Scenario for those familiar with the cap

[Parasite]

Ok, say all of the following things happen in the offseason. How then does our cap look? Will we have some cash to throw around?

We re-sign McFadden to a long-term deal (starting CB money, lower tier)
We re-sign Kemoeatu to a long-term deal (starting LG money, lower tier)
We re-sign Washington to a long-term deal (third wideout money)
We extend Miller (starting TE money, upper tier)
We re-sign Essex (backup money)

We do not re-sign Starks
We cut Simmons


If ALL of this happens, what does our cap roughly look like and will we have some cash to spend on middle tier to higher end FA's? Also, any guesses to the contract numbers of McFadden, Kemo, Nate and Heath? Thanks for any input.

[Super Dave]

I think signing McFAdden is a pipe dream, that window has closed.

He will get an enormous contract by some team willing to overspend on a CB.

[60 MINUTES]

I think if Marvell Smith, again IF he comes back healthy from this injury from sunday and cont to play well this season then you need to resign him to a fair contract have him play LT one more season while you groom his new LT replacement you got in the draft, then move him to RT and let willie walk or move inside to compete. anyway I think you have to resign the guy as long as he doesn't want 8 mil a year.

[Parasite]

Oh, forgot about Marvel. Hmmmmm......honestly, I'm not sure if we should re-sign him or not. I guess it depends on how much money he wants plus the state of his health.

[TMC]

Ok, say all of the following things happen in the offseason. How then does our cap look? Will we have some cash to throw around?

We re-sign McFadden to a long-term deal (starting CB money, lower tier)
We re-sign Kemoeatu to a long-term deal (starting LG money, lower tier)
We re-sign Washington to a long-term deal (third wideout money)
We extend Miller (starting TE money, upper tier)
We re-sign Essex (backup money)

We do not re-sign Starks
We cut Simmons


If ALL of this happens, what does our cap roughly look like and will we have some cash to spend on middle tier to higher end FA's? Also, any guesses to the contract numbers of McFadden, Kemo, Nate and Heath? Thanks for any input.

McFadden-the upper end for corners is $8-9M per season. The bottom end puts them around $4-5M per season. I think that McFadden will take, at least, $6M per season to sign. Ike Taylor signed for 5 years, $22.5M in 2006. To keep McFadden, you will have to beat that and that could create an issue. I think to retain McFadden, we are looking at 5 years, $32M, with $10M as the signing bonus. I do not see us getting him for less. Taylor's deal will have 3 seasons left and will carry him until his is 31. This deal would carry McFadden until he is 32. His 2009 cap hit would be $4M (that would place $12M in his pocket the first season).

Kemeaotu-This works a little more in our favor, while Faneca banked $8M a season last year, Jacob Bell, Justin Smiley, Travelle Wharton, Jake Scott, Damien Woody, and others all banked in the $4-$6M per season range. I think you can land Kemeaotu for @$5M per season. I would look for a 5 year deal, $24.5M, with $6M to sign. His 2009 cap hit would be $2M.

Washington-Wide receiver salaries are always so hard to predict. Who would have thought the Browns would have given $5M per season to Stallworth or Walker getting $9M per season from the Donkeys. I would guess that, since Washington is 25, we could offer him a 6 year deal for $24M with $6M to sign. The first two seasons would be relatively lighter with the expectation he would continue to improve until he became a starter. You could also get out of it after 2-3 seasons with a manageable cap hit. His 2009 cap hit would be $2M.

Miller-Dallas Clark signed for 6 years, $36M deal with the Colts. While I like Heath Miller, he is not the receiver Clark is. He is more well rounded, but Clark is a stud in the passing game and lives in the Pro Bowl. The next tier signing deals last season was inking them in the $3M a year range. I think we can extend Miller by giving him $4.5-5M per season. The franchise cost for a TE is $4.55M. So, I would guess we could ink Miller for 5 years, $25M, with $5M to sign. His 2009 cap hit would be $2M.

