting one game. He spent the previous three years in Philadelphia, making 22 starts.

Steelers make one final pre-FA move

The Steelers made their final move of the pre-free agency period by re-signing guard Ramon Foster to a three-year deal.

The move likely means that the team will either ask Willie Colon to take a pay cut or release him outright - though that move probably wouldn't come until after June 1.

If the Steelers release Colon - who has played in just 12 games in the past three years - now, they would save just $1.5 million.

If they wait until after June 1, the savings would be $5.5 million.

Pittsburgh began the day $3.4 million under the salary cap after releasing James Harrison and making tender offers to restricted free agents Jonathan Dwyer, Isaac Redman, Steve McLendon and Emmanuel Sanders.

Foster's signing likely ate up about half of that.

That means the Steelers will again sit on the sidelines when the free agency period begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday - something that's not surprising.

But, if they wish to make a move, they can free up some additional cash with another contract restructure or two, with LaMarr Woodley likely being the first player they would approach.

Steelers release Harrison

In a move that wasn't totally shocking, the Steelers released linebacker James Harrison on Saturday, saving just over $5 million in salary cap space for 2013.

The move came after the team reached an impasse with Harrison's agent on lowering the five-time Pro Bowl player's salary for 2013.

The Steelers used their new-found cap space to offer tenders to restricted free agents Emmanuel Sanders, Steve McLendon, running backs Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman.

Linebacker Stevenson Sylvester was not tendered an offer and will become an unrestricted free agent Tuesday unless the team makes him an offer before then.

The moves leave the Steelers just under the league salary cap of $123.9 million. But it could create some additional cap space with a restructure of linebacker LaMarr Woodley's contract if it chooses to make a move in free agency.

That could become an issue, particularly at the linebacker position, where Woodley and Lawrence Timmons are now the only returning starters.

In addition to losing Harrison, inside linebacker Larry Foote is also headed to unrestricted free agency, though the team would like to sign him to at least a one-year deal to return.

Former second-round draft pick Jason Worilds is expected to replace Harrison, the 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year who ranks fourth on the team's all-time sack list with 64.

Worilds had five sacks in limited action in 2012 filling in for Harrison and Woodley.

Free agent linebackers who might interest the Steelers include Kansas City's Brandon Siler, San Francisco's Larry Grant and Green Bay's Brad Jones.

Looking at free agency

Those who don't think Mike Wallace is going to get a big payday in free agency haven't been very realistic.

At look at any of the free agency rankings done on pretty much any web site will tell you that. Wallace is young and fast and productive. The fact is, Wallace has game-changing speed.

Sports Illustrated did a free agency fantasy draft - a different idea - and Wallace was the top pick. CBS Sportsline's Pete Prisco ranks him as the second-best free agent available.

Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis will also be in demand.

Lewis went with the 22nd choice in the SI draft. Prisco ranked him 18th and third among available cornerbacks.

That should give you an idea of why the Steelers felt the need to sign William Gay.

Guard Ramon Foster went in the 18th round in the four-team SI draft, making him the third, and last, Steelers player on the list.

Interestingly enough, offensive tackle Max Starks was not selected. The four guys picking were trying to build a team by filling every position available, which means Starks could have been the ninth-best tackle rated by the selectors, but that doesn't mean Starks won't get offers on the free agent market.

Gay signing means Lewis likely gone

The Steelers made a big free agent signing Monday, adding cornerback William Gay at a three-year deal.

It wasn't all that surprising. As soon as Gay was released last week by Arizona, which had signed him to a two-year, $4.95-million contract last season, the natural fit was for Gay to return to Pittsburgh.

It was a move similar to the one made by Bryant McFadden a couple of years ago. Unlike McFadden, however, Gay still has tire left on the tread.

Gay was solid in the slot for the Steelers in 2011 before leaving for Arizona, and that's likely where he'll be asked to play in 2013. That means Cortez Allen will move into the starting lineup on the outside opposite Ike Taylor, though the Steelers will likely call it an open battle between Allen, Gay and Curtis Brown heading to training camp.

