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| Plax Needs To Stay...Others Need To Go... |
Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA)
Rashard Mendenhall - RB - Although he might not top alot of fans lists as the top UFA, but Rashard Mendenhall represents a guy who has a tremendous "upside" but brings alot of baggage along with the potential. Mendenhall might have sealed his fate when he decided to not show up at the Steelers game vs the Chargers when he was told he would be inactive. I was shocked when I heard the Steelers were talking extension with him, but I'll believe it when I see it. My opinion? Mendenhall is let go to explore other pastures.
Mike Wallace - WR - Wallace is the player that has been talked about the most since training camp. The Steelers speedy WR set the stage by holding out of training camp, and his lack luster performance on occasion this year has SteelerNation preparing themselves for his departure. Wallace faded into the sunset as he sat vs the Browns in the season finale with a hamstring injury, and I think he slowly fades into Free Agency where a team will pay him the guaranteed 30 million over 5 years that he wants. That team won't be the Steelers though...
Will Allen - S - With Troy Polamalu injured, it was Will Allen that stepped in and was able to hold the secondary steady until #43 returned. To be honest, the defense almost played better with Allen in the lineup than Troy, but everyone realizes that Allen brings a solid, fundamentally sound, smart football player that won't be flashy and make splash plays. With that said, the Steelers would be smart to lock up Allen for a few more years to secure depth at the Safety position.
Charlie Batch - QB - Its been a staple with the Steelers...seeing #16 holding a clipboard and then all of a sudden stepping in and getting a W for his hometown team. No win might have been more impressive that his victory over the Ravens IN Baltimore this past season that ended the Ravens division winning streak, and their home winning streak. It was classic Batch, and the embrace that he and Ben had after the game was a sign that they both knew the writing was on the wall...unfortunately, I think Charlie Batch has played his last game with the Steelers.
Ramon Foster - OL - Foster has been a guy that has helped the Steelers with his position flexibility since he wore the black n' gold coming out of Tennessee. Foster has contributed as a Guard and Tackle for the Steelers and helped fill in for first round draft pick David DeCastro after injuring his knee in the preseason. Unfortunately for the Steelers, Foster will get starter money from someone, and most likely won't be back next season. His position flexibility and experience will leave the Steelers strapped on the OLine next season.
Plaxico Burress - WR - I might be in the minority here, but with Wallace clearly going to be leaving the South Side, I think the Steelers can actually get some life out of the veteran "Plax". If the Steelers can get Plaxico for the league minimum for a veteran (a similar deal to Jerricho Cotchery), the Steelers WR corps could be solid with the following - Antonio Brown / Emmanuel Sanders / Jerricho Cotchery / Plaxico Burress. Pretty solid in my opinion.
Larry Foote - LB - Larry Foote was one of the few vocal leaders on the team this season, and he played above expectations this season. The Steelers have some players that they are interested in at the future of ILB (Sean Spence who was lost for the season is one of those players), but the Steelers would be smart to invest at least one more year in Foote to help the younger players...
Casey Hampton - NT - Every player reaches that point where you can tell their performance has begun to dip...throw an aging player and salary cap strapped team and the conclusion is pretty obvious...its time to part ways with the player. I feel Casey Hampton has played his last down for the Steelers.
Keenan Lewis - CB - Keenan Lewis should be a top priority for the Steelers this offseason. Lewis not only won the training camp battle for the starting CB spot, but also proved that he is a worthy CB in the league. Although he was hampered with a knee injury down the stretch, Lewis has the size and speed to make plays in the secondary. Lewis across from Ike Taylor is a great duo that needs to stay together for a few more years.
Doug Legursky - OL - I talked about position flexibility with Ramon Foster...put Doug Legursky in the same category, but in my opinion, Legursky should be a higher priority for the Steelers. Legursky is a very good backup Center and can also fill in at both guard positions if needed. He has proven his worth time after time and his intelligence is something that not every NFL backup lineman has. Legursky needs to stay in a Steelers uniform.