Marvel Smith-Smith is 30 with a history of back issues. While I would rather sign him to a shorter deal, I can see him inking something like Aaron Smith did, 5 years, $25M, $5M to sign. His 2009 cap hit would be $3M (giving him a little more in his first year salary).

Trai Essex-I think you let Essex hit the free market and see what type of cash gets thrown his way. IF I signed Smith, he would not be a priority. If I did not sign Smith, I do not know how much of a priority he would be......I am thinking no more than $2M per season.

Simmons-his yearly prorated money is $1.57M. He has 3 years left on his deal. So, that would be $1.57M in 2009 and the rest in 2010 if you designate him as a June 1st release. It means you would save his full salary in 2009 (3.1M-because the numbers being used already count him) and @$1.M in 2010 (4.4M in salary-3.14M in bonus).

The Steelers are projected today at $101.3M in 2009 salary cap dollars with the 2009 cap being $123M. So, they would have $21.7M in space, plus Simmons $3.1M for a total of $24.8M. The total amount spent, even counting Essex at $2M per and using my estimates, would be $15M. That would leave roughly $9.8M in space with @$3M needed for the rookies.

Now, these are strictly rough guesses. McFadden could think he is Samuel. Kemo might think he is Faneca. Both could sign for less. Who knows what these players think.

[thatrain]

I don't see anyone throwing 6 Mil/yr at BMac. He's a good player, but he doesn't have the kind of name recognition to bring in that sort of money. Unless he really breaks out this year, I could see him signing for less than Ike did. Ike started a Super Bowl. Bmac has only a handful of starts period.

[TMC]

I don't see anyone throwing 6 Mil/yr at BMac. He's a good player, but he doesn't have the kind of name recognition to bring in that sort of money. Unless he really breaks out this year, I could see him signing for less than Ike did. Ike started a Super Bowl. Bmac has only a handful of starts period.

I felt the same way until Gary Baxter landed $5M per season in 2005 and the Boys paid Anthony Henry $5M per season the same year. IMO, neither have/had the talent of McFadden.

While he may not have the name, teams pay guys for what they do on the field.

[BillvinCowbert]

Now, these are strictly rough guesses. McFadden could think he is Samuel. Kemo might think he is Faneca. Both could sign for less. Who knows what these players think.

I agree that McFadden will command a big payday. He's been exceptional so far this year and he's making "stat" plays as well which will increase his marketability. If he continues at this level, you have to sign him for that price.

Kemo at 5MM (which may be what it takes)? Goodbye. To bank that kind of money he needs to show more than he's shown. His biggest issue is the mental side and he still makes a lot of mental mistakes.

Nate is a fine #3, but at $3-5MM per year, I'd wish him luck as someone else's #2. Heath Miller is truly our #3 weapon, plus we spend a 2nd rounder on Sweed to step into that role. You just can't put this kind of cap space into your 4th receiving option.

Miller is a guy you have to pay... hope you can get him around $4MM per, but if it take 5.5-6MM, get it done. He's a rare asset in this offense and Ben loves him as a safety outlet (and Ward, his other one, won't be here forever).

Marvel is tough, he's such a risk, but some team with tackle issues will be willing to shell out 6-7MM over 3-4 years, I'd think. That's Max Starks money!

Simmons is a no-brainer cut. Stapleton will be here for a long time (another reason I don't like to pay Kemo is there are more Stapletons out there to be mined). I think you have to approach Hines about a salary cut as well....

[Vader]

The problem I see is that the Steelers will probably overpay for the OL players. Starks will be gone and Simmons should be gone. Now that leaves Kemo, Essex, and Smith. Who takes their place if they all leave? Are the Steelers going to jump with both feet into FA? I don't see it. Are the Steelers going to change their draft model and NOT draft the BAP in the draft and then START them as a rookie on the OL?

It appears that Kemo and Smith at least have the Steelers over a barrel. If they are not signed the STeelers could lose Starks, Smith, Kemo, Essex, and Simmons. Can they afford to try to replace that many OL in one season???

