Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

[The Sodfather]

Re: Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

I believe the plan is to move Timmons to Farrior's spot and have Foote, SS or some unknown draft pick play the other side.

Timmons needs to be on the field on three downs no matter what.

[Oviedo]

Re: Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

I believe the plan is to move Timmons to Farrior's spot and have Foote, SS or some unknown draft pick play the other side.

Timmons needs to be on the field on three downs no matter what.

That is why I thought when they went to the dime and took Timmons off and put Madison on it was one of the stupidist move I've ever seen.

[The Sodfather]

Re: Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

Putting another DB on is one thing but taking Timmons off instead of Farrior is another. That's what a lot of us message board schlubs don't understand.

Unless Timmons is as dumb as a brick I don't get it.

[Chavezz]

Re: Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

I believe the plan is to move Timmons to Farrior's spot and have Foote, SS or some unknown draft pick play the other side.

Timmons needs to be on the field on three downs no matter what.

Agree.

I LOVE Woodley but Timmons can be a bigger impact imo.

[pfelix73]

Re: Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

I would not be surprised if Fox is let go. There has been some talk on local radio stations that he is falling out of favor with the coaching staff.

I think we need to pick up an ILB somewhere in the draft. The Matthews kid would be a nice pickup if we got him in one of the later rounds. His name recognition alone may move him up a few spots, however. With that pedigree, why not take him if he's there in say the 4th or 5th round?

I think we'll draft defense early and often.. For another offensive weapon, I'd take Dwayne Harris from my Alma mater somewhere in the middle rounds as well. He is one heck of an athlete- just like C. Johnson is...

[Oviedo]

Re: Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

I would not be surprised if Fox is let go. There has been some talk on local radio stations that he is falling out of favor with the coaching staff.

I think we need to pick up an ILB somewhere in the draft. The Matthews kid would be a nice pickup if we got him in one of the later rounds. His name recognition alone may move him up a few spots, however. With that pedigree, why not take him if he's there in say the 4th or 5th round?

I think we'll draft defense early and often.. For another offensive weapon, I'd take Dwayne Harris from my Alma mater somewhere in the middle rounds as well. He is one heck of an athlete- just like C. Johnson is...

Like I said in another thread, Matthews has the name but not the game. He got pushed around pretty easily in the all star game and the practices leading up to it.

THere are lots of better options than Matthews. He is no better than a 7th Round-UDFA.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

Harris: Questions linger at linebacker

By John Harris, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, February 19, 2011


There's a first time for everything.

Who thought the Steelers would have a $100 million quarterback?

Or a $50 million linebacker?

How about two $50 million linebackers?

Do I hear three?

James Harrison is the highest-paid linebacker in Steelers history. LaMarr Woodley, whom the Steelers designated Friday as their franchise player, may be about to join Harrison. And don't forget that a year from now Lawrence Timmons will be waiting his turn at the negotiating table.

That would be a lot of money to invest at one position and a major shift in philosophy for the Steelers.

The front office may consider their linebackers so important to the team's success that they're willing to extend the budget to keep all of them.

Having three talented linebackers in their prime is a nice problem to have. Unless, of course, you're signing the checks.

Harrison agreed to a five-year, $51.75 million contract two years ago that includes $20 million guaranteed and a $10 million signing bonus. He's due to earn $3.66 million in salary, plus a $900,000 roster bonus in 2011.

Woodley, an outside linebacker, has been waiting for the Steelers to take care of him since last summer. Getting the franchise tag is a start, as he is due about $10 million next season. Players who are franchised receive the average of the top five salaries at their position or 120 percent of their player's 2010 salary, whichever is greater

The Steelers also could try to Woodley to a long-term contract.

Even if Woodley doesn't command Harrison-type dollars, a signing bonus of at least $8 million isn't out of the question.

That's potentially $18 million in signing bonuses — guaranteed money — for Harrison and Woodley.

