Let's break it down. The Steelers have 2 young stars that will be unrestricted free agents at the end of this year. The first one we'll cover is Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker (ILB) Lawrence Timmons. Even though Timmons' has yet to make a pro bowl, he was probably the second best ILB in the league last year behind only Patrick Willis from the San Francisco 49ers. Timmons skill set is unique for someone his size. He is a tackling machine and can cover any tight end (TE) in the league. His coverage skills are what makes him so valuable to the Steelers. Timmons could likely have increased sack numbers if he wasn't asked to drop back into coverage on many 3rd down plays. Timmons can play the hybrid role like Troy Polamalu and needs to be the staple of this defense for many years to come. My best guess would indicate that he'll demand contract numbers similar to LaMarr Woddley. Timmons' agent is Drew Rosenhaus.

Let's take a look at Lawrence Timmons' stats for the 2010-2011 season:

Games Played: 16
Tackles: 135
Sacks: 3
Interceptions: 3
Forced Fumbles: 2
Passed Defensed: 9

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The Bears have made contact with Steelers tackle Willie Colon about the possibility of making a deal, according to an NFL source. But it's believed that Colon is actually more of a contingency plan for if the Bears are unable to land Saints tackle Jermon Bushrod.

Also, there has been rumors that the Buffalo Bills are interested in Willie Colon.  Before Colon suffered a season ending Achilles inury, many "insiders" considered Willie Colon as a top 5 right tackle.  Most Steeler fans would disagree.  Willie Colon has been notorious for offsides penalties and has almost gotten his buddy, Big Ben killed by opposing linebackers on several occasions.  With that being said, Colon is still a priority for the Steelers front office. With the Steelers 10+ million over the cap and Colon's price rising, the Steelers may need Florida Gator rookie, Marcus Gilbert to step into the starting role earlier than expected.

Only time will tell but the Pittsburgh Steelers tackle situation is getting worrisome.  There are rumors that Max Starks is cut due to weight and injury issues, Jonathan Scott is unsigned, Flozell Adams is unsigned, and Willie Colon may be Chicago bound.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and veteran cornerback Ike Taylor have reached an agreement on a four-year deal, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Casey Hampton (NT) - The Steelers 33 year old nose tackle, Hampton is an unrestricted free agent.  The Steelers would like to sign Hampton to a long-term 3 year contract  but negotiations have not initiated an agreement between the two parties.  Although against Hampton's request, the Steelers are expected to place the franchise tag on  "Big Snack" Hampton for a 1 year contract with a payout of approximately 7 million.  It is expected that the Steelers and Hampton will continue to try to work out a long term contract.  If a long term deal cannot be agreed upon by the 2010 NFL Draft, expect the Steelers to seriously think about drafting Hampton's replacement.  The ideal candidate at this time appears to be Tennessee's DT, Dan Williams.

Jeff Reed (K) - Another high priority unrestricted free agent is Jeff Reed.  Although Reed has had his fair share of off the field troubles, Reed has been a staple of consistency at Heinz Field.  Heinz Field has proven to be one of the most difficult stadiums in the NFL to kick at, but Reed has excelled in field goal accuracy.  He has struggled in kick-offs which has been a "pain point" for the Steelers especially during the 2009-10 season.  With that being said, Reed is an underestimated player that has been clutch for the Steelers both during the regular season and post season.  The Steelers are expected to transition tag Jeff Reed for 2.6 million.

Although the NFL looks geared up to enter the 2010-2011 as an uncapped season due to the laboring agreement, the Rooneys, Kevin Colbert and the Steelers front office indicated that they will manage this season as if it were capped.

The following is a look at current Steelers players of interest for this offseason:

Willie Parker - Unrestricted free agent (UFA).  Parker is unlikely to get resigned unless he comes back very cheap.  Parker is looking for a starting role but isn't going to see that in Pittsburgh.

Deshea Townsend - The Steelers won't sign Townsend long-term but would like to bring him back for cheap.  Although, he's towards the end of his career, Townsend replaced William Gay late in the season.  Towsend provides depth and experience in the secondary.

Casey Hampton - Hampton must be the Steelers top offseason priority.  Although Hampton warned the Steelers not to use the franchise tag, the notion is that the Steelers are likey to tag Hampton regardless unless the two can agree on a fair 3 year deal.  The Steelers don't have a replacement for Hampton.  Chris Hoke is older than Hampton and is on the downside of his career.  It's doubtfut that Hoke can holdup for an entire season.

Josh Reed - Reed is very consistent at Heinz Field which is considered one of the most difficult stadiums in the NFL for kickers.  The Steelers would like to bring Reed back for a decent price despite his off the field troubles.  Reed does struggle with kickoffs which has consistently put special teams coverage in bad situations.

Ryan Clark - Another priority for the Steelers.  Clark is aging at 30 years old but is consistent and plays well with Troy Polamalu.  The downside is once Polamalu got injured, Ryan Clark was exposed and really struggled.  I see the Steelers signing Clark or Hampton but not both.  The Steelers could be looking to draft Clark's replacement in Texas' Earl Thomas or University of Southern California's (USC), Taylor Mays.

Willie Colon - Like it or not, the Steelers feel that Willie Colon is one of the better right tackles in the league.  He has been consistent and has played in every game the past 3 years.  Due to the labor agreement, Colon is setup to be a restricted free agent again and likey won't get a long-term offer until next offseason.

Tyrone Carter - The Steelers will most likely not offer the UFA, Tyrone Carter a contract.  Carter struggled in filling in for the injured Polamalu and his time is likely over in Pittsburgh.

More Steelers Draft and Free Agency (FA) information coming soon.... stay tuned!

Check out the 1 on 1 Interview with Max Starks

Click Link to Listen

Show Topics:

1.  Max Starks talks About Free Agency and his Long Term Plans
2.  Max talks about what makes Big Ben so Special?
3.  Max gives his thought son Albert Haynesworthss Deal
4.  Max speaks on the media’s focus on contracts?
5.  Max gives his thoughts on Demarcus Ware
6.  Max gives his thoughts on the differences between Tomlin and Cowher

Interview Provided by: whatchatalkinbout.com

Former Steelers wide receiver, Nate Washington has signed with the Tennessee Titans for a 6 years, 27 million dollar payday.  9 million of that money is guaranteed.

Nate Washington has seen incredible growth over the past several years and was a solid contributor the past two years.  He especially came up with a few first down plays on the road to the Steelers 6^th Super Bowl victory.

Washington was an undrafted free agent from the tiny division 3 school, Tiffin in 2005.  Washington showed flashes of his speed and deep threat ability when given the opportunity.  He possesses great straight-line speed that opposing secondaries must respect.   In fact, Jeff Fisher said exactly that when asked about the signing of Washington.  He notes that he worried about Washington's speed when facing the Steelers and now other teams will now other opponents will have to worry.

This was an expected move by the Steelers front office especially with 2^nd year pro from Texas, Limas Sweed pushing for playing time next year.  Sweed will be the Steelers #3 wide receiver next year behind both Hines Ward and Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes.  Dallas Baker will likely be the #4 wide out.  Sweed, like Washigton, also posses' great speed combined with a bigger frame at 6-4 and 200+ pounds.  While Sweed needs to improve on his concentration and game awareness, he has the potential to be a game changing wide out and a solid deep threat for opposing defenses with an ability to make the big play.