The Steelers finally hosted their first free agent on Friday and you can expect a few more to trickle in during the coming weeks as they scan the dollar store wares of what's left over after the feeding frenzy.
Buffalo left tackle Demetrius Bell was in Pittsburgh to meet with Steelers brass. He's visited a few other teams as well and is considered a talented, yet injury prone, left tackle.
Bell has a relationship with Steelers line coach Sean Kugler, which probably prompted his visit to Pittsburgh.
But it's likely his asking price will be out of Pittsburgh's range, even though he played in just seven games last season.
Twenty-seven-year-old left tackles don't come cheaply, even injury-prone ones.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Tomlin speaks
Mike Tomlin spoke to the media for the first time since the Steelers lost at Denver in the playoffs on Tuesday at the NFL owner's meetings.
There wasn't a lot of earth-shattering news to be had. Tomlin reiterated that it was he, not owner Art Rooney II, who made the decision to both fire Bruce Arians and hire Todd Haley to replace him as offensive coordinator.
Tomlin also said the Steelers will likely add a running back this offseason, either via free agency or the draft. The draft is the more likely scenario, though a veteran such as Justin Forsett could fill the void left by Mewelde Moore and serve as a nice change-of-pace to Isaac Redman until Rashard Mendenhall is able to return.
He said receiver Emmanuel Sanders and tackle Willie Colon have a lot to prove after both going through back-to-back injury-plagued seasons.
Tomlin also said the Steelers have hosted three college players - not including the ones from Pitt.
They are Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams, Florida International wide receiver T.Y. Hilton and Cincinnati defensive end Derek Wolfe.
Hilton is an intriguing player. The 5-10, 183-pounder looks like an Antonio Brown clone. He also ran a 4.3ish 40 at his individual workout before pulling up with a quad injury, the same issue he had in his bowl game at Florida International.
The Steelers were likely having their doctors check him out to make sure he's sound.
But the fact that Tomlin offered those names up freely tells me he's not interested in any of those players.
There wasn't a lot of earth-shattering news to be had. Tomlin reiterated that it was he, not owner Art Rooney II, who made the decision to both fire Bruce Arians and hire Todd Haley to replace him as offensive coordinator.
Tomlin also said the Steelers will likely add a running back this offseason, either via free agency or the draft. The draft is the more likely scenario, though a veteran such as Justin Forsett could fill the void left by Mewelde Moore and serve as a nice change-of-pace to Isaac Redman until Rashard Mendenhall is able to return.
He said receiver Emmanuel Sanders and tackle Willie Colon have a lot to prove after both going through back-to-back injury-plagued seasons.
Tomlin also said the Steelers have hosted three college players - not including the ones from Pitt.
They are Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams, Florida International wide receiver T.Y. Hilton and Cincinnati defensive end Derek Wolfe.
Hilton is an intriguing player. The 5-10, 183-pounder looks like an Antonio Brown clone. He also ran a 4.3ish 40 at his individual workout before pulling up with a quad injury, the same issue he had in his bowl game at Florida International.
The Steelers were likely having their doctors check him out to make sure he's sound.
But the fact that Tomlin offered those names up freely tells me he's not interested in any of those players.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Steelers awarded draft picks
The Steelers were awarded three compensatory picks on Monday, giving them 10 total in this year's draft.
Pittsburgh got three extra seventh-round selections, getting the 33rd selection (pick 240), 39 (246) and 41 (248).
The Steelers likely won't make a deal in the first few rounds, but moving up or down in later rounds is certainly a possibility.
While the compensatory picks cannot be traded, the extra seventh-round selections will give the Steelers the option of dealing some of their picks in the middle rounds to move up a little higher.
© William Gay signing with Arizona is not a surprise.
The fact that he signed just a two-year deal is somewhat surprising, however.
Bryan McFadden also signed a two-year deal with Arizona and found himself back in Pittsburgh a year later.
Now, he might wind up being out of football.
In my estimation, Gay is a slightly better player - because he can play in the slot - but two-year deals don't offer a lot of stability.
The Steelers expected to lose Gay, however.
With Keenan Lewis, Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown in the mix behind Ike Taylor, they're fine at cornerback.
Pittsburgh got three extra seventh-round selections, getting the 33rd selection (pick 240), 39 (246) and 41 (248).
The Steelers likely won't make a deal in the first few rounds, but moving up or down in later rounds is certainly a possibility.
While the compensatory picks cannot be traded, the extra seventh-round selections will give the Steelers the option of dealing some of their picks in the middle rounds to move up a little higher.
© William Gay signing with Arizona is not a surprise.
The fact that he signed just a two-year deal is somewhat surprising, however.
Bryan McFadden also signed a two-year deal with Arizona and found himself back in Pittsburgh a year later.
Now, he might wind up being out of football.
In my estimation, Gay is a slightly better player - because he can play in the slot - but two-year deals don't offer a lot of stability.
The Steelers expected to lose Gay, however.
With Keenan Lewis, Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown in the mix behind Ike Taylor, they're fine at cornerback.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Thoughts on Wallace
Reports out of San Francisco have Mike Wallace requesting a deal worth more than Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald $120 million contract if he were going to consider joining the 49ers.
This, of course, caused a great deal of public outcry from Steelers fans, who A. Don't think Wallace is worth that kind of money, and B. think he's as good as gone.
Both statements are ridiculous.
Agents always aim high when negotiating. That's their job. If, and that's a big if, Wallace's agent told the 49ers he wanted more than Fitzgerald, so what?