The total doesn't include what Timmons, the Steelers' leading tackler and best linebacker in pass coverage, could receive when his rookie contract expires after next season. Ring up another $10 million in a signing bonus for Timmons.

Can the Steelers afford to keep Harrison, Woodley and Timmons happy financially?

"I'm sure they're not going to pay three linebackers $8 million a year (apiece),'' said veteran sports agent Joe Linta, who represents Steelers offensive lineman Willie Colon and is familiar with how the team operates. "They're going to have to make a decision.''

Maybe the Steelers can convince Woodley to agree to a salary-cap friendly deal, less than Harrison's but enough to satisfy Woodley's ego. Another option could be to pay Woodley the one-year franchise tag while buying time to decide who to pay long-term, Woodley or Timmons.

Harrison? Even though he's older than Woodley and Timmons, Harrison is a special player and a team favorite. He has a job with the Steelers for as long as he wants.

The Steelers don't mind paying big money to their linebackers. They took care of Joey Porter for years, and they're taking care of Harrison now.

However, if the Steelers reward Woodley with a contract befitting one of the NFL's elite pass rushers, they'll break tradition, with two of their linebackers earning major dollars and facing the possibility of having to pay Timmons even more money in another year.

Is Woodley worth it? Yes. He's a great pass rusher, but the Steelers already have a great pass rusher in Harrison.

They also have Jason Worilds, another pass-rushing outside linebacker who was a second-round draft pick in 2010. Sooner or later, the Steelers need to find out if Worilds can play.

If Worilds is a player, someone has to go because the Steelers can't possibly pay top dollar for so many outside linebackers.

If money is an issue — it usually is with the Steelers — Worilds is cheaper to keep than Woodley.

Just like Harrison was cheaper to keep than Porter.

Timmons may be more valuable than Woodley because he plays inside linebacker and has the versatility to replace safeties Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark in certain packages.

Fellow inside linebacker James Farrior, who calls defensive signals, turned 36 in January. Because of Farrior's age, the Steelers may be more reluctant to lose Timmons than Woodley.

Or — surprise, surprise — maybe they'll decide to pay Harrison, Woodley and Timmons and cut back on salary at other positions they don't consider as important as linebacker.

Based on the Steelers' decision to franchise Woodley, there's a first time for everything.

[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_723693.html#ixzz1ENg8ANuq"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... z1ENg8ANuq[/url]

[Shawn]

Re: Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

Keyron Fox is solid also.

I think Fox has earned a ticket out of town with the stupid penalties he has drawn all season long.

And we have a winner. Fox is the most underrated player on our D. I can't understand how he hasn't beaten out Farrior. Fox is very good in coverage and run support. He hits hard, he is physical, can run sideline to sideline. I like the guys game alot. I don't know why he would be falling out of favor with coaches.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

here are the FAs available this year at the ILB position:


Inside/middle linebackers

With the Packers extending Desmond Bishop and the Jets franchising David Harris, this group lost some luster. Barrett Ruud had on-and-off contract talks with the Bucs for the past few years but was never able to strike a deal in that Bart Scott/$9-million a year range. He'll take his chances on the open market if he gets there. Injuries robbed Stewart Bradley and Omar Gaither of the Eagles of full seasons in recent years. The 49ers could like to retain veteran leader Takeo Spikes.

Inside linebackers (3-4 defense):

» Akin Ayodele, Bills
» H.B. Blades, Redskins
» Kevin Burnett, Chargers
» Bobby Carpenter, Lions
» Stephen Cooper, Chargers
» Keith Ellison, Bills
» Keyaron Fox, Steelers
» David Harris (franchise), Jets
» D'Qwell Jackson, Browns
» Lance Laury, Jets
» Rocky McIntosh, Redskins
» Paul Posluszny, Bills
» Brandon Siler, Chargers
» Takeo Spikes, 49ers
» Tracy White, Patriots
» Leon Williams, Cowboys