It also means that the Steelers will now likely let Keenan Lewis walk - unless he finds the free agent market more soft than anticipated.

The Steelers liked what they saw of Allen last season, particularly when he started in place of Taylor in the last few games. Pittsburgh needs more playmakers in the secondary, and despite Lewis' solid play last season, he just isn't a guy who's going to get a bunch of interceptions.

What the Steelers can do is use the money they might have used to re-sign Lewis to make other moves, ie. sign a running back.

Your Steelers are now under the cap

With three strokes of the pen, the Steelers have gotten themselves under the NFL salary cap, which now appears as if is going to be $123.9 million, an increase of about $2.3 million from 2012.

After restructuring the contracts of Lawrence Timmons, at a savings of $5.3 million, Antonio Brown at $3 million and Ben Roethlisberger at $6 million, the Steelers pared $14.3 million from their cap, which should put them under as they needed to be by March 12.

That's significant because the team did not need to release any players to get to that number and still has enough wiggle room by restructuring, say, LaMarr Woodley's deal, to be somewhat active in free agency.

Next up, however, will be deciding upon tender offers to their own restricted free agents.

As I've stated before, there could be some surprises there. I wouldn't be shocked if linebacker Stevenson Sylvester and running back Jonathan Dwyer weren't tendered offers, which would make them unrestricted free agents March 12.

What the Steelers will not likely do with their newfound cap space is make a late run at their potential unrestricted free agents - unless it were a veteran such as Casey Hampton or Charlie Batch at a minimum deal.

They'll let guys such as Keenan Lewis, Mike Wallace and Ramon Foster test the open market to set the contract price and then see if they can match or better a deal that is offered - if it is offered.

@ The additional cap space could also allow the Steelers to make a pitch to free agent wideout Steve Breaston, who was in town Thursday to meet with the team.

@ The Steelers claimed quarterback John Parker Wilson off waivers from Jacksonville.

The 27-year-old Wilson, a former Alabama star, has not appeared in a regular season game in the NFL, but spent three seasons with Atlanta before joining the Jaguars last season.

He's not much more than a camp arm at this point.

Thoughts, observations

That the Steelers have opened negotiations with several veterans about contract restructures isn't huge news.

Everyone knew they were going to have to do something - and soon - to trim some salary cap before March 12.

The big news will be if they have to release any veteran players to get under the cap.

At this point, that's looking like it's not going to happen.

By restructuring Ben Roethlisberger, Lawrence Timmons and even LaMarr Woodley, the Steelers should be able to get under $123 million - which is now the number that the cap is estimated to be at.

Teams won't know the true cap number until sometime next week.

@ Some fans will make a big deal about players restructuring their deals, but it's really beneficial to the player.

Put it this way, it's kind of like your boss coming to you and asking if you'd like $50,000 now in a lump sum - that you get to keep no matter what - as opposed to waiting for it and getting it on a weekly basis the remainder of the year - unless you're fired.

@ Dee Milliner solidified his spot atop the rankings among cornerbacks in this draft by running a 4.37 on Tuesday and might now be a top-10 consideration for some teams, while Xavier Rhodes didn't do anything to hurt his first-round status by running a 4.43 at 6-1, 210 pounds.

But the other corner who could now start seeing some first-round consideration is Washington's Desmond Trufant. At 6-0, 190, Trufant rant a 4.38. That, coupled with a solid Senior Bowl, could push him into the bottom of the first round.

@ The situation at safety is a little more clouded.

Kenny Vacarro, the top safety available, ran a pedestrian 4.63 at 6-0, 214 pounds. But he did lead the safeties in the 20-yard shuttle at 4.06 and had a 38-inch vertical jump.

Considering Texas used Vacarro as a nickel back on passing downs, that's not surprising. He has the short-range change of direction to cover slot receivers.

But his on-campus workout will be important if he wants to go in the first round. He needs to get that 40 time into the 4.55 range if he wants to go early.

LSU's Eric Reid was probably the star of the safety position, running a 4.53 40 at 6-1, 213, while showing off an 11-2 broad jump and 40.5 vertical.