That doesn't mean that's where any final contract would end up at.
Agents ask for the moon all the time. That's what they do. The team then offers a counter - if they're truly interested. And so it goes from there.
As for Wallace not being in Fitzgerald's class as a receiver, realize that in their first three NFL seasons, they both caught 24 touchdown passes, while Wallace had more yards. Fitzgerald had more receptions.
That's not a true barometer and the eye test tells me Fitzgerald is a better receiver, but agents being agents, they're going to look at the numbers.
Does this mean Wallace won't be a Steeler in 2012? Nope. In fact, if the report is true - and I do have my doubts about the veracity - Wallace will definitely be back with the Steelers this season.
And if they can't work out a deal with Wallace, there's always the possibility of using the franchise tag on him in 2013.
This, of course, caused a great deal of public outcry from Steelers fans, who A. Don't think Wallace is worth that kind of money, and B. think he's as good as gone.
Both statements are ridiculous.
Agents always aim high when negotiating. That's their job. If, and that's a big if, Wallace's agent told the 49ers he wanted more than Fitzgerald, so what?
That doesn't mean that's where any final contract would end up at.
Agents ask for the moon all the time. That's what they do. The team then offers a counter - if they're truly interested. And so it goes from there.
As for Wallace not being in Fitzgerald's class as a receiver, realize that in their first three NFL seasons, they both caught 24 touchdown passes, while Wallace had more yards. Fitzgerald had more receptions.
That's not a true barometer and the eye test tells me Fitzgerald is a better receiver, but agents being agents, they're going to look at the numbers.
Does this mean Wallace won't be a Steeler in 2012? Nope. In fact, if the report is true - and I do have my doubts about the veracity - Wallace will definitely be back with the Steelers this season.
And if they can't work out a deal with Wallace, there's always the possibility of using the franchise tag on him in 2013.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Ward goes out with class
Hines Ward announced his retirement today, the way he should have done so about a month ago - with class.
Ward thanked his teammates, the organization and fans for his 14 years in a Pittsburgh uniform, choking back tears on a number of occasions.
At this point, there's not a whole lot I can say about Ward that I haven't already said.
I've always respected him and he was always a stand-up guy who was loved by his teammates.
That was apparent at Tuesday's press conference when Aaron Smith, James Harrison and Jerome Bettis showed up to lend support.
They did, however, have a side bet on how long it would take Ward to break down and cry. As Harrison said, "Hines is a cryer."
But there's nothing wrong with that. Ward played with emotion, and it was tough for him to walk away from the game he loves.
Ward can do so, however, with his head held high. He gave his all at all times on the field and in practice.
And as he said, he and Smith, James Farrior and Chris Hoke – all of whom the team has parted ways with in the past month – leave a legacy here much like the Steelers of the '70s.
They won, and they won a lot.
Ward thanked his teammates, the organization and fans for his 14 years in a Pittsburgh uniform, choking back tears on a number of occasions.
At this point, there's not a whole lot I can say about Ward that I haven't already said.
I've always respected him and he was always a stand-up guy who was loved by his teammates.
That was apparent at Tuesday's press conference when Aaron Smith, James Harrison and Jerome Bettis showed up to lend support.
They did, however, have a side bet on how long it would take Ward to break down and cry. As Harrison said, "Hines is a cryer."
But there's nothing wrong with that. Ward played with emotion, and it was tough for him to walk away from the game he loves.
Ward can do so, however, with his head held high. He gave his all at all times on the field and in practice.
And as he said, he and Smith, James Farrior and Chris Hoke – all of whom the team has parted ways with in the past month – leave a legacy here much like the Steelers of the '70s.
They won, and they won a lot.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Why I don't see a team making a run at Wallace
Now that Peyton Manning has chosen the Denver Broncos as his final destination, speculation has begun about the Broncos or 49ers making a pitch to Steelers restricted free agent Mike Wallace.
I don't see it happening in either case.
The Broncos already have a decent young receiving corps as the Steelers found out the hard way in the playoffs. If Demaryious Thomas and Eric Decker could make Tim Tebow look good at times, imagine how they will do with Manning.
And the more important rumor is that Manning would like to bring tight end Dallas Clark along with him from Indianapolis. That makes a lot more sense.
The Broncos could then spend their remaining cap space to beef up their defensive line, which is a weakness.
As for San Francisco, the 49ers can add all the receivers in the world, but right now, they don't have a quarterback. That's a little more important.
I'm not saying it won't happen, but even if it does, the Steelers will work hard to match the offer. They're not going to allow Wallace to walk.
I don't see it happening in either case.
The Broncos already have a decent young receiving corps as the Steelers found out the hard way in the playoffs. If Demaryious Thomas and Eric Decker could make Tim Tebow look good at times, imagine how they will do with Manning.
And the more important rumor is that Manning would like to bring tight end Dallas Clark along with him from Indianapolis. That makes a lot more sense.
The Broncos could then spend their remaining cap space to beef up their defensive line, which is a weakness.
As for San Francisco, the 49ers can add all the receivers in the world, but right now, they don't have a quarterback. That's a little more important.
I'm not saying it won't happen, but even if it does, the Steelers will work hard to match the offer. They're not going to allow Wallace to walk.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Hampton takes a cut
With Casey Hampton taking a cut in pay - it's a cut, not a restructure as some are reporting it - the Steelers' need to take a nose tackle high in the draft is a little less pressing.
And it again goes to show how the Steelers like to do business.
Pittsburgh never likes to go into a season being forced to rely on a rookie at any position, particularly on defense.