[Irv24]

It appears that Kemo and Smith at least have the Steelers over a barrel. If they are not signed the STeelers could lose Starks, Smith, Kemo, Essex, and Simmons. Can they afford to try to replace that many OL in one season???

Yeah, if they have an all new line next year Ben may get sacked about 45-50 times. ;)

[Vader]

It appears that Kemo and Smith at least have the Steelers over a barrel. If they are not signed the STeelers could lose Starks, Smith, Kemo, Essex, and Simmons. Can they afford to try to replace that many OL in one season???

Yeah, if they have an all new line next year Ben may get sacked about 45-50 times. ;)

I know this OL is not great but it could actually be worse. Just think if they these guy leave and the FO brings in 3 Mahans....

[Blind Official]

The ship didn't need to sail on McFadden, but that's another example of the front office and/or the coaches being incorrect on a player and waiting until the last minute

[blitz]

how much cap space do we have left this year? I understand we would want to keep a little cushion for injuries later in the year, I say the steelers should break thier own rule of not negoitiang during the season. get a few of these guys under longer contracts right now.
with the way our team is playing coupled with how the rest of the afc is playing, looks like we will go deep into the playoffs, other teams always over pay for playoff players. If we want to resign bmac, do it now.

[Hines57]

I would hope we let Nate walk and let Sweed work his way up to #3 and keep Baker at #4. Nate's not crucial to the team's long term success.

[BillvinCowbert]

I would hope we let Nate walk and let Sweed work his way up to #3 and keep Baker at #4. Nate's not crucial to the team's long term success.

He's about as crucial as Larry Foote.

[kev4heels]

I agree that McFadden will command a big payday. He's been exceptional so far this year and he's making "stat" plays as well which will increase his marketability. If he continues at this level, you have to sign him for that price.

Kemo at 5MM (which may be what it takes)? Goodbye. To bank that kind of money he needs to show more than he's shown. His biggest issue is the mental side and he still makes a lot of mental mistakes.

Nate is a fine #3, but at $3-5MM per year, I'd wish him luck as someone else's #2. Heath Miller is truly our #3 weapon, plus we spend a 2nd rounder on Sweed to step into that role. You just can't put this kind of cap space into your 4th receiving option.

Miller is a guy you have to pay... hope you can get him around $4MM per, but if it take 5.5-6MM, get it done. He's a rare asset in this offense and Ben loves him as a safety outlet (and Ward, his other one, won't be here forever).

Marvel is tough, he's such a risk, but some team with tackle issues will be willing to shell out 6-7MM over 3-4 years, I'd think. That's Max Starks money!

Simmons is a no-brainer cut. Stapleton will be here for a long time (another reason I don't like to pay Kemo is there are more Stapletons out there to be mined). I think you have to approach Hines about a salary cut as well....

Agree with EVERY point...

We need to sign BMac unless it's exorbitant...unfortunately, it might be.

Kemo - sign him as long is it's not over about 4 mil per. He hasn't shown the ability
to be dominant IMO.

Nate - Nice 3rd WR, but Sweed will be every bit as good next year and be much cheaper.

Heath - Sign him for what he is worth. Dude is awesome....

Simmons - Gone

Smith - Not sure on this one...his age is and injuries are a concern and I don't think he will sign for anything less than what the market will bear, so he will probably be gone.

If we can keep BMac, Kemo, and Heath it would be nice to put our money into a decent OT on either side. I know the Steelers don't go out and splash the FA markey, but a middle to upper tier OL signing would go along way in helping the entire offense IMO.

[Hines57]

He's about as crucial as Larry Foote.
Larry Foote is a starter on the #2 defense in the league. And a damn fine one. Shame you don't acknowledge that but it is what it is.

[BillvinCowbert]

Larry Foote is a starter on the #2 defense in the league. And a damn fine one. Shame you don't acknowledge that but it is what it is.

Clark Haggans started on the #1 defense in the league last year. I guess I don't really get your point, unless you'd like to bring him back and bench Woodley. I imagine this discussion would be a lot different if Nate Washington went to Michigan and Foote went to Tiffin, but we all have our biases.