[url="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81e58b27/article/cba-or-no-cba-teams-still-preparing-for-freeagency-market?module=HP_cp2"]http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8 ... ule=HP_cp2[/url]

[Oviedo]

Re: Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

here are the FAs available this year at the ILB position:


Inside/middle linebackers

With the Packers extending Desmond Bishop and the Jets franchising David Harris, this group lost some luster. Barrett Ruud had on-and-off contract talks with the Bucs for the past few years but was never able to strike a deal in that Bart Scott/$9-million a year range. He'll take his chances on the open market if he gets there. Injuries robbed Stewart Bradley and Omar Gaither of the Eagles of full seasons in recent years. The 49ers could like to retain veteran leader Takeo Spikes.

Inside linebackers (3-4 defense):

» Akin Ayodele, Bills
» H.B. Blades, Redskins
» Kevin Burnett, Chargers
» Bobby Carpenter, Lions
» Stephen Cooper, Chargers
» Keith Ellison, Bills
» Keyaron Fox, Steelers
» David Harris (franchise), Jets
» D'Qwell Jackson, Browns
» Lance Laury, Jets
» Rocky McIntosh, Redskins
» Paul Posluszny, Bills
» Brandon Siler, Chargers
» Takeo Spikes, 49ers
» Tracy White, Patriots
» Leon Williams, Cowboys

[url="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81e58b27/article/cba-or-no-cba-teams-still-preparing-for-freeagency-market?module=HP_cp2"]http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8 ... ule=HP_cp2[/url]

I'm stunned we don't have people falling all over themselves to sign "The Poz." C'mon Posluszny is the second coming of Jack Lambert, Jack Ham and Andy Russell all rolled into one isn't he?????

We made that big mistake of getting that Timmons guy.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

I'm stunned we don't have people falling all over themselves to sign "The Poz." C'mon Posluszny is the second coming of Jack Lambert, Jack Ham and Andy Russell all rolled into one isn't he?????

Paul Posluszny

Projected Contract: 4.5 Million per year for 5 years.

Analysis: On this current team, Posluszny is a backup. Kind of crazy to think about since he had 151 tackles last year (the 3rd most in the NFL) in only 14 games. He would be Farrior's obvious replacement, but with the rise of Sylvester, he may not be needed. If we didn't have Farrior, I would make this signing in a heartbeat, but I don't know how Posluszny takes a bench job after the season he had.

Conclusion: Don't sign. It would be worth it to have him at that contract, but he won't sign to be a backup, and Farrior is still a starter in this league.

[url="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/20"]http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/20[/url] ... ers-better

[Crash]

Re: Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

Smith, Farrior, and Hampton IMO will be gone after one more season, and possibly Troy if he;s hurt again. That's four older guys make huge money. Larry Foote and ARE are making huge money for their backup roles also. That's at least 5 players who don't have long term futures even if Troy stays.

The money to pay those three LBs will be there and it shouldn't upset their salary structure, they just have to want to do it.

[NJ-STEELER]

Re: Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

i dont see where timmons has earned a contract at the level of woodley and harrsison.
not yet, anyway.

and when they do re up timmons, harrison will be coming off the books... sooner then later with his age

[Dee Dub]

Re: Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

Personally I would stay away from Martez Wilson. He is shooting up the boards based on his physical ability. On the field he really wasn’t all that productive.

I think I would rather take a flyer on Colin McCarthy of the U. A very high motor guy who really turned some heads at the Senior Bowl.

[Oviedo]

Re: Steelers Team Needs: Inside Linebacker

Personally I would stay away from Martez Wilson. He is shooting up the boards based on his physical ability. On the field he really wasn’t all that productive.

I think I would rather take a flyer on Clin McCarthy of the U. A very high motor guy who really turned some heads at the Senior Bowl.

I've heard Nate Irving's name mentioned alot lately and saw one Mock with us taking him. Anyone know anything about him?????