Pittsburgh Steelers' Own 2011 Free Agents Analysis

[hawaiiansteel]

Behind the Steel Curtain is doing an analysis of each of the Steelers' free agents, I will add in the new ones to this thread as they are released. here are the four they have posted so far, starting with Willie Colon.


Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis: Willie Colon

by Michael Bean on Feb 12, 2011



Ronald Martinez - Getty Images

2010 Salary: $2,204,240

The back story: Willie Colon entered the NFL in 2006 as a 4th round project out of the University of Hofstra. Born in the Bronx, a rough and tumble urban environment where basketball reigns supreme, Colon was obviously a late bloomer in terms of his exposure to high level competition on the gridiron. The result was extreme struggles early on in his career with the Steelers. After starting two games in his rookie season, Colon was named the full time starter at right tackle in 2007. Even though Max Starks had starting experience on a Super Bowl winning team in '05, Colon got the nod. At the time (yes, I was writing back then), I wondered if the Steelers were decided to start Colon over Starks for financial reasons. Basically Starks' contract was coming up, and if he played an integral role on that '07 team at right tackle, he'd be pretty expensive to retain in free agency. Meanwhile the Steelers wouldn't really know what they had in Colon.

Anyway, Colon struggled in '07 and '08. So badly in fact that he became the poster boy for the offensive line's struggles. Most of the criticism was deserved, though folks were perhaps too unforgiving of the fact that he'd never in his life come close to facing the caliber of athletic talent that each NFL team has during his high school and collegiate days. In '09, Colon turned the corner. He wasn't perfect, but he improved dramatically, and by season's end was widely regarded as the team's best offensive lineman.

Unfortunately for Colon, sheer bad luck stood in the way of him signing an unrestricted free agent deal at about this time last year. Under the provisions of the last CBA, Colon's four years of service were no longer enough to qualify him for URFA status. Instead, Colon had to sign a one-year RFA deal last offseason that paid him a nice sum. But make no mistake about it: had Colon entered the league just one year earlier and qualified for URFA after the '09 season, he would have been able to find a suitor willing to offer a multi-year deal in the eight digits, with perhaps as much as $10-$15 million in guarantees.

The BTSC Consensus: Well, there wasn't exactly the same type of consensus amongst you all about what should be done with Colon moving forward. Some thought he should be re-signed; many others thoughts it was time to let him walk. However, the common them I kept reading was something along the lines of: 'let's see how he is injury-wise before offering up any sort of long-term deal.' Well, that's somewhat fair and understandable, but it's also flat-out ignoring the facts. Colon had been one of the asbolute most durable guys on the team and entire NFL from '07-'09. He made 48 consecutive starts in those three seasons, missing not even a single game. He also started all four of the Steelers postseason games during that stretch.

In fact, following the '07 season, Colon earned the top figure in the NFL’s "Performance-Based Pay" system that awards lower-salaried players for playing time. What's that you ask? Well, as part of the 2002 extension to the CBA, a pool of money was allocated for distribution to those players with minimum salaries who saw extensive playing time over the course of the year. Or said differently, guys that provided a huge return on investment to their clubs. Colon has been just that -- an amazing investment for the Steelers because of his durability.

Anyway, in my mind, there is no injury concern with Colon. He suffered a freak injury during OTAs when no pads were even on. And the good news, if there is such a thing with an awful injury like that, is that Colon suffered it in June, meaning he'll have had at least 14+ months of recovery. There's a danger of reaggravating the injury if you rush back to action, but the timetable is more or less perfect for a compelte recovery for Colon in '11.

So, again, Colon is the product of extreme bad luck when it comes to free agency. He was denied a well-deserved windfall after the '09 season, and now he'll likely be denied once more because of a totally random freak injury that really shouldn't have any long-term implications on his ability to play at a high level. At 28 years of age, Colon's window for signing that big contract is running out. This is his time to get paid. If I were Colon and his agent, I'd flat out refuse anything short of 3-years, $14m, $1m signing bonus, another $3.0m guaranteed

What I'd Do: I think Colon is worth keeping, and I think he's worth keeping at roughly the figures I laid out above.

3-years, $14m, $3-4m guaranteed.

