Farrior wants to re-sign before camp

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Starting inside linebacker James Farrior, 33, wants to finish his NFL career with the Steelers -- even if it means he has a reduced role in the years to come.
"They're always going to have somebody try and replace you," said Farrior, who has led the team in tackles in four of the previous five seasons. "That's always in the back of your mind."

Farrior, who has missed just eight games in 11 years, has been with the Steelers since 2002, when he was signed away from the Jets as a free agent to replace Earl Holmes.

The team's oldest starter, Farrior is entering the final year of a $16.4 million contract extension he signed in 2004. And while Farrior remains optimistic about a new deal, he is realistic enough to understand that the Steelers' track record for re-signing veterans over 30 isn't good.


"I love the team," Farrior said recently while training with speed and conditioning coach Tom Shaw in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. "I love the organization. I feel like this is a good home for me, and I'd love to stay. But we all know how the business goes. We've had a lot of great players come through the system that had to leave. That's part of the game. That's what you've got to realize."
Negotiations have been slow, according to Farrior, who said he probably wouldn't return to the Steelers without an extension before the start of the season.

"I don't think either party has really sat at the table and talked about too much, but we'll get things started," Farrior said. "I just want to get a feel for what they see as the future."

The Steelers do not comment on negotiations, but Farrior's agent, Ralph Cindrich, said there have been some talks.

"There is some communication," he said. "There is an interest in talking. They (Steelers) have not said definitely one way or the other if they will do it."

Shaw said Farrior told him he wants to play another four years.

"I feel like I'm going to let my body determine how long I play," Farrior said. "I still have a passion for the game. I want to be here. I want to sign. Hopefully, they feel the same. Hopefully, I'm playing good enough to where they can keep me around."

Added Cindrich: "His first four or five years, he wasn't utilized with the Jets. He didn't take a beating. It's like a boxer. Not how many years, but how many (punches) you take."

Training with Farrior at Disney's Wide World of Sports, Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor pleaded with management to re-sign his teammate.

"Mr. (Dan) Rooney, you've got to keep Potsie," Taylor said, using Farrior's nickname. "Coach T (Mike Tomlin), you've got to keep Potsie. Coach (Dick) Lebeau, you've got to keep Potsie."

Farrior's situation is different from that of linebacker Joey Porter and guard Alan Faneca, popular stars from the Super Bowl XL championship team whom the Steelers chose not to re-sign.

Unlike Porter and Faneca, who signed a record contract for guards with the Jets, Farrior said he isn't trying to break the bank with his next deal.

A starter with the Steelers since 2002, Farrior said he would share playing time with younger players such as Lawrence Timmons, the Steelers' No. 1 draft pick in 2007.

"The young guys are going to help our defense tremendously," Farrior said. "I look forward to working with them, no matter what capacity."

Farrior not only led the team with 111 tackles last season, but he also had six sacks and six passes defensed.

Asked how he would feel about not being an every-down linebacker, Farrior replied: "I don't really like to come off the field, but you never know. It might be something (where) those guys can give me a spell. If I have to come out, and the coaches want other players in there, that's what we'll do."

Farrior appeared in his only Pro Bowl following the 2004 season, when the Steelers finished 15-1 and missed the Super Bowl by one game. That year, he recorded 119 tackles, three sacks and four interceptions, and he defensed eight passes while finishing second to Baltimore's Ed Reed for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Farrior could have made a case for more Pro Bowls. He had 154 tackles in 2006, 127 stops in 2003 and a career-high 175 in 2001, when he was with the Jets.

"James Farrior made it to only one Pro Bowl because he's not a big mouth," Shaw said. "It's a shame that in order for him to get attention, he has to draw away from his team to put it on himself. James is never going to do that."

Farrior said the lack of Pro Bowl attention does not bother him.

"I'm used to it by now," he said. "There are a lot of great linebackers, especially in the AFC. Every year you're going to have to do well just to get your name mentioned. The guys I play with, they know the type of player I am. I think I have that respect from those guy. That's what's important."

Give the man his contract. He has been a good soldier and is still playing at a very high level, I don't know about 4 years, but I don't see anything wrong with a two or three year extension!

I could see the Steelers offering a two year deal worth 6-7 million. I doubt he'd take it.

If he is not willing to accept a contract for close to the vet minimum much like Bettis...he will be gone. The Steelers will not pay him even close to starter money. Why? Because this is his last season starting. He knows it...the Steelers know it. I would like to see him stay...but it's a business. If he really loves the Steelers that much he will accept a 2 year deal for 3.4-4 million. That will retire him as a Steeler and the Steelers get to keep a vet presence in that LB core.

