Do ya think that maybe...

[Oviedo]

...there have been some private meetings between the team management and Ben where he has privately told them this is his last year? Could that explain some of the recent "all in" moves?

I'm not sure that Ben could be that private and based on his past he would seem to want a "farewell tour" season but just maybe...

[williar]

I think Ben's sentiments have been anything other than "private." To me, he has made it quite clear that he is ready to "hang-em up!" I feel that the brass should understand the writing on the wall, in that, if you have a team that is ready and capable of winning it all (sands) maybe just a couple pieces away, you better strike while the iron is hot! There are just too many moving parts in the NFL to "stand pat" and wait til next year.

Also, I believe there is just as much sentiment surrounding James Harrison. This guy is giving everything he has to get another ring. I don't believe he would have come back if he didn't think that the FO would do everything they can to "help him out."

[Slapstick]

I don't think the moves have been unusual...they've traded for players in the past (Boykin) and spent money on reasonable free agent contracts (Mitchell, Green)...the timing is the only thing that is unusual for the Haden signing...but that was a function of the calendar and our available cap...

[feltdizz]

I don't think so.

Pretty sure this is Tomlin's first time losing a conference championship game as a coach. Also think the FO believes Bell may not be around next year so they are all in.

Maybe it's Ben as well but I think he plays out his contract

[feltdizz]

I don't think the moves have been unusual...they've traded for players in the past (Boykin) and spent money on reasonable free agent contracts (Mitchell, Green)...the timing is the only thing that is unusual for the Haden signing...but that was a function of the calendar and our available cap...

Also, it sounds like Haden left money on the table because he really wanted to be a Steeler.

[williar]

Also, it sounds like Haden left money on the table because he really wanted to be a Steeler.

Well - we really wanted him to be a Steeler

Look, I am not going to expect miracles but if he can just be solid, as in above average, I think we might be on to something....

[feltdizz]

Well - we really wanted him to be a Steeler

Look, I am not going to expect miracles but if he can just be solid, as in above average, I think we might be on to something....

I think he will be great for us. However, I think some folk look at this signing like we moved mountains to make it happen.

From what I read it sounded like Haden has wanted to be a Steeler since Florida's pro day when he met Tomlin.

[Shawn]

I think Ben's sentiments have been anything other than "private." To me, he has made it quite clear that he is ready to "hang-em up!" I feel that the brass should understand the writing on the wall, in that, if you have a team that is ready and capable of winning it all (sands) maybe just a couple pieces away, you better strike while the iron is hot! There are just too many moving parts in the NFL to "stand pat" and wait til next year.

Also, I believe there is just as much sentiment surrounding James Harrison. This guy is giving everything he has to get another ring. I don't believe he would have come back if he didn't think that the FO would do everything they can to "help him out."

I fully agree. I don't believe Ben told the FO he will hang it up after this year because typically those talks are after an exhausting season not before a new season. If he is having that talk now...we could be in trouble. Second, I do think it's possible Ben talked with the FO and said we need to make moves to win now. That is a real possibility.

[williar]

I think he will be great for us. However, I think some folk look at this signing like we moved mountains to make it happen. From what I read it sounded like Haden has wanted to be a Steeler since Florida's pro day when he met Tomlin.

That's all well and good, but I am not going to act like I expected us to get Haden just because we needed him. When I heard he was coming available my thought was "wouldn't it be nice" however we usually get one upped on these business deals.

[feltdizz]

That's all well and good, but I am not going to act like I expected us to get Haden just because we needed him. When I heard he was coming available my thought was "wouldn't it be nice" however we usually get one upped on these business deals.

It happened so fast we barely had time to set expectations.

I joked on another site about Haden getting a call from a 412 number, he probably got that call a day earlier from Pouncey and AB.

[feltdizz]

I fully agree. I don't believe Ben told the FO he will hang it up after this year because typically those talks are after an exhausting season not before a new season. If he is having that talk now...we could be in trouble. Second, I do think it's possible Ben talked with the FO and said we need to make moves to win now. That is a real possibility.

I think Ben has that talk every off season.

WEAPONS!! WE NEED MORE WEAPONS!!!

[Slapstick]

I think he will be great for us. However, I think some folk look at this signing like we moved mountains to make it happen.

From what I read it sounded like Haden has wanted to be a Steeler since Florida's pro day when he met Tomlin.

Haden is the anti-Bell...

[Ernie]

Although I think he's got 2 or 3 productive years left physically, I think it's very possible that he did "Have a talk" recently about being done after this year. Even if he is "On the fence", there are several scenarios that could play out this year...that could lead to him being done. If we win the SB...he's done, if he suffers a serious injury, he's done. I can also see him getting disgusted and hanging it up, if we get embarrassed in the playoffs again this year. Hate to say it, but I honestly think it's 60-40 that this is year last year.

[winwithd]

Although I think he's got 2 or 3 productive years left physically, I think it's very possible that he did "Have a talk" recently about being done after this year. Even if he is "On the fence", there are several scenarios that could play out this year...that could lead to him being done. If we win the SB...he's done, if he suffers a serious injury, he's done. I can also see him getting disgusted and hanging it up, if we get embarrassed in the playoffs again this year. Hate to say it, but I honestly think it's 60-40 that this is year last year.

I think I remember prior to one of the Super Bowls, (vs GB I think) Ben saying one of his goals was to top Bradshaw's 4 trophies. I hope he remembers that and wants to ride off with back to back rings.

[Ernie]

I remember that also. That statement was before the two kids, and the wife who is obviously putting the "Clamp" on him lol