The Rooneys are savvy shrewd businessmen, but they're also unwaveringly fair. Colon has three things going for him. He's (1) provided a remarkable ROI to the organization...(2) been a product of unfortunate circumstances (CBA + freak injury) after proving that he'd gotten over his early growing pains and was ready to play at a high level consistently...(3) proven to be locker room gold and one of the team's more popular well-respected guys.

[url="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2011/2/12/1987420/pittsburgh-steelers-2011-free-agents-analysis-willie-colon"]http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/20 ... llie-colon[/url]

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis

Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis: Trai Essex

by Michael Bean on Feb 15, 2011 12:01 AM EST



Mike Groll - AP

Let's continue with our breakdown of the various Pittsburgh Steelers players who saw their contracts expire after the 2010 season. Next up is Trai Essex, a guy that's hard to assess -- at least in black or white terms. Let's try our best though.

2010 Salary: $800k

The back story: While doing a bit of research on Essex for this post, I was somewhat shocked to remember that he was a third-round draft pick back in 2005. Every draft pick in the NFL is a crap shoot to a certain degree, but you definitely hope that you bat a high percentage with your top picks, including those guys taken in the third round. It would be wildly unfair to say that Essex has been a 'bust' or not provided valuable contributions to the Steelers the past seven years. Heck, Essex even started four games as a rookie back in '05. He would not start another game until the '09 season, when the departure of Alan Faneca via free agency opened the door for the Northwestern grad to play. Essex would start all 16 games at right guard. This past season, he returned to his more natural reserve role, though he did start five games.

Essex's value lies in his versatility. He can fill in at four positions along the offensive line (center excluded). That's nothing to sneeze at. Look no further than Super Bowl XLV when Essex replaced Flozell Adams at right tackle for a few series after Adams hurt himself in the first quarter.

The BTSC Consensus: Again, the peanut gallery is split. A fair number of you would like the Steelers try to retain the versatile Essex for one or two years, while plenty others would prefer to cut ties with him after seven seasons.

What I'd do: I personally would not offer Essex a deal to return. If additional roster spots were added as part of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, than forget what I just said. But assuming there's still just 53 roster spots available, I think it would make more sense to move on. At 28 years of age, Essex should be able to command a 2-3 year deal from some team, likely in the $650-800k per year range. Essex's last contract paid him nearly that much, and remember, that was coming off three straight seasons in which he did very little. This past two years Essex has played a lot more, and done a fairly good job when given a chance to play.

Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, I think the Steelers have enough depth on the offensive line. The trick is adding one or two more really talented pieces. Between Ramon Foster, Doug Legursky, Chris Kemoeatu, and potentially a 2011 Draft pick, my take is that the guard position is in better shape than most realize. Legursky could be an X-factor actually, as he generally looked quite impressive -- be it at center or at guard -- in 2010. Throw in the dirt cheap Ramon Foster as a viable reserve at guard, and there's no real need to have a serviceable swing guy taking a hat on the depth chart. And that's even more true if the Steelers plan to draft a guard early on in the '11 Draft.

I'll save my commentary about how the pieces could be shuffled at offensive tackle, but as it relates to Essex, I'll just say that he's better suited to fill in at guard than on the outside. This Steelers offensive line has made the transition from 'bad' to 'good', or at worst 'average'. Now it's time to take the next big step(s) to becoming a 'very good' and hopefully even 'great' line. That's not going to happen by keeping guys like Essex around. I hate typing that because it's hard to understate how useful he's been in recent years. But now that the personnel has improved, and assuming the injury bug doesn't strike in such a malicious way in '11, the Steelers have less use for Essex -- a versatile asset, but one whose ceiling leaves plenty to be desired.

[url="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2011/2/15/1994441/pittsburgh-steelers-2011-free-agents-analysis-trai-essex"]http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/20 ... trai-essex[/url]

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis

Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis: Mewelde Moore

by Michael Bean on Feb 13, 2011 9:00 PM EST



More photos » Keith Srakocic - AP

Let's continue looking at the various Pittsburgh Steelers players whose contracts expired after the 2010 season. Once again, it's obviously somewhat pointless to speculate what may or may not happen with 2011 free agents while we wait to hear what new provisions might be added to free agency under the terms of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Nevertheless, we can likely assume that there were only be minor tweaks to the existing free agency system, so let's carry on with a discussion about Mewelde Moore and what his future might hold in Pittsburgh.