[quote=ShawnMedGuy]If he is not willing to accept a contract for close to the vet minimum much like Bettis...he will be gone. The Steelers will not pay him even close to starter money. Why? [b]Because this is his last season starting.[/b] He knows it...the Steelers know it. I would like to see him stay...but it's a business. If he really loves the Steelers that much he will accept a 2 year deal for 3.4-4 million. That will retire him as a Steeler and the Steelers get to keep a vet presence in that LB core.[/quote]

Who's going to take over for him next season?

[quote=ShawnMedGuy]If he is not willing to accept a contract for close to the vet minimum much like Bettis...he will be gone. The Steelers will not pay him even close to starter money. Why? Because this is his last season starting. He knows it...the Steelers know it. I would like to see him stay...but it's a business. If he really loves the Steelers that much he will accept a 2 year deal for 3.4-4 million. That will retire him as a Steeler and the Steelers get to keep a vet presence in that LB core.[/quote]


Very well said. :Agree :tt1 :tt1

[quote=stlrz d][quote=ShawnMedGuy]If he is not willing to accept a contract for close to the vet minimum much like Bettis...he will be gone. The Steelers will not pay him even close to starter money. Why? [b]Because this is his last season starting.[/b] He knows it...the Steelers know it. I would like to see him stay...but it's a business. If he really loves the Steelers that much he will accept a 2 year deal for 3.4-4 million. That will retire him as a Steeler and the Steelers get to keep a vet presence in that LB core.[/quote]

Who's going to take over for him next season?[/quote]

Harrison.

D will look like this

Davis...Harrison....Timmons....Woodley

Sprinkle in a rookie first round ILB. :)

Have the Steelers ever said anything about Harrison moving inside?

I don't think they have said anything in particular about moving Harrison inside, but when Porter and Haggans were still here he was listed as a backup at both! It is an interesting thought of moving him inside. I, myself don't see where if Farrior has another year like last year that he will not get a new deal for at least a couple of years. I could see BD on the bench for at leat two years and then see what we have from there. I don't expect much from him this year outside of ST. Who was the last Steelers rookie LB to actually contribute as a rookie on our regular D? Was it Jerry O in '89? I can't remember?

timmons would move over to farriors spot and foote would stay where he is.

[quote=ShawnMedGuy][quote=stlrz d][quote=ShawnMedGuy]If he is not willing to accept a contract for close to the vet minimum much like Bettis...he will be gone. The Steelers will not pay him even close to starter money. Why? [b]Because this is his last season starting.[/b] He knows it...the Steelers know it. I would like to see him stay...but it's a business. If he really loves the Steelers that much he will accept a 2 year deal for 3.4-4 million. That will retire him as a Steeler and the Steelers get to keep a vet presence in that LB core.[/quote]

Who's going to take over for him next season?[/quote]

Harrison.

D will look like this

Davis...Harrison....Timmons....Woodley

Sprinkle in a rookie first round ILB. :)[/quote]

Yeah Harrison's a good choice. We know he's good at beatin' on them mouthy hoes!

Farrior has been a terrific Steeler. i'm a fan of James Farrior. Hope he gets to stick around.

Kendrell Bell was the last rookie to step in and contribute significantly no?

[quote=Mr Smartmonies]Farrior has been a terrific Steeler. i'm a fan of James Farrior. Hope he gets to stick around.[/quote]

I'll second that opinion - Go Cavs!

[quote=ShawnMedGuy]If he is not willing to accept a contract for close to the vet minimum much like Bettis...he will be gone. The Steelers will not pay him even close to starter money. Why? Because this is his last season starting. He knows it...the Steelers know it. I would like to see him stay...but it's a business. If he really loves the Steelers that much he will accept a 2 year deal for 3.4-4 million. That will retire him as a Steeler and the Steelers get to keep a vet presence in that LB core.[/quote]

How many millions are enough? Wow--only making $4M on a team and a city that sees you as a hero. I wish we all had those tough decisions.

Wow can't believe I forgot about K Bell and his rookie year, I guess all the frustration with him after that year made me blind to it! What a disappointment that turned out to be!

An interesting factiod that I think is cool, but no one else will give a hoot about:
James Farriors aunt is the daycare provider for my neice. Her name is Angie.

[quote=ShawnMedGuy][quote=stlrz d][quote=ShawnMedGuy]If he is not willing to accept a contract for close to the vet minimum much like Bettis...he will be gone. The Steelers will not pay him even close to starter money. Why? [b]Because this is his last season starting.[/b] He knows it...the Steelers know it. I would like to see him stay...but it's a business. If he really loves the Steelers that much he will accept a 2 year deal for 3.4-4 million. That will retire him as a Steeler and the Steelers get to keep a vet presence in that LB core.[/quote]

Who's going to take over for him next season?[/quote]

Harrison.