But that position is deep this year. If the Steelers were to pass on Vaccaro in the first round, I love D.J. Swearinger in the third as a guy who can play free or strong safety.

Swearinger is a big hitter and showed off good athleticism at the combine, with a 37-inch vertical, 10-2 long jump and 6.70 in the three-cone drill.

He only ran a 4.67 40, however.

@ If the Steelers don't go for a safety and pass on an offensive lineman in the first round, that leaves WR or LB in the first.

I'm not a big fan of Cordarrelle Paterson in the first round (I question his smarts) and Keenan Allen, the other top wideout in this class didn't work out at the combine due to a hamstring injury.

Tavon Austin would be a solid pick, but with his size restrictions (5-8, 174 pounds), teams might shy away from taking a guy who is strictly a slot receiver early in the first round.

Clemson's DeAndre Hawkins looks like the next Roddy White. At 6-1, 214 pounds, he's a physical receiver with a 36-inch vertical. But he ran a 4.57 40. If he can improve that time, I wouldn't have a problem taking him in the first round, even at 17.

I can't say the same right now for some of the linebacker prospects.

Why take a chance on a Barkevious Mingo, who tore up the combine, when his production in college didn't match his measurables?

Other guys who might be available at 17 - such as a Damontre Moore - had pedestrian combines. In fact, Moore ran 4.95 in the 40.

The Steelers might be better served waiting and taking a guy like Sio Moore of UConn in the second or round. Moore was a monster at UConn and his good play last season was backed up at the combine, where he ran a 4.65 40, did 29 reps of 225 on the bench and showed off a 38-inch vertical leap.

At 6-1, 245, Moore would probably transition to inside linebacker in the Steelers scheme.

Running backs, receivers put on show

The running backs and receivers put on a show Sunday at the NFL combine, with some impressive results.

West Virginia wideout Tavon Austin and Texas receiver Marquise Goodwin were the top performers in the 40-yard dash at that position.

Austin and Goodwin were originally hand timed at 4.25 seconds, times that were later adjusted to 4.34 for Austin and 4.27 for Goodwin.

That those two were the top receivers in terms of speed was not surprising. Austin consistently blew away the competition last season, while Goodwin is an Olympic-level track star as well.

The downside for those two? Austin is 5-8, while Goodwin is 5-9.

Austin will still likely wind up as a first-round player - he had a top-flight 4.01 in the 20-cone shuttle, showing his change of direction skills - while Goodwin didn't have the production of Austin and will likely work his way into the third round.

The surprise among the wide receivers was Texas A&M's Ryan Swope. At 6-0, 205 pounds, Swope ran a 4.34 40 and also had 16 reps of 225 pounds. He was a productive player for the Aggies, but many questioned his speed - don't they do that with all white receivers?

Swope was originally viewed as a third-round pick, but after answering the questions about his speed, might slide up to the second round.

One receiver the Steelers did meet with was USC's Robert Woods. At 6-0, 201 pounds, Woods ran a sold 4.51 Sunday. He's a silky smooth receiver who runs solid routes and catches nearly everything.

As for the running backs, they didn't show the overall speed as a group that the wideouts did, but Auburn's Onterrio McCalebb did rip off a 4.34 40.

At 5-10, 168 pounds, however, he's not much more than a change-of-pace back who's a day 3 draft pick despite his great 40 time.

Of the backs who interest the Steelers, Montee Ball ran a 4.66 40. Before you say that's too slow, realize that was .01 faster than Alfred Morris ran last year. Morris, a sixth-round pick, didn't have Ball's pedigree, which is why Ball will likely go in round three, while Morris went in the sixth.

Monday, the defensive linemen and linebackers will work out, while Tuesday, it will be the safeties and corners.

Colbert speaks

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert doesn't speak publicly often, so when he does, it's usually newsworthy - even though Colbert is often very guarded with what he says.

Today was no different.

Colbert addressed the media today in Indianapolis at the combine and did his usual dance of saying a lot while really not tipping his hand too much. It's truly an art form.