[Kdiddy71]

BMac is an up and comer, it would be a shame to lose him, especially now that he is starting to come into his own. I say we sign him now while he wont be able to command as much money (having only one quality year in the starting role) later on. 6 million is a bit steep but I think it will be worth it. We would have two very good, young corners for years to come. However, we all know this is not the Steeler way and we will probably let him go.

Health Miller is a must sign he will also command a big pay day, as it would be well deserved. 5-6 million would probably be his asking price.....get it done.

The O-line might not be as hard to get done as some would think. Marvel Smith is in the same boat that Farrior was in last season. His age and health will have to be factored in the signing process. I think he will sign for a big contract over a longer period of time with the stipulation that he'll have to rework his contract if his play drops off or he is unseated by a new player. I think he is a must sign, the left tackle is the hardest position on the line and I don't expect a rookie to come in automatically be great. I know it has happened but why risk it if you don't have to.

I doubt Kemo will command big money just yet. If he does than show him the door. We can get someone via free agency or move someone up until we do.

Nate Washington, I like Nate, think he will be a good player in this league, just not for us.
Dallas Baker and Limas Sweed are younger and have a lot more upside to be left on the sidelines. We didn't sign these guys for nothing.

Simmons and Starks, for the money we locked into these bums we could have had Faneca for at least two more seasons. Although Starks is gone anyway, Simmons will be shown the door as well. With the money we save from him we could extend Stapleton or another use it toward other lineman.

Unfortunately, the Steelers will let some of these guys walk, hopefully they are the right ones.
After some bad moves last off season we need to right some wrongs and get back on track. This year we will have some extra money provided the cap goes up, we should not let it go to waste.

[Blind Official]

IMO, it's also a huge stretch right now to assume that Baker or Sweed will be able to replace Washington.

[Hines57]

Clark Haggans started on the #1 defense in the league last year. I guess I don't really get your point, unless you'd like to bring him back and bench Woodley. I imagine this discussion would be a lot different if Nate Washington went to Michigan and Foote went to Tiffin, but we all have our biases.
Larry Foote is playing very good defense this year. Clark Haggans was not playing great last year. We ALL wanted Clark gone and Woodley in. We got our wish. You'll get your wish with Foote playing behind Timmons, doubt it will be this year though.

I'm not biased on Michigan guys v non-Michigan guys. I think Braylon Edwards was drafted too high. He's always had the dropsies and disappears in games. And even though he went to Michigan, I can't bring myself to cheer for Tom Brady. But you would have to pull your blinders off to see that YOU are not the coach NOR the GM of this team. I'd hate to see what scrubs you'd field otherwise.

[Kdiddy71]

IMO, it's also a huge stretch right now to assume that Baker or Sweed will be able to replace Washington.

Nate Washington is a good player.However, besides the few games he has shown up for, he can't be that much better than the guys on the bench. Grant it he is the starter but, he's only a number three and I think we can afford to at least see what these other guys can do without breaking the bank for another wideout.

[TMC]

The thing with a WR, some team will release a guy that they feel is washed up, like the Rams did with Isaac Bruce. So, you can find a good veteran #3 if you need to.....although, I have always prefered the devil I know over the devil I do not know.

If the choice were mine, McFadden, Marvel, and Kemo would be the first guys I approach. It would then be Nate Washington. Heath is not a free agent, so I could wait until after the draft picks are signed to work his deal, that way, his deal does not influence any of the other deals.

[BillvinCowbert]

But you would have to pull your blinders off to see that YOU are not the coach NOR the GM of this team.

You don't say?

And yet you've thought that Sweed should replace Washington, but that Foote outplayed Timmons in preseason. Yes, I have the blinders on. Look out for that wall.

BO, I think it's a stretch to say that right now, re: Baker/Sweed vs. Nate, but you simply can't spend that kind of money on Nate to be a #3 WR / #4 passing option. If they don't step up, you have to find someone else.

[Hines57]

You don't say?