D will look like this

Davis...Harrison....Timmons....Woodley

Sprinkle in a rookie first round ILB. :)[/quote]

Davis is a project, I don't foresee him making the starting lineup next year. And Timmons still needs to beat out Foote for playing time this year.

While I would like to see them sign James, I don't see it happening. Although I don't see a proven replacement on the roster currently at this time either. So I honestly think the play of Timmons this year, will in effect decide what is done with Farrior.

Love Farrior. Sign him for less (which it sounds like he is angling for) and be done with it. He understands that his role is depth to the new guys.

Sign him so I can continue to proudly wear his jersey!

[quote=Djfan]Love Farrior. Sign him for less (which it sounds like he is angling for) and be done with it. He understands that his role is depth to the new guys.

Sign him so I can continue to proudly wear his jersey![/quote]

I agree. A Woodley, Timmons, Farrior, Harrison defense with Davis as a swing linebacker and Foote to substitute inside is much stronger than a Woodley, Foote (or Harrison), Timmons, & Davis linebacking core in my opinion.

I would love to extend Farrior.

[quote=BigLebowski][quote=ShawnMedGuy][quote=stlrz d][quote=ShawnMedGuy]If he is not willing to accept a contract for close to the vet minimum much like Bettis...he will be gone. The Steelers will not pay him even close to starter money. Why? [b]Because this is his last season starting.[/b] He knows it...the Steelers know it. I would like to see him stay...but it's a business. If he really loves the Steelers that much he will accept a 2 year deal for 3.4-4 million. That will retire him as a Steeler and the Steelers get to keep a vet presence in that LB core.[/quote]

Who's going to take over for him next season?[/quote]

Harrison.

D will look like this

Davis...Harrison....Timmons....Woodley

Sprinkle in a rookie first round ILB. :)[/quote]

Davis is a project, I don't foresee him making the starting lineup next year. And Timmons still needs to beat out Foote for playing time this year.

While I would like to see them sign James, I don't see it happening. Although I don't see a proven replacement on the roster currently at this time either. So I honestly think the play of Timmons this year, will in effect decide what is done with Farrior.[/quote]

I haven't seen too many 3rd round draft picks that are not "projects". With that said, the guy has tremendous ability to get to the QB.

[quote=Flasteel][quote=Djfan]Love Farrior. Sign him for less (which it sounds like he is angling for) and be done with it. He understands that his role is depth to the new guys.

Sign him so I can continue to proudly wear his jersey![/quote]

I agree. A Woodley, Timmons, Farrior, Harrison defense with Davis as a swing linebacker and Foote to substitute inside is much stronger than a Woodley, Foote (or Harrison), Timmons, & Davis linebacking core in my opinion.

[b]I would love to extend Farrior.[/b][/quote]

Queerbait in 5...4...3...2...1....

[quote=stlrz d][quote=Flasteel][quote=Djfan]Love Farrior. Sign him for less (which it sounds like he is angling for) and be done with it. He understands that his role is depth to the new guys.

Sign him so I can continue to proudly wear his jersey![/quote]

I agree. A Woodley, Timmons, Farrior, Harrison defense with Davis as a swing linebacker and Foote to substitute inside is much stronger than a Woodley, Foote (or Harrison), Timmons, & Davis linebacking core in my opinion.

[b]I would love to extend Farrior.[/b][/quote]

Queerbait in 5...4...3...2...1....[/quote]

Oh, come on...that's a bit of a reach (around) :lol:

[quote=Flasteel][quote=stlrz d][quote=Flasteel][quote=Djfan]Love Farrior. Sign him for less (which it sounds like he is angling for) and be done with it. He understands that his role is depth to the new guys.

Sign him so I can continue to proudly wear his jersey![/quote]

I agree. A Woodley, Timmons, Farrior, Harrison defense with Davis as a swing linebacker and Foote to substitute inside is much stronger than a Woodley, Foote (or Harrison), Timmons, & Davis linebacking core in my opinion.

[b]I would love to extend Farrior.[/b][/quote]

Queerbait in 5...4...3...2...1....[/quote]

Oh, come on...that's a bit of a reach (around) :lol:[/quote]

Is it?

[img]http://www.lipstickalley.com/images/smilies/gayalarm.gif[/img]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

For fear of sounding racist, I sure like Farrior's approach much more than that white guard we had last year. Wants to re-sign, but understands that business is business.

Anyhow, I agree with extending him if he truly is willing to accept a discount. He may still be a starter in '09, but he will be a backup/pseudo LB coach the following year. I'd like to see him here for two more years, then let him retire to join our coaching staff.