That's why there hasn't been a full-time rookie starter on the team's defense since Hampton and Kendrell Bell broke in there in 2001.
And even at that, Hampton and Bell had to earn their spots. They weren't handed the positions.
So the Steelers now have Hampton under contract, meaning they can ease a rookie into the rotation if he deserves it. The same goes at inside linebacker, where they are comfortable playing Larry Foote beside Lawrence Timmons if need be.
Certainly, things aren't so cut-and-dried on offense. But even in cases where rookies have come in and started - Ben Roethlisberger, Maurkice Pouncey, etc. - the Steelers had veteran options around just in case things took a little longer than expected.
It's the Steelers way. And it's worked for some time.
So while fans may get upset that both Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin don't like to play rookies, the reality is that they don't like to HAVE to play rookies. And there is a difference.
And it again goes to show how the Steelers like to do business.
Pittsburgh never likes to go into a season being forced to rely on a rookie at any position, particularly on defense.
That's why there hasn't been a full-time rookie starter on the team's defense since Hampton and Kendrell Bell broke in there in 2001.
And even at that, Hampton and Bell had to earn their spots. They weren't handed the positions.
So the Steelers now have Hampton under contract, meaning they can ease a rookie into the rotation if he deserves it. The same goes at inside linebacker, where they are comfortable playing Larry Foote beside Lawrence Timmons if need be.
Certainly, things aren't so cut-and-dried on offense. But even in cases where rookies have come in and started - Ben Roethlisberger, Maurkice Pouncey, etc. - the Steelers had veteran options around just in case things took a little longer than expected.
It's the Steelers way. And it's worked for some time.
So while fans may get upset that both Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin don't like to play rookies, the reality is that they don't like to HAVE to play rookies. And there is a difference.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Market for Wallace being set
There as a flurry on wide receivers getting new contracts on Tuesday as the free agent period began in the NFL.
But none of the receivers signing deals was named Mike Wallace.
That doesn't mean, however, that it wasn't a big day for Wallace, as the market was set for a receiver of his skills.
Let's take a look at some of the deals that were completed.
Vincent Jackson, who is one strike short of getting a year's suspension, signed a five-year $55 million contract with Tampa Bay.
Washington went crazy - there's a shock - and gave Pierre Garçon $42.5 million for five years and Josh Morgan essentially $6 million per year.
Robert Meachem(!) got $25.9 million for four years from San Diego to replace Jackson.
And just before the free agency period began, New Orleans re-signed Marques Colston to a five-year, $40-million deal.
That's some crazy money being thrown around for a group of receivers, many of whom aren't in Wallace's class.
So what will this mean for the Steelers?
That $9.4 million figure it would have cost them to place the franchise tag on Wallace might have been a bargain.
Then again, with so many teams dipping their toes into the receiver waters, there aren't a lot of teams out there still looking for receivers.
And, as I've said all along, it's one thing to sign a receiver to a big deal. It's another to do so AND give up a first-round pick, which is what a team would have to do to pry Wallace away from the Steelers.
The question is, however, can the Steelers afford to sign Wallace to a long-term deal?
The answer, at least right now, is no. But the salary cap will be increasing in 2013, which is good news considering Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders are going to reach their restricted free agent year following the 2012 season.
But none of the receivers signing deals was named Mike Wallace.
That doesn't mean, however, that it wasn't a big day for Wallace, as the market was set for a receiver of his skills.
Let's take a look at some of the deals that were completed.
Vincent Jackson, who is one strike short of getting a year's suspension, signed a five-year $55 million contract with Tampa Bay.
Washington went crazy - there's a shock - and gave Pierre Garçon $42.5 million for five years and Josh Morgan essentially $6 million per year.
Robert Meachem(!) got $25.9 million for four years from San Diego to replace Jackson.
And just before the free agency period began, New Orleans re-signed Marques Colston to a five-year, $40-million deal.
That's some crazy money being thrown around for a group of receivers, many of whom aren't in Wallace's class.
So what will this mean for the Steelers?
That $9.4 million figure it would have cost them to place the franchise tag on Wallace might have been a bargain.
Then again, with so many teams dipping their toes into the receiver waters, there aren't a lot of teams out there still looking for receivers.
And, as I've said all along, it's one thing to sign a receiver to a big deal. It's another to do so AND give up a first-round pick, which is what a team would have to do to pry Wallace away from the Steelers.
The question is, however, can the Steelers afford to sign Wallace to a long-term deal?
The answer, at least right now, is no. But the salary cap will be increasing in 2013, which is good news considering Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders are going to reach their restricted free agent year following the 2012 season.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Free agency set to begin
The free agent period will begin in a couple of days and there's sure to be a furry of activity, even though the salary cap came in at just $120.6 million, a smidgen above what it was last season.
Some teams are always prepared to overpay for somebody else's talent.
As has been the case, don't expect the Steelers to be major players – unless they have to.
The team has been in contact with the agent for wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery. And even if he gets an offer on the open market, it's likely he'll at least give the Steelers the opportunity to match.
Outside of that, the Steelers will sit on the sidelines and look for bargains - as they always do.
And the Steelers also won't lose anybody they can't do without.
They will make tender offers on all of their restricted free agents to cover their behind, but if push comes to shove, because of Pittsburgh's iffy cap situation, it won't go crazy to match any offers - save one for wide receiver Mike Wallace.
Some teams are always prepared to overpay for somebody else's talent.
As has been the case, don't expect the Steelers to be major players – unless they have to.
