|
Linebacker -
Pittsburgh's pass rush hasn't
been nearly as ferocious as it
was in recent years.
Clark
Haggans, James Farrior, and Joey
Porter are all entering their
thirties, and there isn’t much
of talent behind the trio.
Defensive Backs - Safety
Chris Hope was not adequately
replaced last off-season, and
Pittsburgh will likely try again
this time around. Ike
Taylor was torched throughout
2006. Pittsburgh needs to bring
in more talent to compete for
starting jobs in the backfield.
Defensive End - Kimo Van
Olhouffen was not adequately
replaced last off-season, and
Pittsburgh will likely try again
this time around.
Running Back - Willie
Parker established himself as a
top back, but Pittsburgh still
misses Jerome Bettis' short
yardage ability.
Offensive Line - Depth in
the interior line has become an
issue for the Steelers,
left guard
Alan Faneca has hit thirty,
center Jeff Hartings will be
thirty-five next year, and
enormous right tackle Max Starks
hits the free agent market this
offseason.
Wide Receiver -
Although
wide receiver Santonio Holmes
was made the team’s first round
selection during the most recent
NFL draft, depth is an issue at
the position. Hines Ward has
continued to shine, but the wear
and tear caught up with him some
this year one more
talented guy would help cover
for injuries.
Pittsburgh Steelers Free Agency
Notes:
With Mike Tomlin replacing
Bill Cowher, the Steelers'
priorities might change. Watch
to see if they sign a player or
two who fits Tomlin's preferred
4-3 defense rather than the 3-4
Steelers have played since the
early 80s. The Steelers don't
have much cap room because every
key player is already signed.
However, G Alan Faneca, S Troy
Polamalu, DE Aaron Smith and LBs
Joey Porter and Clark Haggans
are in final year of their
contracts and all won't return
in 2008. C Jeff Hartings'
retirement frees up $3.6 million
in cap room that the Steelers
could use for replacements for
some longtime fixtures.
Immediate needs are a new punter
to replace Chris Gardocki, a
backup RB and another WR.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS:
Ss Mike Logan and Tyrone Carter;
RB Najeh Davenport; WR Sean
Morey; DB Chidi Iwuoma; DE
Rodney Bailey; T Barrett Brooks.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS:
RT Max Starks
|
