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OT Starks thinking long term with Steelers
By Scott Brown, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, February 23, 2009
[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_612987.html"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 12987.html[/url]
The Steelers have won a Super Bowl title with Max Starks starting at right tackle and at left tackle.
Starks said he prefers playing the latter position, and he got a strong indication this past week that the Steelers feel the same way.
The Steelers placed the franchise tag on Starks, guaranteeing him $8.451 million next season, and they are working toward signing the 6-foot-8, 344-pounder to a long-term deal.
Starks has yet to talk to coach Mike Tomlin about where he will play next season. But when asked if he is a left tackle after starting the Steelers' final 14 games there last season, Starks said, "I would like to think so. I imagine that will probably be discussed in our meetings."
The Steelers offensive line could look significantly different by the time Tomlin meets with his players.
Starting left guard Chris Kemoeatu and left tackle Marvel Smith become unrestricted free agents Friday unless they re-sign with the Steelers before then.
Director of football operations Kevin Colbert has said the Steelers have not ruled out re-signing any of their free agents.
Smith, however, has been plagued by back problems, and Starks' situation may make him even more expendable.
Kemoeatu, meanwhile, may want to see what offers he gets on the open market since he could be the most coveted guard in this year's free-agent class.
The Steelers are expected to meet with his agent early this week.
Starks signed the one-year tender offer the Steelers made to him last week. But his intention is still to work out a multi-year contract with the Steelers that will keep him in Pittsburgh beyond the 2009 season.
"You always want to go with the team that gave you your first opportunity," the 27-year-old Starks. "This is a great city, and I definitely want to continue my career here."
By Scott Brown, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, February 23, 2009
[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_612987.html"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 12987.html[/url]
The Steelers have won a Super Bowl title with Max Starks starting at right tackle and at left tackle.
Starks said he prefers playing the latter position, and he got a strong indication this past week that the Steelers feel the same way.
The Steelers placed the franchise tag on Starks, guaranteeing him $8.451 million next season, and they are working toward signing the 6-foot-8, 344-pounder to a long-term deal.
Starks has yet to talk to coach Mike Tomlin about where he will play next season. But when asked if he is a left tackle after starting the Steelers' final 14 games there last season, Starks said, "I would like to think so. I imagine that will probably be discussed in our meetings."
The Steelers offensive line could look significantly different by the time Tomlin meets with his players.
Starting left guard Chris Kemoeatu and left tackle Marvel Smith become unrestricted free agents Friday unless they re-sign with the Steelers before then.
Director of football operations Kevin Colbert has said the Steelers have not ruled out re-signing any of their free agents.
Smith, however, has been plagued by back problems, and Starks' situation may make him even more expendable.
Kemoeatu, meanwhile, may want to see what offers he gets on the open market since he could be the most coveted guard in this year's free-agent class.
The Steelers are expected to meet with his agent early this week.
Starks signed the one-year tender offer the Steelers made to him last week. But his intention is still to work out a multi-year contract with the Steelers that will keep him in Pittsburgh beyond the 2009 season.
"You always want to go with the team that gave you your first opportunity," the 27-year-old Starks. "This is a great city, and I definitely want to continue my career here."
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