The team has been in contact with the agent for wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery. And even if he gets an offer on the open market, it's likely he'll at least give the Steelers the opportunity to match.
Outside of that, the Steelers will sit on the sidelines and look for bargains - as they always do.
And the Steelers also won't lose anybody they can't do without.
They will make tender offers on all of their restricted free agents to cover their behind, but if push comes to shove, because of Pittsburgh's iffy cap situation, it won't go crazy to match any offers - save one for wide receiver Mike Wallace.
Sunday, March 04, 2012
What's next for Steelers
After the painful goodbyes of last week, the Steelers now prepare for the next step in the 2012 offseason - making their final preparations for free agency.
After last week's releases and the previous restructures the team did in the previous weeks, the Steelers are approximately $12 to $14 million under the salary cap - depending on what it finally comes in at.
The Steelers must now tender their offers to restricted free agents. That will include a first-round tender of $2.742 million for wide receiver Mike Wallace and the low tender of $1.26 million to guards Ramon Foster and Doug Legursky, both of who were undrafted, corner Keenan Lewis (third), safety Ryan Mundy (sixth) and tight end David Johnson (seventh).
That will eat up some $9 million of their newfound cap space.
Offering the low tender for Foster and Legursky is a gamble, perhaps even more so than making a first-round tender for Wallace.
With the release of Chris Kemoeatu, the Steelers have no other guards with NFL experience on their roster. Should another team decide to make an offer to Legursky or Foster that the Steelers cannot or do not want to match, they would receive no compensation.
The team does still have some cap wiggle room should it have to clear space to match an offer for Wallace or either guard.
Nose tackle Casey Hampton, who is scheduled to make $5.89 million, could be asked to take a pay cut or be released. The Steelers could also trim offensive tackle Jonathan Scott ($2.2 million) or safety Will Allen ($1.28 million).
A couple of things we do now know after last week's cuts is that A. this team values Jerricho Cotchery over Ward and will make a strong push to re-sign him, and B. Guard and inside linebacker have become the undoubted biggest needs in the draft.
The Steelers have enough money under the cap to make a strong offer for Cotchery, though, again, if they have to match any offers to their own restricted free agents, obviously, some other cuts would have to be made.
Resigning Cotchery would also preclude the team from making a strong pitch for any of their unrestricted free agents, most notably corner Will Gay or running back Mewelde Moore.
After last week's releases and the previous restructures the team did in the previous weeks, the Steelers are approximately $12 to $14 million under the salary cap - depending on what it finally comes in at.
The Steelers must now tender their offers to restricted free agents. That will include a first-round tender of $2.742 million for wide receiver Mike Wallace and the low tender of $1.26 million to guards Ramon Foster and Doug Legursky, both of who were undrafted, corner Keenan Lewis (third), safety Ryan Mundy (sixth) and tight end David Johnson (seventh).
That will eat up some $9 million of their newfound cap space.
Offering the low tender for Foster and Legursky is a gamble, perhaps even more so than making a first-round tender for Wallace.
With the release of Chris Kemoeatu, the Steelers have no other guards with NFL experience on their roster. Should another team decide to make an offer to Legursky or Foster that the Steelers cannot or do not want to match, they would receive no compensation.
The team does still have some cap wiggle room should it have to clear space to match an offer for Wallace or either guard.
Nose tackle Casey Hampton, who is scheduled to make $5.89 million, could be asked to take a pay cut or be released. The Steelers could also trim offensive tackle Jonathan Scott ($2.2 million) or safety Will Allen ($1.28 million).
A couple of things we do now know after last week's cuts is that A. this team values Jerricho Cotchery over Ward and will make a strong push to re-sign him, and B. Guard and inside linebacker have become the undoubted biggest needs in the draft.
The Steelers have enough money under the cap to make a strong offer for Cotchery, though, again, if they have to match any offers to their own restricted free agents, obviously, some other cuts would have to be made.
Resigning Cotchery would also preclude the team from making a strong pitch for any of their unrestricted free agents, most notably corner Will Gay or running back Mewelde Moore.
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Two more vets told to hit the road, more coming?
The Steelers have informed defensive end Aaron Smith and guard Chris Kemoeatu that they are not in the team's plans for 2012 and will be released.
The news comes a day after the team informed wide receiver Hines Ward that he will also be released.
The total cap savings from those cuts - when they occur – will be $9.7 million.
And the Steelers might not be done. Avella native Ralph Cindrich, the agent for linebacker James Farrior, tweeted on Thursday that he expects his client could also be on the chopping block.
Certainly, either Farrior or fellow veteran inside linebacker Larry Foote, will not be with the team in 2012.
It is difficult to see Smith, like Ward, go.
A consummate professional, Smith was long one of the most underrated defensive linemen in the league - until everyone began talking about him being one of the most underrated defensive linemen in the league. By the time that happened, injuries began to knock him out of the lineup for extended periods of time.
Yet Smith was still one of the most respected men in a locker room full of strong leaders.
If the Steelers do indeed cut Farrior to go along with the cuts of Ward and Smith, they will have lost a great deal of leadership in their locker room.
Who steps into some of those roles remains to be seen.
Brett Keisel is a natural option along the defensive front, while Troy Polamalu, though not necessarily vocal, is a player who leads by example.
Offensively, there is little doubt that Ben Roethlisberger is now the man, though Maurkice Pouncey has also earned a lot of respect from his peers.
The news comes a day after the team informed wide receiver Hines Ward that he will also be released.
The total cap savings from those cuts - when they occur – will be $9.7 million.