2010 Salary: $1.475 million

2010 Salary Cap Allocation: $1.975 million

The back story: Moore signed a three-year contract before the 2008 season to join the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mike Tomlin, who knew Moore from their time in Minnesota, recruited the versatile back to join him in Pittsburgh. After Rashard Mendenhall was lost for the season early in his rookie year, Moore proved to be an invaluable asset as Willie Parker struggled to stay healthy. Moore rushed the ball 140 times for 588 yards (4.2 ypc) and 5 TDs. He was also a receiving threat, catching 40 balls for 320 yards and 1 TD. Without Moore's contributions, I'm not sure the Steelers earn the No. 2 seed and in the '08 playoffs. Without those home games, the Steelers maybe don't get one for the other thumb.

Medenhall's return to the lineup in '09 relegated Moore back to third-down duties. He had just 35 attempts and was less successful with them, accumulating just t 118 yards (3.4 ypc). Moore was again a part of the passing game though, finishing with 21 receptions for 153 yards and 2 TDs.

After the '09 season, I thought there was a distinct possibility that Moore might get cut. Not because he was a terrible player or anything like that. I just thought that he was on the books for too much money in '10. He had a base salary of nearly 1.5m. Perhaps the fact that there was no salary cap in 2010 benefited Moore since the extra $500k cap allocation that would have usually counted against the team's salary cap didn't much matter. Perhaps though Tomlin and Bruce Arians put a high price tag on the fact that Moore was the only proven, reliable veteran behind Mendenhall on the running back depth chart. Mendenhall stayed healthy for the second consecutive year, and it was Isaac Redman, not Moore, who spelled Mendy sparingly throughout the season. His rushing attempts decreased to 31 last season. Moore did again contribute in the passing game, hauling in 26 passes for 205 yards.

The BTSC consensus: Late last week, I opened up the floor to you all to see what you thought the Steelers should do with their various free agents. Moore was one of the many players there was no real consensus on. A number of you thought he should be released with Redman and Jonathan Dwyer as viable options behind No. 34. Others thought he should be retained for one or two more years, but only if the price was right.

Moore's Estimated Market Value: Moore knows he's not going to command a lot of attention or a huge payday either in Pittsburgh in elsewhere. But for a guy that's not yet 29 years old and been a part of winning teams this past three years, it's also unrealistic to think that he can be retained for the veteran minimum. Considering that Chester Taylor signed a 4-year deal worth over $12m, including $7m in guarantees for the '10 season, it's just not likely that Moore won't garner some attention on the open market for teams looking for a steadying presence in their backfield.

My guess at what Moore could get paid outside of Pittsburgh is somewhere in the ballpark of 3 years, $7m, $2.5m guaranteed.

What I'd do: I, like the rest of Steeler Nation, am a big believer in Isaac Redman's ability to fill many of the roles that Moore handled in recent years. He's shown an aptitude for picking up third-and-short opportunities, proven he has solid hands catching the ball, done his job in pass-protection, and perhaps most importantly, not made any big mental miscues like fumbling the football. Therefore, I'd personally increase Redman's role significantly in '11, and roll the dice that neither he nor Mendenhall goes down with an injury for any extended period of time.

Let's be clear though. Guys like Mewelde Moore don't grow on trees. That might be hard to agree with considering that Moore lacks the ability to rattle off a huge play due to his limited speed. But in a league where wins and losses are decided by the thinnest of margins, having a guy like Moore (or Kevin Faulk) who (1) protects the football, (2) allows your starters to catch their breathe from time to time, and (3) knows what he and everyone of his teammates should be doing on all plays, all make him extremely valuable to an NFL coach.

Really this one likely comes down to whether Moore wants to remain in Pittsburgh with a team that's in great position to win this next couple of years. Moore is a big charity guy -- he and his wife have done great work with their foundation. On the one hand, that makes me believe that he might (understandably) want to cash as big a payday as possible as he approaches the age of 30. On the other hand, if the Moores have made a happy and complete transition from living in Minneapolis to Pittsburgh and would like to remain there for the foreseeable future, than maybe Moore is less inclined to uproot his family to chase a few more dollars in another market. We'll see, but regardless of what Moore decides, it will be for the right reasons -- to stay with a winning team in a city he enjoys living in and giving back to; or wanting to maximize his earning power while he can in order to better be able to serve others once his playing days are done.

