A look ahead.... Free agency

[legend of polamalu]

So I have us with the following Free Agents and the way I believe we should proceed...

Will Allen---Resign 1 year contract

Plaxico--Done

Ryan Clark--- I would at least consider resigning him in a one year contract for a reasonable amount (hometown discount) If not, let him walk. He still is making plays but 34 is cutting this close. Hopefully S. Thomas can fill in and we won't need to worry at the Safety Position.

Cotchery--Resign 2 year contract

Dwyer--Not 100% he is a FA, but believe he only signed a 1 year....I luv the guy as a backup. Resign if he comes reasonable.

Z. Hood--Who else plays DE with Keisel gone??? Can't pay this dude top $

D. Johnson--whatever is fine with me

Felix Jones---Would like to resign for the same $

Keisel--Time to say bye bye---Thanks for the work you put in.

E. Sanders--Resign if he doesn't think he is all pro $. 3 year 15 mill?

Howling--Bye

Velasco--Resign 3 year contract

Worilds--Resign

Woods--Resign

Cut--Foote


Some questions...
What is going on with Woodley? Would it benefit us cutting him?

Is Worilds going to demand top z$

Can we put Ike and R Clark in our secondary another year with them at 33 and 34???

Can Woods or McClendon play DE?

Will Velasco, Pouncey and Levi Brown all be ready week 1? Brown is making 7-8 mill a year and hasn't played a snap for us.

I really have seen our off line play excellent of late...Ben has stayed upright for the past several games. With us getting Pouncey, Velasco and Brown possibly back for next year, do we really need to waste a first rnd pick on a Tackle?

I BELIEVE OUR TOP GUYS WE NEED TO RESIGN are>>> Velasco, Worilds and Sanders (reasonable) if not Cotch can work with Wheaton coming on. I also hope we keep Woods and he can move to DE.

Thoughts?

[Djfan]

The only thing I would add is that Keisel is good enough to sign again at a discount if that can be done. Hood seems iffy. Not sure what to do there.

[Shoe]

Hood is done in PIT. His value is at a low with us (being benched this year). But if his agent is worth his salt, he should be able to convince some dumb GM that his client has been held back, in our defensive scheme. He can sell the opinion that Hood is a 4-3 DT, miscast with us. He can further, point to the fact that his client has been a starter on a top-ranked defense like ours (i.e. bring "leadership" to a team).

We all know that to be baloney, but... with that in mind, I don't see him coming back here.

[Shoe]

One more thing: I pointed out how, this past summer, Clark had one foot out the door already preparing for his next career in broadcasting. And he's proven me right. He had a very good year last year, but like Woodley (who simply mailed it in because he got paid), Clark's heart isn't there anymore.

[pittpete]

Brown won't be on this roster next year
Woods is better situated as a NT
IMO, Sanders isn't worth 5 mil a year

[Ernie]

So I have us with the following Free Agents and the way I believe we should proceed...

Will Allen---Resign 1 year contract

Plaxico--Done

Ryan Clark--- I would at least consider resigning him in a one year contract for a reasonable amount (hometown discount) If not, let him walk. He still is making plays but 34 is cutting this close. Hopefully S. Thomas can fill in and we won't need to worry at the Safety Position.

Cotchery--Resign 2 year contract

Dwyer--Not 100% he is a FA, but believe he only signed a 1 year....I luv the guy as a backup. Resign if he comes reasonable.

Z. Hood--Who else plays DE with Keisel gone??? Can't pay this dude top $

D. Johnson--whatever is fine with me

Felix Jones---Would like to resign for the same $

Keisel--Time to say bye bye---Thanks for the work you put in.

E. Sanders--Resign if he doesn't think he is all pro $. 3 year 15 mill?

Howling--Bye

Velasco--Resign 3 year contract

Worilds--Resign

Woods--Resign

Cut--Foote


Some questions...
What is going on with Woodley? Would it benefit us cutting him?

Is Worilds going to demand top z$

Can we put Ike and R Clark in our secondary another year with them at 33 and 34???

Can Woods or McClendon play DE?

Will Velasco, Pouncey and Levi Brown all be ready week 1? Brown is making 7-8 mill a year and hasn't played a snap for us.

I really have seen our off line play excellent of late...Ben has stayed upright for the past several games. With us getting Pouncey, Velasco and Brown possibly back for next year, do we really need to waste a first rnd pick on a Tackle?

I BELIEVE OUR TOP GUYS WE NEED TO RESIGN are>>> Velasco, Worilds and Sanders (reasonable) if not Cotch can work with Wheaton coming on. I also hope we keep Woods and he can move to DE.

Thoughts?

I think you are right on the money with your questions, comments, and concerns. I do like keeping Keisel around if he would agree to sign at a lesser amount next year. Same with Ike and Clark.
.

[AxnJxn]

One more thing: I pointed out how, this past summer, Clark had one foot out the door already preparing for his next career in broadcasting. And he's proven me right. He had a very good year last year, but like Woodley (who simply mailed it in because he got paid), Clark's heart isn't there anymore.

Considering how many head shots Clark has taken (and given), he should probably get out now while he can still construct complete sentences, and I think he knows that. We have 2 teams in our division that have money to spend, so I'd imagine that, if anything, they'll drive up the price on Worilds if they're smart. I'm hoping he returns to Pittsburgh, but I think the Woodley situation is going to eat up the money to do that. I do like that the O line situation has improved in the last month or so, and the need for a top pick in that area has decreased. There's a ton of talent on that line, and they've even developed some depth there, so that could actually be a strength next year without too much tweaking needed.

I'd like to see them focus on D and a TE in the draft.

[SidSmythe]

Clark is done. He doesn't make plays. How about a FS who is a ballhawk and not a headhunter. We need turnovers.

Sanders at $5million a year?? no way

[thor75]

Of those you mentioned, I would like to see Will Allen, Cotchery, Woirlds, Velasco, F. Jones, and Woods resigned. I'm on the fence with Sanders. If he would have made one of those game changing catches I would be on his side more. The Baltimore 2pt conversion still irks me, yes a tough catch but still makeable.