And the Steelers might not be done. Avella native Ralph Cindrich, the agent for linebacker James Farrior, tweeted on Thursday that he expects his client could also be on the chopping block.
Certainly, either Farrior or fellow veteran inside linebacker Larry Foote, will not be with the team in 2012.
It is difficult to see Smith, like Ward, go.
A consummate professional, Smith was long one of the most underrated defensive linemen in the league - until everyone began talking about him being one of the most underrated defensive linemen in the league. By the time that happened, injuries began to knock him out of the lineup for extended periods of time.
Yet Smith was still one of the most respected men in a locker room full of strong leaders.
If the Steelers do indeed cut Farrior to go along with the cuts of Ward and Smith, they will have lost a great deal of leadership in their locker room.
Who steps into some of those roles remains to be seen.
Brett Keisel is a natural option along the defensive front, while Troy Polamalu, though not necessarily vocal, is a player who leads by example.
Offensively, there is little doubt that Ben Roethlisberger is now the man, though Maurkice Pouncey has also earned a lot of respect from his peers.
Lasting memories of Hines Ward
The Steelers made the tough, but logical, choice on Wednesday and announced their plans to release wide receiver Hines Ward.
Perhaps it's fitting that it occurred on Feb. 29, Leap Year.
One of my lasting memories of Ward – and there are plenty – will be his half-skip, half-leap in the end zone after catching the game-clinching touchdown pass from Antwaan Randle El in Super Bowl XL.
For 14 seasons, Ward has personified the Steelers organization. He was tough. He was gritty. He was a football player.
In an age when many wide receivers have been me-first prima donnas, Ward worked his tail off in all facets of the game.
When he was a special teams player, he was the best special teams player he could be. When he was needed as a blocker, he threw himself into it with reckless abandon. When he was relegated to being a backup, he did so gracefully.
Here's hoping he takes the giant hint the Steelers gave him Wednesday and doesn't attempt to try and come back another season elsewhere.
The Steelers made it quite obvious that they don't feel he can play any longer.
Their concerted effort to get him 1,000 receptions made their intentions obvious. They didn't want the season to end with Ward short of his goal because they were pretty sure they weren't going to bring him back.
And now that's the case.
Some will say that because of what Ward has meant for the team, the Steelers owed him the opportunity to come back.
But that's ridiculous. The Steelers took care of their debt to Ward in Week 17 in Cleveland when they got him his 1,000th catch.
They told him they didn't think he could play any longer.
He is choosing not to believe them.
And that's a shame.
Maybe Ward will come to his senses soon and realize that at 36, he not only can't, but doesn't need, to play football any longer.
The thought of Ward finishing out his career in another city playing for another team just isn't right.
Perhaps it's fitting that it occurred on Feb. 29, Leap Year.
One of my lasting memories of Ward – and there are plenty – will be his half-skip, half-leap in the end zone after catching the game-clinching touchdown pass from Antwaan Randle El in Super Bowl XL.
For 14 seasons, Ward has personified the Steelers organization. He was tough. He was gritty. He was a football player.
In an age when many wide receivers have been me-first prima donnas, Ward worked his tail off in all facets of the game.
When he was a special teams player, he was the best special teams player he could be. When he was needed as a blocker, he threw himself into it with reckless abandon. When he was relegated to being a backup, he did so gracefully.
Here's hoping he takes the giant hint the Steelers gave him Wednesday and doesn't attempt to try and come back another season elsewhere.
The Steelers made it quite obvious that they don't feel he can play any longer.
Their concerted effort to get him 1,000 receptions made their intentions obvious. They didn't want the season to end with Ward short of his goal because they were pretty sure they weren't going to bring him back.
And now that's the case.
Some will say that because of what Ward has meant for the team, the Steelers owed him the opportunity to come back.
But that's ridiculous. The Steelers took care of their debt to Ward in Week 17 in Cleveland when they got him his 1,000th catch.
They told him they didn't think he could play any longer.
He is choosing not to believe them.
And that's a shame.
Maybe Ward will come to his senses soon and realize that at 36, he not only can't, but doesn't need, to play football any longer.
The thought of Ward finishing out his career in another city playing for another team just isn't right.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Poe likely moves out of Steelers range
Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe likely moved out of the range of the Steelers in the first round of the draft when he clocked in at and official 4.98 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine Monday.
Original times had him at 4.87 seconds, but 4.98 is still pretty darn good when you consider Poe is 6-4, 346 pounds and also had the best bench at this combine, putting up 225 pounds 44 times.
He also blistered his 10-yard time in 1.70 seconds, showing plenty of explosiveness.
There is a question as to why that didn't necessarily translate into more big plays at Memphis, but if you're looking for a guy who has the power and burst to occupy two blockers at the nose - and possibly shift outside at times to end in a 3-4 - Poe is your guy.
© The linebacker prospects also ran on Monday and there are a pair there that should interest the Steelers a great deal.
Boston College's Luke Kuechly (6-3, 242), my personal favorite, answered questions about his speed by blistering the 40 in 4.58 seconds.
Kuchely's instincts might be unmatched by the players available in this draft and the only question about him was whether he had the kind of speed needed to go sideline to sideline. The top tackler in the nation last season with 191(!) answered those questions.
The other top-rated inside linebacker, Alabama's Dont'a Hightower, doesn't have Kuechly's instincts - who does? - but he's built like current Steelers star LaMarr Woodley, with thick legs and body.
At 6-2, 265 pounds, Hightower ran the 40 in 4.68 seconds. He has the added bonus of being able to line up outside as well and give you some pass rush.