And yet you've thought that Sweed should replace Washington, but that Foote outplayed Timmons in preseason. Yes, I have the blinders on. Look out for that wall.

BO, I think it's a stretch to say that right now, re: Baker/Sweed vs. Nate, but you simply can't spend that kind of money on Nate to be a #3 WR / #4 passing option. If they don't step up, you have to find someone else.
Timmons hasn't outplayed Foote in the regular season.

[BillvinCowbert]

Timmons hasn't outplayed Foote in the regular season.

And who has outplayed Nate? Baker or Sweed. And Timmons has actually done well in limited opportunities; but you can't outplay a guy if you don't get a chance to outplay him with playing time. Do you think Timmons would have done a worse job on the Lewis TD?

[Hines57]

And who has outplayed Nate? Baker or Sweed. And Timmons has actually done well in limited opportunities; but you can't outplay a guy if you don't get a chance to outplay him with playing time. Do you think Timmons would have done a worse job on the Lewis TD?
That was a zone defense. I don't think Timmons would have stopped that pass.

No one has outplayed Nate for #3 unless you want to argue for Heath Miller. Nate was the benefactor of a blown defense for his long td. Props to him for getting open.

[60 MINUTES]

Nate Washington will never see 4 million a year or 6 million SB,... no way in hell. We did draft Sweed you know and baker is not bad. there is no way a 3rd WR that lands 30 catches a year gets 4 million a year. If Colbert is not fired for the Starks deal then a deal like that for Washington should get him fired.

I think Nate may be worth bringing back at 2 million a year and I think we could sign him for 4 years 8 million, I would be he would jump all over that.

B mac needs to come back for sure, he is a big time player and we need him to be locked up. If we were up against the cap it would be one thing but with our cap space we need to bring this guy back and keep two solid corners for the next 4 or 5 years.

OL Kemo is back for 4 or 5 mil a year, and I hope Marvell signs a very friendly contract like James F did.

After that I would look hard at making one big off season FA signing at OL. We haven't done it in years and need to go out after a difference maker up front. This is the year we have the space to do that.

[Blind Official]

Nate Washington is a good player.However, besides the few games he has shown up for, he can't be that much better than the guys on the bench. Grant it he is the starter but, he's only a number three and I think we can afford to at least see what these other guys can do without breaking the bank for another wideout.

Except for the games that he's shown up in, is Santonio Holmes that much better than the guys on the bench?

That's a stupid statement.

[Blind Official]

That was a zone defense. I don't think Timmons would have stopped that pass.

It was, and Larry was too damned slow to move in his own zone.

[thatrain]

That was a zone defense. I don't think Timmons would have stopped that pass.

No one has outplayed Nate for #3 unless you want to argue for Heath Miller. Nate was the benefactor of a blown defense for his long td. Props to him for getting open.

Uh, if you watch the replay, Nate's double-move clearly fools the receiver. He may have had help from a pump fake, but he's at least partially responsible for making that happen. That dude was juked out of his shoes.

[esteban13]

I was under the impression Marvel Smith was pulling a Faneca and had more or less said he was not coming back. Which is just fine with me. He is getting older, has a lot of miles, and has back problems. Not necessarily a good thing for an offensive lineman.

I really would like BMac to stay, I just don't think it will happen. Someone will offer a ton of money.

As for the O-Line, especially Kemo, the coaching staff has to decide what they want - zone or man to man. Kemo (and Simmons) are NOT zone guys, too dumb, too fat, too slow. Decisions must be made as to which direction they are going. I would rather not keep Essex; let's see what the draft (or free agency) brings.

Washington may make a ton of money else where, or not. I would really like Sweed to grow a pair and take that spot. Maybe we keep Nate for another year or two if no one offers an obscene amount. To me, Nate is no better than a third receiver on any team. I would hope Hines is willing to renegotiate to a lower cap number.

We have got to keep Miller. He is an important piece of the puzzle, he just needs to be used more.

[Kdiddy71]

Except for the games that he's shown up in, is Santonio Holmes that much better than the guys on the bench?