What he did say, however, was that he and head coach Mike Tomlin have their finger on the pulse of the team's locker room and he really doesn't see a fracture there as some players have suggested after linebacker LaMarr Woodley was ripped by an anonymous player earlier this week in a story in the Post-Gazette.

Was their some "me first" stuff in the locker room this year? Certainly.

But really, that wasn't any different than any other year. People have been quick to rip Mike Wallace for that perceived attitude forget that Hines Ward once held out as well.

And Ward was also a player who got upset when he didn't get the ball as much as he thought he should - though he handled it a different way, making veiled comments in the media.

Who could forget all of the Roethlisberger and Ward don't like each other stuff? True or not, they coexisted because both men knew they needed the other.

* Colbert also said that the Steelers haven't opened any negotiations with players on contract restructures or extensions, but will do so once they return from Indianapolis.

The Steelers are about $14 million over the 2013 cap and must be under it by March 12.

Picking up that $14 million won't be as difficult as some have said.

The Steelers can extend some key veterans - Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller and even Ryan Clark - and restructure some others such as Antonio Brown, Woodley and Lawrence Timmons to clear space.

Colbert did mention Woodley by name - especially after he was ripped anonymously earlier this week by a teammate - as a player the Steelers would have no problem restructuring or extending. They feel Woodley will bounce back after an injury-plagued last season and a half.

There is some evidence to back that up. Woodley was a beast in training camp last season, so much so that head coach Mike Tomlin was using him as the measuring stick for the tight ends on backers vs. tight ends drills.

Woodley manhandled all of the team's tight ends.

But with James Harrison out early, opponents were able to focus their blocking schemes on Woodley. And by the time Harrison returned, Woodley was dealing with ankle and hamstring issues.

Breaston, Steelers seem like a good match ... but

When Steve Breaston was released by Kansas City earlier this week, the questions immediately started to come.

Wouldn't Breaston and the Steelers be a perfect fit?

In an ideal world, certainly. But the Steelers aren't currently dealing with ideal circumstances.

Because the salary cap did not increase this year, the Steelers find themselves some $14 million over the cap with the free agency period set to begin in a couple of weeks.

In other words, to sign Breaston, the Steelers would have to part ways with some veterans.

The Steelers will likely rework the contracts of Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Antonio Brown and maybe even LaMarr Woodley to help them get under the cap.

They could also ask James Harrison and Willie Colon to take pay cuts - though Harrison's would probably have to come in the form of at least a one-year extension.

But that's a lot of movement of contracts to work out and still figure out a way to sign a free agent or two.

And Breaston, who had 61 catches in 2011 with Todd Haley as Kansas City's coach before falling off to seven in 2012, might not want to wait for the Steelers to sift through their salary cap mess to sign a new deal. He'll have other suitors, some who might even offer more than the minimum wage deal the Steelers would likely pony up.

Then again, Breaston has already followed Haley from Arizona to Kansas City and is known to have a good relationship with the Steelers offensive coordinator. So maybe he'll wait until the Steelers have room before the former Woodland Hills star signs with his old team.

Combine time

It's the most important job interview many of these young men ever participate in.

The NFL combine is set to kick off and will provide plenty of intrigue a news.

How important is the combine?

Last year, for example, 85 percent of the 253 players selected in the draft participated in the scouting combine. That 85 percent number has been pretty constant over the past few years.

That doesn't mean a combine invite is a ticket to the NFL. There were 328 players invited last season. But only 65 percent of those players were selected in the draft.

Teams have learned their lesson over the years. Nobody wants to draft the next Mike Mamula, a player who has become synonymous with being a combine stud and Sunday dud.

Most teams use the combine to reinforce things - both bad and good - that they already knew about a player.

If you had a third-round grade on a player, you're not going to necessarily downgrade him to a seventh-round or undraftable grade simply because he didn't run or jump as high as you expected.

In fact, the most important part of the combine is actually the player interviews.

For the most part, NFL coaches haven't had any interaction with these players. To this point, it's only been the scouts - and that contact is on a limited basis.

The scouts visit schools throughout the late summer and fall, but only get to watch practices or film. They may or may not get an opportunity to sit down with a player and talk for five minutes.