Selecting Hightower in the draft would give the Steelers the luxury of never having to move Lawrence Timmons – who was terrible on the outside – out there again.
Original times had him at 4.87 seconds, but 4.98 is still pretty darn good when you consider Poe is 6-4, 346 pounds and also had the best bench at this combine, putting up 225 pounds 44 times.
He also blistered his 10-yard time in 1.70 seconds, showing plenty of explosiveness.
There is a question as to why that didn't necessarily translate into more big plays at Memphis, but if you're looking for a guy who has the power and burst to occupy two blockers at the nose - and possibly shift outside at times to end in a 3-4 - Poe is your guy.
© The linebacker prospects also ran on Monday and there are a pair there that should interest the Steelers a great deal.
Boston College's Luke Kuechly (6-3, 242), my personal favorite, answered questions about his speed by blistering the 40 in 4.58 seconds.
Kuchely's instincts might be unmatched by the players available in this draft and the only question about him was whether he had the kind of speed needed to go sideline to sideline. The top tackler in the nation last season with 191(!) answered those questions.
The other top-rated inside linebacker, Alabama's Dont'a Hightower, doesn't have Kuechly's instincts - who does? - but he's built like current Steelers star LaMarr Woodley, with thick legs and body.
At 6-2, 265 pounds, Hightower ran the 40 in 4.68 seconds. He has the added bonus of being able to line up outside as well and give you some pass rush.
Selecting Hightower in the draft would give the Steelers the luxury of never having to move Lawrence Timmons – who was terrible on the outside – out there again.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
News, notes from the combine thus far
Memphis nose tackle Dontari Poe showed off his strength this weekend in the bench press, putting 225 pounds up 44 times, the best at this year's combine.
Poe is a sculpted 6-4, 346 pounds, though his arms were a bit short at 32 inches.
@ Alameda Ta'amu of Washington, the other top nose tackle prospect, weighed in at 348 pounds on his 6-3 frame.
Ta'amu, who is more of a second-round prospect, did 35 reps and had 32-inch arms.
@ Georgia guard/tackle Cordy Glenn ran the 40 in 5.15 seconds, not bad for a man who is 6-5, 345 pounds.
He also had the second-longest longest arms of any of the offensive linemen at 35 3/4 inches.
Despite the long arms, Glenn still pressed 225 pounds 31 times, a very respectible number
Glenn is viewed as a mid-to-late first-round pick, which puts him in the Steelers' range.
@ California University of Pennsylvania guard Rishaw Johnson showed off his wheels by clocking in right behind Glenn at 5.24 seconds in the 40.
Johnson, 6-3, 313 pounds, is a sleeper in this draft who's likely to be selected in round four or five. The former Ole Miss star transferred to Cal last season.
He showed at the Senior Bowl that he's not really capable of playing center, but his mobility and strength are excellent.
Johnson did, however, struggle in some of the drills, failing to perform them properly and drawing the wrath of position coaches.
He's raw, but with his athleticism, you never know.
@ Winconsin guard Kevin Zeitler and Iowa State's Kelechi Osemele, a pair of late-first, early-second round prospects, clocked in at 5.39 seconds and 5.36 seconds, respectively.
Zeitler's arm length - 32 3/4 - is a bit short, but he used that to his advantage, doing 32 reps on the bench.
Osemele had the longest arms of any lineman - he should at 6-6, 333 pounds - at 35 7/8 and also managed 32 bench reps.
@ We'll see how the linebackers run later this week.
At this point, it clearly appears the Steelers will target two of those three positions in the first two rounds of the draft.
Poe is a sculpted 6-4, 346 pounds, though his arms were a bit short at 32 inches.
@ Alameda Ta'amu of Washington, the other top nose tackle prospect, weighed in at 348 pounds on his 6-3 frame.
Ta'amu, who is more of a second-round prospect, did 35 reps and had 32-inch arms.
@ Georgia guard/tackle Cordy Glenn ran the 40 in 5.15 seconds, not bad for a man who is 6-5, 345 pounds.
He also had the second-longest longest arms of any of the offensive linemen at 35 3/4 inches.
Despite the long arms, Glenn still pressed 225 pounds 31 times, a very respectible number
Glenn is viewed as a mid-to-late first-round pick, which puts him in the Steelers' range.
@ California University of Pennsylvania guard Rishaw Johnson showed off his wheels by clocking in right behind Glenn at 5.24 seconds in the 40.
Johnson, 6-3, 313 pounds, is a sleeper in this draft who's likely to be selected in round four or five. The former Ole Miss star transferred to Cal last season.
He showed at the Senior Bowl that he's not really capable of playing center, but his mobility and strength are excellent.
Johnson did, however, struggle in some of the drills, failing to perform them properly and drawing the wrath of position coaches.
He's raw, but with his athleticism, you never know.
@ Winconsin guard Kevin Zeitler and Iowa State's Kelechi Osemele, a pair of late-first, early-second round prospects, clocked in at 5.39 seconds and 5.36 seconds, respectively.
Zeitler's arm length - 32 3/4 - is a bit short, but he used that to his advantage, doing 32 reps on the bench.
Osemele had the longest arms of any lineman - he should at 6-6, 333 pounds - at 35 7/8 and also managed 32 bench reps.
@ We'll see how the linebackers run later this week.
At this point, it clearly appears the Steelers will target two of those three positions in the first two rounds of the draft.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
News of the day
Kevin Colbert spoke to the media in Indianpolis Thursday regarding the Steelers cap situation - which was getting better as he was speaking.