So, with all that said, I'd offer Moore a deal that has (1) less guaranteed money...(2) is back-loaded in the final years which would allow the Steelers to release him at a later date.

How about: 3 years: $4.8m, $1m signing bonus. ( Year 1= $1m; Year 2 = $1.6m; Year 3 = $2.2m)

With a deal like that, it's hard to 'lose'. You either retain a steady hand for very little money, or know you've offered something reasonable in the event he signs elsewhere. If he does stay, the Steelers could then see if Jonathan Dwyer and Redman are indeed ready in '11. If they're not, Moore all of a sudden becomes well worth the cost not only in '11, but in '12 as well. He could then be released prior to the '13 season, unless he somehow looks to be every bit as fresh and physically capable as he has the last few seasons. And if he signs with a new team, you're saving money to distribute elsewhere, and at least feel somewhat confident that the rest of the depth chart at RB will be able to more than pick up the slack.

Anyway, you've got to figure that more money is going to be allocated for veterans under the new CBA, while the rookie pay scale is cut back. That should free up a little money to pay guys like Moore solid sums without committing too many resources on guys that have proven they'll provide a solid return on investment even if there's next to no chance they'll all of a sudden be game-changers.

[url="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2011/2/13/1992039/pittsburgh-steelers-2011-free-agents-analysis-mewelde-moore"]http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/20 ... elde-moore[/url]

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis

Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis: Jeremy Kapinos

by Michael Bean on Feb 13, 2011 11:59 PM EST



Gregory Shamus - Getty Images

23 days ago: PITTSBURGH PA - JANUARY 23: Jamaal Westerman #55 of the New York Jets attempts to block a punt by Jeremy Kapinos #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and is called for roughing the kicker in the third quarter of the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23 2011 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)


Onward with our tour of the 15 Pittsburgh Steelers players whose contracts expired after the team's 31-25 to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV. In our first two posts, we've looked at two guys that have an interesting set of circumstances and factors to consider when thinking about their potential future in Pittsburgh. Let's turn our attention briefly to a player whose future is a little bit easier to figure: punter Jeremy Kapinos.

The back story: Kapinos, the league's worst punter in '09 while with the Packers, did just fine for the Steelers in relief of the injured Daniel Sepulveda. Kapinos joined the Steelers in Week 14 for the team's second tilt with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Penn State product was average at best in his first two games (his performance against the Jets in Week 15 contributed to the Steelers' late-season loss). But in Pittsburgh's final two contests, Kapinos averaged 45.3 and 56 yards per punt respectively. He was equally good in the playoffs, averaging over 48 yards per punt in his eight postseason kicks.

The BTSC Consensus: Most of you all believe that the Steelers should sign Kapinos to a meager one-year deal while waiting to see the injury status of Sepulveda. Wise, as this is major knee injury No. 2 that Robo-Punter has suffered since being drafted by the Steelers.

What I'd do: Nobody's going to bid for Kapinos' services, so offer Kapinos a bare-bones contract to compete with Sepulveda in Latrobe next year. How about we go with 1 year, $410,000, 30k signing bonus (as small thanks to a job well-done in '10 when the Steelers were in a bind)

[url="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2011/2/13/1992403/pittsburgh-steelers-2011-free-agents-analysis-jeremy-kapinos"]http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/20 ... my-kapinos[/url]

[Crash]

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis

Franchise tag Woodley.

Transition tag Ike.

If they can do that? Nothing else matters.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis

Franchise tag Woodley.

Transition tag Ike.

If they can do that? Nothing else matters.

but if Ike were to then receive an outrageous offer from another team we would have to match it or risk losing Ike with no compensation...

[Crash]

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis

but if Ike were to then receive an outrageous offer from another team we would have to match it or risk losing Ike with no compensation...

I'd rather have the right to match over a 5th round bonus pick, wouldn't you?

[Dee Dub]

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis

Franchise tag Woodley.