That's a stupid statement.

Than allow me to clarify my point,

Your comparing apples with oranges. I am not comparing Santonio Holmes who will eventually become our number one receiver.

I was simply giving credit to Washington because he earned the third starting spot.I think he's a good receiver and has made plays for us at times. I don't think he will become more than a number three receiver on this team and therefore can be replaced with guys we drafted. If we don't happen to sign him I wont be upset, because we have two other guys behind him who are capable of being a number three receiver. The money the Steelers will save by not signing him can go to more pressing needs such as O and D lineman.

[markymarc]

Right now the players I want to resign in the off season are Kemo, McFadden and Washington. Unfortunately with the way McFadden is playing he is going to command big money and some team will throw it at him. I would really hate to lose McFadden especially considering we could have him and Ike for a few years. Yes Kemo still has mental lapses, but I think he could be a solid LG for us. While I would no way throw big money at Nate I would still like to keep him. Obviously he is making plays now because he wants the big pay day in the off season. I still think Sweed is going to be a good player for us, but it would still be nice to keep Washington. Also, I don't care what it takes Heath Miller needs to retire a Steeler. IMO he is the best all around TE in the NFL. I realize Witten and Clark get the receiving numbers, but they are not on the level of Miller for blocking IMO.

[DerbyCityBNGfan]

While I am a huge proponent of keeping B-Mac, I feel he's establishing a high price tag already and the Steelers would have been wise to lock him up earlier...

That being said, I don't think he'll be nearly as good a player elsewhere.

[TMC]

Nate Washington will never see 4 million a year or 6 million SB,... no way in hell. We did draft Sweed you know and baker is not bad. there is no way a 3rd WR that lands 30 catches a year gets 4 million a year. If Colbert is not fired for the Starks deal then a deal like that for Washington should get him fired.

I think Nate may be worth bringing back at 2 million a year and I think we could sign him for 4 years 8 million, I would be he would jump all over that.

Last season Nate Washington had 29 receptions. He has 13 to this point this season, so I think it is fair to assume he will surpass the 29, probably land in the 40-45 catch range. Donte Stallworth was the 3rd WR for the Patriots last season and had 46 receptions. Tom Brady threw the ball 578 times. Stallworth caught 8% of the passes thrown by Brady in 16 games. I think it is fair to state that Washington's numbers place him in the range of Stallworth. Cleveland paid Stallworth $35M over 7 years.

We paid Ced Wilson $2M per and he is not the receiver Washington is.

[60 MINUTES]

Last season Nate Washington had 29 receptions. He has 13 to this point this season, so I think it is fair to assume he will surpass the 29, probably land in the 40-45 catch range. Donte Stallworth was the 3rd WR for the Patriots last season and had 46 receptions. Tom Brady threw the ball 578 times. Stallworth caught 8% of the passes thrown by Brady in 16 games. I think it is fair to state that Washington's numbers place him in the range of Stallworth. Cleveland paid Stallworth $35M over 7 years.

We paid Ced Wilson $2M per and he is not the receiver Washington is.


Washington is not even close to the player hype that Stallworth is. Now I agree Stallworth was overpaid and I would take nate over stallworth. but the fact is Stallworth at the time was still viewed as a number one type receiver. Nate is a walk on that has showed nothing more then a guy that can catch a few balls in certain packs. First off before anyone in the world would throw 5 or 6 million at him he would have to catch a hell of a lot more then 45 balls. I'm sorry tmc you are dead wrong on this one. Nate will be viewed my not only the steelers but other teams as well in the fact that he is a back up receiver and a 3rd WR at best which in turn does make him Ced wilson. He will see no more then 2 or 2.5 mil a year. As long as he doesn't catch more then 50 balls like you said he would then I'll bet you anything he doesn't land more then 2.5 mil . Again you have proven your numbers are the best on this board but who and how much you give our money to is far off. We won't see this one until next year but come next year when it happens and Nate signs for back up money be sure to let me know I was correct.