The team restructured the contract of Ben Roethlisberger to free up a little more than $8 million in cap space, putting the Steelers right around where they need to be heading into free agency.
The league hasn't officially told teams what the cap will be, so the moves they have made thus far have been to put them in the ballpark.
Of course, to begin tendering their restricted free agents, more restructuring and cuts will be coming, something Colbert acknowledged today.
"We’ve already done some restructurings," Colbert said. "We know we’re going to have to do more. We know we’re going to have to terminate players. We just don’t know what combination or how much restructuring we have left."
Colbert said the team is confident it will be able to keep wide receiver Mike Wallace, who will be a restricted free agent.
The Steelers likely won't put the franchise tag on Wallace, but they will have the first right of refusal on any contract offer he might receive. Given how creative they have already been getting to the cap, it's likely he's right.
Colbert also said he doesn't expect running back Rashard Mendenhall to be placed on season-ending IR or to be released. Colbert expects Mendenhall to contribute in some manner in 2012 despite suffering a torn ACL in the final regular season game.
Colbert was also confident that nose tackle Casey Hampton will fully recover from his torn ACL - his third - and be ready to go at the start of the season.
"You don’t have to worry about speed," Colbert said. "You don’t have to worry about the quick change of direction when you’re talking about the offensive and defensive linemen. The one edge Casey will have on anybody is he’s been through this twice and he knows what to expect and he knows how he’s going to feel at a certain point when he feels he’s healthy."
The team restructured the contract of Ben Roethlisberger to free up a little more than $8 million in cap space, putting the Steelers right around where they need to be heading into free agency.
The league hasn't officially told teams what the cap will be, so the moves they have made thus far have been to put them in the ballpark.
Of course, to begin tendering their restricted free agents, more restructuring and cuts will be coming, something Colbert acknowledged today.
"We’ve already done some restructurings," Colbert said. "We know we’re going to have to do more. We know we’re going to have to terminate players. We just don’t know what combination or how much restructuring we have left."
Colbert said the team is confident it will be able to keep wide receiver Mike Wallace, who will be a restricted free agent.
The Steelers likely won't put the franchise tag on Wallace, but they will have the first right of refusal on any contract offer he might receive. Given how creative they have already been getting to the cap, it's likely he's right.
Colbert also said he doesn't expect running back Rashard Mendenhall to be placed on season-ending IR or to be released. Colbert expects Mendenhall to contribute in some manner in 2012 despite suffering a torn ACL in the final regular season game.
Colbert was also confident that nose tackle Casey Hampton will fully recover from his torn ACL - his third - and be ready to go at the start of the season.
"You don’t have to worry about speed," Colbert said. "You don’t have to worry about the quick change of direction when you’re talking about the offensive and defensive linemen. The one edge Casey will have on anybody is he’s been through this twice and he knows what to expect and he knows how he’s going to feel at a certain point when he feels he’s healthy."
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
They finally meet
Film at 11. According to Ed Bouchette, Ben Roethlisberger and new offensive coordinator Todd Haley have finally had their meeting.
Pretty exciting, huh?
I guess we can now move on to the next offseason crisis for the Steelers.
@ The Steelers have restructed the contract of offensive tackle Willie Colon, converting $3.8 million of Colon's $4.5 million salary in 2012 into bonus money.
The $3.8 million will count over the final four years of Colon's contract.
Colon, of course, will be counted on to return at RT after missing most of the past two seasons.
Marcus Gilbert will shift to left tackle.
The Steelers still have some salary trimming to do, but much like the move with Colon, it's not all that difficult.
The players like it as well. Instead of waiting for their checks throughout the season, they get one big fat one in the offseason.
Pretty exciting, huh?
I guess we can now move on to the next offseason crisis for the Steelers.
@ The Steelers have restructed the contract of offensive tackle Willie Colon, converting $3.8 million of Colon's $4.5 million salary in 2012 into bonus money.
The $3.8 million will count over the final four years of Colon's contract.
Colon, of course, will be counted on to return at RT after missing most of the past two seasons.
Marcus Gilbert will shift to left tackle.
The Steelers still have some salary trimming to do, but much like the move with Colon, it's not all that difficult.
The players like it as well. Instead of waiting for their checks throughout the season, they get one big fat one in the offseason.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Sanders says a couple of interesting things
I did an hour of radio on Sunday from the Pittsburgh Auto Show with Gerry Dulac. Then, after I finished, Steelers receiver Emmanuel Sanders came on to replace me for the final hour.
I know, I know, I was a poor warm-up act, kind of like bringing out your cousin's garage band to open for The Who.
But Sanders did have a couple of interesting things to say.
First was that Mike Tomlin told Sanders in his exit interview that he will handle kickoff and punt returns - at least that's the plan - because Antonio Brown is now the full-time No. 2, while Sanders is No. 3.
That's tough not to use your Pro Bowl return guy, and something tells me that Brown will be back there in crucial situations, but they have to save the wear and tear on a critical part of the offense.
The other interesting thing Sanders said - and kudos to Dulac for asking - was how often Ben Roethlisberger checked out of running plays.
Sanders estimated it at 20 percent of the time, saying Roethlisberger would go to the line of scrimmage with two plays called, one a run, the other a pass.
That's just one player's recall of things, but it would explain some of the offensive inbalance the Steelers have had.
I know, I know, I was a poor warm-up act, kind of like bringing out your cousin's garage band to open for The Who.
But Sanders did have a couple of interesting things to say.