Ryan Mundy - S - Mundy was at one time the #1 backup at the safety position...that was until Will Allen took over. Mundy is a very good special teams player, but it is hard justifying a spot on the 53 man roster for just a special teams player. If the Steelers keep Allen, they lose Mundy. If they lose Allen, they will try to bring Mundy back. I see Mundy as GONE.
Max Starks - LT - Big Max has saved the Steelers year after year. The Steelers never seem to show Starks the love that he deserves, but at his age the Steelers aren't going to want to pump alot of money into the big man. Not that he doesn't deserve it. He was one of the few players that didn't miss a snap for the majority of the season. Nonetheless, the Steelers will let him walk hoping that Gilbert will be able to play LT next season with Mike Adams at RT...and hope Starks is around in case they get in a bind...that might not always be an option though.
Byron Leftwich - QB - Byron has been a solid backup (when healthy), but when watching him play against the Ravens on Sunday Night Football this past season made something very clear...he is not built for the Todd Haley offense. Todd Haley's offense is something that is designed around quick passes, quick decisions, and timing routes. Leftwich is none of those things. Between Byron and Charlie, the Steelers might be letting both of their backup QBs walk, but my guess is they both might get invited to camp in hopes of competing for the backup job...whether they win it is up to them.
Restricted Free Agents (RFA)
Jonathan Dwyer - RB - In my humble opinion, the next two players (both RBs) are the direction the Steelers should go with their running game. Jonathan Dwyer proved that when given the opportunity he can be effective at the NFL level. The Steelers need to lock up "Baby Bus", and get him to lose a few pounds before next season so he can be at his best.
Isaac Redman - RB - Although we found out that Redman isn't a feature RB in the NFL, he is still effective in his short yardage, 3rd down, goal line packages. He is worth the investment as a backup and someone who can carry the load for a game or two if need be. The Steelers need to extended "Redzone" Redman.
Emmanuel Sanders - WR - As I'm typing this I'm noticing that I think the Steelers need to lock up ALL of their Restricted Free Agents. Emmanuel Sanders is a young WR that is still learning the NFL game. He had his drops this year, and fumbling was an issue. However, that doesn't define a career. He has the speed and the route running to get seperation when needed. He is a perfect tool in Todd Haley's offense...
Steve McLendon - DL - Sound familiar? If the Steelers let Casey Hampton walk, then they need to ensure they get McLendon under contract. When McLendon was given the chance, he was putting pressure on the QB and being disruptive...kind of the way Casey Hampton used to be. Steve McLendon needs to get more reps, and the Steelers need to lock him up so he can be a part of the defense next season...especially if there is a BIG hole to fill left by "Big Snack"
I think you are the 1st blogger to say Plaxico needs to stay..and I agree 100%. He wont cost a lot..his health will be even better..he'll get a training camp in too. To me it was head scratching how under used he was. I love our WR core with or without Wallace.
ReplyDeleteStarks is the most underrated Steeler besides Miller..I have a feeling they will let him go AGAIN and hope that he's around to save the day AGAIN..not a game I like playing every year and I'm sure he dosent either.
Lefty needs to GO he's NEVER been healthy EVER. Ithink u keep Batch around either as the 3rd QB or some kind of assistant.
McClendon is a keeper..Hampton can go or reduse his remaining pay if he wants to stay.
Lewis can go too if he thinks his ONE year he had is worth big $ somewhere else.BUT IM NOT sold on Victorian at all..Nope! He's too short to deal with today's WRs..Cortez Allen would have to be the next man up unless they find somethin better in the draft or FA.
Dwyer & Redman are not where its at..I like both but they are SITUATIONAL RBs. If Mendy can get out of his own head I wouldn't mind having him back..I like his size and speed..but the RedSkins found a rookie RB in the 7th rd
who ran for over 1500 yards..Hmmmz.
Mundy can beat it! Will Allen can hold his own..I agree the D playd better with Allen b4 #43 came back.We didn't have to worry about Allen gambling and being out of place. IF LeBeau wants Troy around the line so much just use him in a sub package taylord to just that.
Legursky gets pushed around a lot..but he dose fill a need with his ability to play center and guard..and Lord knows we need flexibility.I'm still praying for the year that the O-Line stays 50% healthy.
@Blkandgold4Life