Teams will get that chance at the combine.

The purging is beginning

In the last couple of days, word has leaked out that the Packers are going to cut All-Pro Charles Woodson and the Colts will do the same with Dwight Freeney.

Such is life in today's NFL.

We all know that the Steelers are having cap issues. But while Steelers fans are bemoaning the team's issues, they have to realize that other teams are in the same boat.

With the cap not going up much again this year, many teams are being forced to bite the bullet with aging veterans who might not be worth their big cap number.

It wasn't exactly what the players had in mind when they signed a new CBA prior to the 2011 season.

The Steelers, of course, are headed down the same road with linebacker James Harrison - possibly.

Depending on what the team can get done in terms of contract extensions with Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller and maybe another younger vet or two, they could have to make the difficult decision to cut Harrison in order to have enough cap space to make offers to their restricted free agents in a couple of weeks.

Then again, there could be a couple of surprises there as well.

While the Steelers have routinely offered contracts to all of their restricted free agents, this year, that might not be the case.

In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if the team didn't offer running back Jonathan Dwyer or linebacker Stevenson Sylvester.

The coaching staff was unhappy with Dwyer's stamina and his constant tapping out of games after making just two or three carries in a row. The thought is that he might not have what it takes to be an every down back, so why tender him an offer that will more than double his salary if you don't think he's in the long-term plans?

The same goes for Sylvester, who has been around three years but still hasn't shown anything as a position player. He was supposed to be a good special teams player, but even that was missing in 2012, when he managed just one special teams tackle in nine games.

This is why they gave him the money

Antonio Brown is sometimes seen as a me-first kind of player, drawing silly penalties for doing things like running backwards into the end zone.

And he's criticized for being a member of the "Young Money Crew," something that some fans take issue with, especially in 2012, when the team's group of wide receivers - including Brown - didn't perform up to expectations.

But if you had any question about why the Steelers handed Brown a $42-million contract extension after just two seasons in the league, there's a good clue on the team's web site.

Brown told Steelers.com this: "We have a lot of young guys. A lot of guys haven't been around here for the history of this team. I want to make sure guys understand the importance of being here, the tradition that is required from our peers, coaches and everybody inside this building. You have to know the history of something if you are a part of it. You have to know where it started, where it came from and what it's about. You know where you are with it now and where you want it to go. I can help teach guys about that and take that type of approach. Every man has to understand the importance of what the Steelers logo stands for, the men that came before us and wore that jersey, and we have to understand the importance of it, be humbled by it and work with that mentality."

Now, some might think that Brown is talking just to talk. But he truly means that. When the Steelers say that Brown's work ethic is second to none, they mean it. He is a tireless worker, and he really wants to be the best receiver in the NFL.

An ankle injury derailed Brown's season in 2012, limiting his effectiveness. But you can bet that will drive him in the offseason to work even harder to make it back to a Pro Bowl.

Does he still have some "look at me" moments? Sure. But I think they are born more out of excitement than they are planned outbursts like previous "star" receivers such as Terrell Owens.

He will be an excellent tutor for whatever young receiver the Steelers add in this year's draft.

More changes on Tomlin's staff

The changes continue to come on Mike Tomlin's staff as wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery has left to become and assistant coach at Duke.

Montgomery had come to the Steelers three years ago after serving as the receivers coach at Duke. He replaced Randy Fichtner, who moved from receivers coach to quarterbacks coach. Fichtner remains on the staff.

Montgomery's move marks the third departure from Tomlin's staff this offseason.

Previously, offensive line coach Sean Kugler left to become head coach at UTEP, while special teams coordinator Amos Jones left to take the same position with Arizona.

And no, Hines Ward will not be taking this job anytime soon.

It is not yet apparent what position Montgomery will serve with the Blue Devils. According to the school, offensive coordinator Kurt Roper remains with the team, though the positions of associate head coach, recruiting coordinator, wide receivers coach, passing game coordinator and special teams coordinator are open.

More silver linings

Looking for more in terms of silver linings from Baltimore's Super Bowl win?