First was that Mike Tomlin told Sanders in his exit interview that he will handle kickoff and punt returns - at least that's the plan - because Antonio Brown is now the full-time No. 2, while Sanders is No. 3.
That's tough not to use your Pro Bowl return guy, and something tells me that Brown will be back there in crucial situations, but they have to save the wear and tear on a critical part of the offense.
The other interesting thing Sanders said - and kudos to Dulac for asking - was how often Ben Roethlisberger checked out of running plays.
Sanders estimated it at 20 percent of the time, saying Roethlisberger would go to the line of scrimmage with two plays called, one a run, the other a pass.
That's just one player's recall of things, but it would explain some of the offensive inbalance the Steelers have had.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Brown has no trouble meeting Haley
Antonio Brown today Tweeted - he's a Tweeting fool - a photo of he and new offensive coordinator Todd Haley in the Steelers locker room.
Brown just got back into Pittsburgh yesterday after his whirlwind tour of the country and met up with Haley in less than a day.
He did this by, you know, going down to the Steelers offices and seeking him out.
Yet somehow, Ben Roethlisberger hasn't been able to find Haley. Go figure?
Sounds like a little more drama from the king of drama.
I have a lot of respect for Roethlisberger the player. But I could do without all of the other stuff.
Then again, is it Roethlisberger making a big deal out of not talking to Haley yet or certain segments of the media?
So many of the issues with Roethlisberger are media driven as guys try to back their own agendas.
© I'll be on ESPN 970-AM from noon to 1 p.m. Sunday at the Pittsburgh Auto show talking Steelers football.
Brown just got back into Pittsburgh yesterday after his whirlwind tour of the country and met up with Haley in less than a day.
He did this by, you know, going down to the Steelers offices and seeking him out.
Yet somehow, Ben Roethlisberger hasn't been able to find Haley. Go figure?
Sounds like a little more drama from the king of drama.
I have a lot of respect for Roethlisberger the player. But I could do without all of the other stuff.
Then again, is it Roethlisberger making a big deal out of not talking to Haley yet or certain segments of the media?
So many of the issues with Roethlisberger are media driven as guys try to back their own agendas.
© I'll be on ESPN 970-AM from noon to 1 p.m. Sunday at the Pittsburgh Auto show talking Steelers football.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
9.4 million reasons the Steelers won't tag Wallace
There has been some supposition that the Steelers will simply slap the franchise tag on wide receiver Mike Wallace rather than risk losing him as a restricted free agent.
Teams can begin placing the franchise tag on players Feb. 20.
Here are the franchise numbers for 2012:
Quarterback $16.1 million
Running Back $7.7 million
Wide Receiver $9.4 million
Tight End $5.4 million
Offensive Line $9.4 million
Defensive End $10.6 million
Defensive Tackle $7.9 million
Linebacker $8.8 million
Cornerback $10.6 million
Safety $6.2 million
As you can see, the cost to franchise Wallace would be $9.4 million, much too much for the salary cap-strapped Steelers to add to their cap.
But remember, the free agent market at many positions - including wide receiver - is ridiculously deep this year.
In other words, why give up a first-round draft pick to sign Wallace when you can sign DeSean Jackson, Wes Welker, Stevie Johnson, Dwayne Bowe or Marques Colston instead?
Teams can begin placing the franchise tag on players Feb. 20.
Here are the franchise numbers for 2012:
Quarterback $16.1 million
Running Back $7.7 million
Wide Receiver $9.4 million
Tight End $5.4 million
Offensive Line $9.4 million
Defensive End $10.6 million
Defensive Tackle $7.9 million
Linebacker $8.8 million
Cornerback $10.6 million
Safety $6.2 million
As you can see, the cost to franchise Wallace would be $9.4 million, much too much for the salary cap-strapped Steelers to add to their cap.
But remember, the free agent market at many positions - including wide receiver - is ridiculously deep this year.
In other words, why give up a first-round draft pick to sign Wallace when you can sign DeSean Jackson, Wes Welker, Stevie Johnson, Dwayne Bowe or Marques Colston instead?
Monday, February 13, 2012
Colbert speaks out
Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said today that the team has had internal discussions about the future of wide receiver Hines Ward, but that no decision has been made about whether Ward will be part of the team in 2012.
Colbert also had a couple of other interesting statements.
First, he's not counting on Rashard Mendenhall to return healthy in 2012 after suffering an ACL tear in the final game of the regular season.
Second, the team will not sign any of its free agents before the March 13 deadline.
In the case of Mendenhall, that means the Steelers will likely be looking for a running back in the offseason - either through the draft or free agency.
It's a safe approach for Colbert to take. Assume Mendenhall won't be back healthy, and if he is, it's an added bonus.
As for the free agent statement, it helps make a case for the Steelers to keep Ward.
Yes, Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders are under contract, but with Jerricho Cotchery set to become a free agent, there's no proven depth behind them.
Colbert also had a couple of other interesting statements.
First, he's not counting on Rashard Mendenhall to return healthy in 2012 after suffering an ACL tear in the final game of the regular season.
Second, the team will not sign any of its free agents before the March 13 deadline.
In the case of Mendenhall, that means the Steelers will likely be looking for a running back in the offseason - either through the draft or free agency.
It's a safe approach for Colbert to take. Assume Mendenhall won't be back healthy, and if he is, it's an added bonus.
As for the free agent statement, it helps make a case for the Steelers to keep Ward.
Yes, Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders are under contract, but with Jerricho Cotchery set to become a free agent, there's no proven depth behind them.
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