Steelers play host to two more free agents

[costanza2k1]

[url]http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08074/865241-66.stm?cmpid=steelers.xml[/url]

Friday, March 14, 2008
By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers continue to entertain free agents in an attempt to bolster their special teams and offensive line, bringing in former Carolina Panthers center Justin Hartwig and Tennessee Titans backup safety Donnie Nickey today to meet with the coaching staff.

Hartwig, who started 15 games last season for the Panthers, was released Tuesday as part of a shakeup of Carolina's offensive line. The Panthers signed Hartwig to a five-year, $17 million contract as a free agent two years ago.

Nickey, who grew up in Akron, Ohio and played at Ohio State, has been a backup in five seasons with the Titans. However, he is considered a special-teams standout who once angered quarterback Vince Young because he hit his teammates too hard in practice.

First published on March 14, 2008 at 3:19 pm

Fingers crossed on Hartwig (posted as I drink my Steelers Kool Aid)

[costanza2k1]

Replying to my own post Have you seen what this guy looks like, might give Reed a run for his money with the hair:

[steelz09]

Let's hope that the Steelers sign Hartwig.

We could really use the depth!

Has anyone watched Hartwig play and can provide an analysis, because I really don't know a whole lot about the guy.

[Swineskinfan]

Hartwig played four years with the Titans and two with the Panthers. I believe has has been hit with the injury bug a few times, knee and groin both. He is a vey capable center and should certainly shore up some weekness on the O-line. In my opinion we would certainly see a better running game and much improved QB protection. Our line might look like this:
LT- Starks / Essex / Parquet
LG- Simmons / Kemoeatu
C - Hartwig / Mahan / Stapleton
RG-Colon / Mahan
RT-Smith / Colon / Capizzi

That is of coarse not considering any 08 draft picks which is sure to come.

[papillon]

Let's hope that the Steelers sign Hartwig.

We could really use the depth!

Has anyone watched Hartwig play and can provide an analysis, because I really don't know a whole lot about the guy.

With Faneca being the only Steeler to leave and having signed two FAs already the Steelers may wait for the draft, so that, if two more Steelers FAs are signed they will maximize their compensation pick for Faneca. You have to figure Faneca to be worth at least a 4th, maybe a 3rd.

Pappy