Transition tag Ike.

If they can do that? Nothing else matters.

Ok...but you havent solved the problem of how they will win the Super Bowl. This current team needs help. Just keeping Ike and Woodley isnt enough.

And please dont say sign Champ Bailey.

[Crash]

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis

The current team doesn't need that much help. My belief on defense is LeBeau needs to quit coaching scared against elite QBs and allow his playmakers to make plays.

He also needs to quit playing favorites. If he leaves Farrior out there on 3rd downs because he calls the defense guess what? Start COACHING and groom someone else to do it rather than rely on the aging status quo.

[Chadman]

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis

The addition of a quality CB or two that are good in man coverage would enable LeBeau to bring the blitz more effectively against 'spread offences'.

Crash isn't far from right- LeBeau needs to attack more against spread offenses- but he needs the cattle to do the job. McFadden & Gay are not the right cattle. Carlos Rogers & a high round rookie probably are.

Little additions (or big if you talk financial additions) take the Steelers achilles heel away & turn them into a much deadlier opponant.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis

Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis: Shaun Suisham

by Michael Bean on Feb 15, 2011 9:29 PM EST



Keith Srakocic - AP


Onward with our breakdown of each and every player on the Pittsburgh Steelers whose contract expired after the 2010 season. Let's turn to kicker Shuan Suisham, the third special teams specialist who is a 2011 free agent (D. Sepulveda, J. Kapinos).

The back story: After the Week 10 debacle against the New England Patriots, Jeff Reed was released by the Steelers. Reed had struggled all season long, and though he had stayed out of trouble off the field, his whiny comments following the Patriots game sealed his fate. Very much in the thick of things at that point, the Steelers opted to cut their losses with the volatile Reed.

Shaun Suisham was hired off the street to assume the kicking duties for the remainder of the year. The former Washington Redskins kicker converted on all five of his PATs in the Steelers 35-3 drubbing of Oakland, then nailed all four of his field goal tries the following week in an overtime win against the Bills. Suisham wouldn't miss his first kick in the black and gold until Week 16 against the Panthers, a meaningless FG try before halftime in a game the Steelers had just about wrapped up before intermission anyway.

It was in the playoffs that Suisham struggled, missing field goals in both the Divisional Round against Baltimore and the Super Bowl against Green Bay. Suisham's miscues in the playoffs left a sour taste in the mouth of Steeler Nation, but the fact of the matter is had all of us been told that Suisham would perform the way he did in relief of Reed, we all would have happily taken it.

2010 Salary: undisclosed

2010 Stats: 14/15 FGs (93.3%), 19/19 PATs (100%), 3/5 postseason FGs (60%)

What I'd do: I would not attempt to re-sign Suisham. The Canadian born Suisham is by all accounts a really nice young man, and he exceeded expectations for the Steelers after being signed in December. Suisham wouldn't necessarily be expensive at all to retain, but what's the point really? There's guys like him waiting for a phone call year round. Hell, Suisham himself could very easily be available at the start of, or in the middle of next season. He'll likely get a camp invite somewhere, but who knows if he'll win a job.

Here's what I'd do instead. I'd use a draft pick on a talented college kicker. I plan on fleshing this idea out more, but in my mind, I don't think there's any way that such a high number of draft picks makes the roster this year. The Steelers have four picks from the '09 class on either the roster or practice squad, and eight from the '10 class. With all the veteran stalwarts surrounding the bevy of young talent, there's just not enough room for as many to make the squad this year. I'd say four at most. Obviously you've got to assume that the top two picks will contribute. Then you hope that one of the third or fourth rounders sticks. After that, it's going to be awfully tough to make the 2011 Steelers squad.

Unless you're a kicker.

I'd think about drafting Alex Henery out of Nebraska in either the fifth or sixth round. Henrey was great in college -- earning 1st Team All American honors his senior year, and finishing as the all-time leading scorer in school history. He's got loads more upside than a guy like Suisham, and were he to make the team, he'd also provide some insurance at the punter position because he handled those duties with aplomb as well.

Anyway, maybe I'll make the complete case for drafting Henery at a later date. As for Suisham, I'd kindly say farewell, and thank him for his important contributions to the Steelers run to Super Bowl XLV. Then it's time to turn to the task at hand -- finding a talented, long-term option at kicker, one of the more important positions in today's NFL.