I really can't believe you think Nate will get or draw the same interest as Stallworth did. 5mil a year come on man there is no way. Shit Ced had more hype coming from FA then Nate does.

Hell Randel el went to a team that over pays everyone and they over paid him and he didn't get but 4 or 5 mil a year. Shit that guy is a game changer, punt returner, superbowl champ and proven 2nd reciever on our team and got less then what you are saying Nate who so far has caught 29 balls for his high will get. Again no way at all.

[Vader]

I have a tough time believing Nate will garner that much on the FA market. However, dumber things and owners have happened...

[keslerclan]

I know it may sound ridiculous to some...but this being a business and all, what are the chances Townsend goes back to starting and we are now talking about signing a quality back-up as opposed to a starter. Silverback wasn't making squat a few years back and wouldn't have drawn any big money in FA untill he started a full year. The FO may have had a plan with Max that went awry when he decided not to sign the tender untill after he had the guaranteed money thus fircing a payday that no one else would match. He may be sitting so that he becomes an affordable replacement for Smith as he actually looked better there than at RT. Doesn't make sense to stash guys on the sideline so you don't lose them as FA's BUT it makes less sense to spend an entire contract grooming someone to play for someone else just as they get it. JMO, but I think Starks is being stashed (they have to pay him anyway), this way they get him to agree to a more amenable salary next year. Imagine Willie Colon were hitting the market after this seasons foes make him look ordinary, he might be lucky to sign a back-up caliber contract with another team. I am NOT suggesting we should stash players, I just know it happens. McF, if he goes back to a back-up or split time role will not get the salary he would from this team or any if he played a full year in a starting capacity either. Nate IS Cedric Wilson...with less TD's (thrown or caught) IMO

[Slaine]

Starks has burned his bridges in Pittsburgh - he wouldn't sign here unless they brought back Cowher and Russ Grimm.

Regarding Kemo, as I understand it he has issues learning offences and moving to a new team causes all kinds of problems for him. He would almost certainly take a slightly smaller deal to stay in the same environment where he is slowly mastering the system.

Smith is being a prima donna if he can't see why he wasn't re-signed before this season. If that means that he's mentally gone then good riddance - I don't think that it will. I'm hopeful that we sign him as he's been pretty solid.

Simmons being gone is almost a foregone conclusion but you never know with this team.

BMac thinks that he's a mixture of Samuel/Bailey/Winfield in a larger more athletic package. He may hold out for mega-bucks from someone desperate. If we get him for mid-level starter money then I would be stunned. Whether you pay him upper-echelon money or not I don't know. Is he really that good? The problem is that Deshea isn't looking too hot right now but then I don't know how healthy he is. CB in the first anyone?

And I think that the coaching staff thinks the world of Nate and we'll keep him. He has definitely shown flashes and we have Sweed and Baker in the background. Ward will start to slow down at some point but as long as he doesn't start dropping balls (like last week) then he'll be here for the next couple of years as he's always in pretty good shape and I like the attitude that he brings to the team.

[Slaine]

Starks has burned his bridges in Pittsburgh - he wouldn't sign here unless they brought back Cowher and Russ Grimm.


And then you see this :o :

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08282/918217-66.stm

Starks wants to stick around

Starks, on a one-year contract as the Steelers' transition player that pays him almost $7 million, said he would like to return to play for the them next season.

"I'd love to come back here. This is where I was drafted, this is where I won my first Super Bowl, this is where I had 34 consecutive starts. I have a lot of great memories here. You always want to honor the organization that gave you your first start. So I would definitely look forward to coming back here."

Starks will become an unrestricted free agent Feb. 27 if the Steelers do not sign him by then.

[paperclip]

how about a thread for people UNfamiliar with the cap? :confused:

[topseed]

I'd prioritize in this order: Miller, McFadden, Kemoeatu, Washington, Essex. I'd let Marvel walk and cut Simmons.

The Steelers have to extend Miller before he hits the open market, because some other team may well make him the highest-paid tight end in the business. As he should be.