Try this one on:

While we all know that there's often a letdown for teams after winning the Super Bowl - the Steelers can attest to that - take a look back at the last time that the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2000.

Coming off that win, the Ravens were considered to be the NFL's next possible dynasty, led by a defense that was being compared to many of the greats.

What happened after that?

In 2001, the Ravens went 10-6, yet finished second to the Steelers in the AFC North standings. Pittsburgh whipped them in the playoffs, 27-10.

The following season, the Ravens stumbled to a 7-9 year and failed to make the postseason.

So while everyone in Pittsburgh is focused on what happened with the Steelers in 2012 and who this team is going to be without in 2013 - and rightfully so - don't forget to look at who the defending Super Bowl champs are going to be without as well.

Ray Lewis will retire. Paul Kruger and Ed Reed - two main cogs of the defense - are both unrestricted free agents and could be out the door.

In fact, take a look at Baltimore's list of impending free agents, and you will see a list that is longer than any other team in the league. And it includes the likes of quarterback Joe Flacco, Reed, Kruger, left tackle Bryant McKinnie, linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, cornerback Cary Williams and tight ends Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson.

Some of those guys are restricted free agents, but even at that, those guys will be getting significant raises if the Ravens intend to keep them.

And Flacco is likely to get a big increase from his $4.61 million salary of last season to at least $20 million in 2013.

Super Bowl proves Steelers not all that far off

If the Super Bowl proved one thing, it is this: The Steelers are not as bad off as some would think.

Remember, the 2012 Steelers beat both the eventual Super Bowl champions and the defending Super Bowl champs on their home fields.

They also took the Ravens to the limit in a game at Heinz Field with Byron Leftwich at QB.

So while a non-playoff season stinks and the Steelers have some salary cap issues to deal with, the picture isn't all that bleak.

@ Bad black eye for the NFL and New Orleans for the power to go out in the league's biggest event.

Maybe the league would consider scaling back its halftime extravaganza to one that only sucks up enough electricity to power a small city instead of a major one.

Nah, that's silly talk.

@ Is it too much to ask that the national anthem be performed the way it was written and intended to be sung?

I realize the Star Spangled Banner isn't the easiest tune to carry - I have some some singing myself.

But do we really need "stars" to add their own flair to it? We all know Alicia Keys is a good singer. We don't need her to bastardize the national anthem to prove it.

@ I really didn't think Joe Flacco should have won the MVP award for this Super Bowl. If I were voting, I would have cast a ballot for Jacoby Jones. Two 50-plus yard touchdowns - including a record 109-yard kick return to open the second half - were good enough for me.

@ For all of the people ripping some of Mike Tomlin's decisions this season - and I was among that crowd at times as well - realize that all coaches make a bonehead call at times.

Witness John Harbaugh's fake field goal call at the end of the first half on fourth-and-nine and well within field goal range.

@ Flacco's MVP award likely added another $10-20 million to his pricetag as a free agent, so there's that.

@ There is no way on God's green earth that Warren Sapp should be going into the Hall of Fame before Jerome Bettis, let alone Michael Strahan, who was a far better player than Sapp.

Big weekend for Bettis

It's a big weekend for former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis.

Bettis is one of the finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame again this weekend and I expect the third time to be the charm for the NFL's fifth-leading all-time rusher.

He should be inducted into the hall.

Bettis became eligible three years ago, at the same time that Marshall Faulk and Curtis Martin also became eligible.

I talked to a number of Hall of Fame voters, and they felt there was a pecking order at that time. It went Faulk, Martin and then Bettis.

It was hard to argue. Faulk was one of the most dynamic all-purpose runners in league history.

I remember when he was with Indianapolis, Steelers head coach Bill Cowher gnashing his teeth wondering how the Steelers were going to match up with Faulk when he split wide. He was too fast and ran routes too well to cover with a linebacker, but you also didn't want to put a defensive back on him and take one out of coverage elsewhere.

Martin, meanwhile, is the NFL's fourth all-time leading rusher, ranking just ahead of Bettis.

This is Bettis' year.