[url="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2011/2/15/1995697/pittsburgh-steelers-2011-free-agents-analysis-shaun-suisham"]http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/20 ... un-suisham[/url]

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis

Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis: Doug Legursky

by Michael Bean on Feb 17, 2011 5:05 PM EST



Keith Srakocic - AP

Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Chris Hoke, left, battles guard Doug Legursky in one-on-one drills at the team's NFL football training camp in Latrobe, Pa.


Let's continue with our overview of each and every Pittsburgh Steelers player whose contract expired after the 2010 season. We've got a number of guys to discuss whose future hinges on a number of interrelated and complicated factors. Here's one though that's not at all difficult to wrap our heads around: Doug Legursky.

The back story: Legursky joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent rookie in 2008. Much to the chagrin of the infamous former BTSC reader Robert Ethan, Legursky didn't quite make it out of camp that year with a spot on the 53-man roster. The Marshall grad however was signed to the practice squad early in the '08 season after Marvel Smith was placed on IR with a back injury.

Legursky did make the team the following season in '09, appearing in 8 games with no starts. It wasn't until this past season that Legursky really had an opportunity to make an impression on his coaches, teammates and fans. Legursky played some at guard, was deployed in jumbo packages as a lead blocker around the goal line, and finally, filled in for the injured Maurkice Pouncey at center in the AFC Championship Game and Super Bowl. His performances against the Jets and Packers garnered solid reviews, and almost certainly cemented his status as someone the Steelers would like to bring back.

'Free' but not really:

Though Legursky is a free agent, he's not really free at all. Why? Because he's an Exclusive Rights Free Agent, which means he has no more than two accrued NFL seasons. ERFAs can only sign with their prior team, provided the team makes a qualifying minimum offer. In other words, unpack your bags Mr. Legursky, you're hanging around the 'Burgh for at least another season. The question though is whether or not the Steelers decide to offer more than just the bare-bones one-year minimum deal to Legursky. I doubt it, but it's a possibility for sure since he'd only become more expensive to retain once he became a restricted free agent after this season.

What I'd do: I've seen this idea thrown around, but would it make sense to maybe use Legursky at center and Pouncey at right guard? That would give the Steelers a pretty solid interior to their offensive line in '11. Even if the Steelers do draft a guard early on in this year's draft, it's not a slam dunk that he'd be ready and able to play at a high level as a rookie. Maybe, maybe not. We know though that Legursky can hold his own, and I doubt Pouncey would struggle too much making the transition to guard. Perhaps in '11 you move Pouncey back to center and roll with your second-year guard then?

Not likely, I know. So what about Legursky's value at guard? It's harder to say. What we do know is that the dude is strong as an ox, and pretty darn nimble and quick to boot. Legursky set weight room records at Marshall in the squat (705 lbs) and hang clean (430 pounds). Ridiculous. And to think he's probably gotten even stronger and certainly more agile, flexible and explosive since joining the Steelers.

Color me a believer be it at center or guard. He'll turn 25 this summer meaning he's young and inexperienced enough still to believe that his best football is ahead of him, yet old enough now to have learned the nuanced mental aspect of his craft since leaving college.

Even if Legursky is a guy the Steelers believe in, I suppose there's no reason to offer him more than a one-year minimum deal, which would be somewhere in the 400-500k range I believe. I would tell Legursky to work hard this offseason, whoop some ass in camp and the preseason, earn a helmet, and a nice two-year extension is his at some point early in the '11 season.

[url="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2011/2/17/1999573/pittsburgh-steelers-2011-free-agents-analysis-doug-legursky"]http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/20 ... g-legursky[/url]

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis

I think Legursky becomes the offensive version of Chris Hoke. Unheralded UDFA whose body type doesn't fit the typical players at his position, but yet he is effective when used in a backup reserve role. I don't want to count on Hoke or Legursky to be my long-term starter, but I'm not worried about a monumental dropoff when they do need to fill in on occasion.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis

February 16 2011

Steelers Decide to Play Waiting Game With Free Agents

By J.J. Cooper


The Steelers are apparently waiting to see what a new collective bargaining agreement brings before worrying about resigning their relatively long list of free agents.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that left tackle Jonathan Scott is the only one of the Steelers' 14 potentially unrestricted free agents that the team has opened negotiations with.

(ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that the Steelers have also placed the franchise tag on outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley to ensure that he will remain a Steeler.)

The lack of a new collective bargaining agreement has made things difficult for all teams and players. Without any firm information about the makeup of the new rules, teams do not know if there will be a salary cap (or how the rules of the salary cap will be determined) or even how many years of service a player needs to be an unrestricted free agent. The franchise tags are potentially just as confusing -- while the Steelers may decide to franchise Woodley, there is no guarantee that the new CBA will even include franchise tags.

But the Steelers decision to largely wait on contract talks will make it even tougher to keep some key members of the Steelers AFC championship club -- like Ike Taylor and William Gay -- when the new CBA is reached.

[url="http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/16/s...h-free-agents/"]http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/16/s...h-free-agents/[/url]

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Free Agents Analysis

Steelers Free Agency

By Kiley Fischer | Mon, 02/21/2011


With LaMarr Woodley having received the franchise tag, cornerback Ike Taylor is the most prominent of 17 remaining Steelers free agents. Here's a look at the most critical.



CB Ike Taylor
When the Steelers didn't offer an extension last off-season, it appeared as though they were ready to like Taylor walk. But with only three corners under contract and no cldar replacement on the roster, Taylor may be in for a nice payday without having to change uniforms.

CB William Gay
Forty-eight tackles, two sacks, and 11 passes defended proved Gay's worth as a nickleback in his fourth NFL season. The 26-year-old cornerback also forced a fumble against Buffalo this season. He's not an NFL starter buth with only three corners under contract, don't rule out his return.

RB Mewelde Moore
Moore still a good receiver out of the backfield, provides depth in the return-game and is better in blitz pick-up than any other Steelers back. His return will be a financial decision based on the other available options - for both the team and Moore.

QB Dennis Dixon
With Ben Roethlisberger suspended and Byron Leftwich hurt, Dixon's two starts (prior to his ankle injury) this season may have amounted to an audition for other NFL teams. However, with an aging Charlie Batch as the only other quarterback on the roster, Dixon could challenge Leftwich for the back-up job if he returns.



OT Willie Colon
The offensive tackle never set foot on the field with the Steelers this season as he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in June while working out. However, Colon blossomed into the team's best lineman (before Maurkice Pouncey was drafted) since he filled in for Max Starks in Weeks 16 and 17 of the 2006 season. He actually traveled with the team throughout the 2011 season and with an offensive line that has been decimated by injury, expect the team to try to keep Colon.

OG/OT Trai Essex
The fact that Essex was unable to emerge as a starter this season despite injuries at every position aside from center should be considered the writing on the wall. He is unlikely to return.

OT Jonathan Scott
In his first year with Pittsburgh, Scott played all 16 regular season games and started in nine after Max Starks was lost to injury. He's best utilized in a back-up role and if willie Colon is healthy he could be back for another one-year deal.

OT Tony Hills
Hills didn't dress very often in his third season despite the fact that the Steelers were ravaged by injury at tackle.

P Daniel Sepulveda
After signing a one-year deal last April, Sepulveda posted an average of 45.5 yards on 56 punts. Sepulveda was placed on injured reserve after tearing his ACL against the Baltimore Ravens, and he was missed dearly after the injury. But the soundness of the knee is a major question after three tears in six years.

TE Matt Spaeth
With 14 games and 13 starts, the tight end notched 9 receptions for 80 yards and 1 touchdown. Spaeth missed Weeks 12 and 13 against the Bills and the Ravens with a concussion.

DE Nick Eason
While Eason might not have started every game, he has played in every one this season. The fourth-year Steelers’ defensive end has contributed 16 tackles and 1.5 sacks.



DT Chris Hoke
He'll be 35 next season but still provided solid depth behind Casey Hampton. If he doesn't retire, it's not hard to imagine Hoke signing a one-year deal in Pittsburgh.

[url="http://www.pittsburghsportsreport.com/PSR/node/1447"]http://www.pittsburghsportsreport.com/PSR/node/1447[/url]