Abm0raz's Journal: steelers free agency update

Jerome Bettis stays
Dwayne Washington goes
Mark Bruener goes

I like the keeping of Bettis. He restructured his contract forgo 3.5 million dollars to stay with Pittsburgh to end his career. Class act. Be nice to have him to help out and mentor whatever new back we pick up. (Corel Buckhalter anyone?)

Washington: So long, thanks for all the fish. Don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out. Between Bettis, Washington, and Bruener (next), that frees up a decent bit of change to sign a decent (if not good/great) shut-down corner. (Charles Woodson/Ty Law anyone? More likely Woodson, because the Rooneys don't put up with 'me first' players.)

Bruener: Don't like this at all. It's basically a cap move, but I'd rather have him than Riemersma. Obviously it was between them 2 (Tuman makes next to nothing), but ditch Riemersma. We HAVE receivers. Riemersma barely saw any action last year. What we don't have is a running game and Bruener gives us a big boost in that. It's likely that the Steelers will get Perry (mich) or the guy from Oregon (name escapes me at the moment) in the draft. Those boys can run. They will need a good blocking line and Bruener gives them that. The only thing I can think of is that maybe they are worried about his health (a la Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala) and didn't want to take the chance.

addendum:
Steelers are only making the minimum required offer to Rodney Bailey (~$680,000). This all but guarantees he will be gone, but they will, at least, get a 4th round pick from whoever snags him.

-Ab

The Draft

[FortKnox]

I really want to know what the Steelers truely value. If Eli Manning made it to round 11 (San Diego doesn't WANT another big-bucks holding QB, and none of the other top ten teams will be looking for a QB, especially now that that texas sophomore WR is in the draft) would the steelers grab him, or Steve Jackson (dude from Ore, right?). Honestly, I'd rather see the Steelers pickup a future QB and pickup a round 2 RB, or even look to aquire some of the nice backs out there (Buck is a RFA, but there is always

Re:The Draft

[Abm0raz]

yes, Buckhalter is a RFA, but the Eagles don't want him. It becomes a waiting game as to see who will give up less to get him. Dillon will never play in Pittsburgh because the Rooney's don't put up with disgruntled or 'me first' players. Kevin Faulk is a possibility cause I hear that New England is giving up on him. Another possibility is Ron Dayne from the Giants.

-Ab

Re:The Draft

[FortKnox]

I could handle Buck.... KFaulk is a 'Zeroue type' that doesn't fit with the 'ol Steelers smash-mouth run style.

Never mention the name "Ron Dayne" in association with the Steelers unless you are talking how much the D smacked his ass around.

What about Staley?

Oh, and I do agree with you on the Bruener situation. He would probably return at a drastically reduced salary if they only tried. Riesmura isn't HALF the blocker that Bruener is.

Re:The Draft

[Em Emalb]

Don't forget Anthony Thomas either.

I don't think he fits the scheme.

So, instead of shoring up the line, I'm sure the Bears will be drafting YAYRBWETMOO*. Oh well. It's hard being a Bears fan. Well, you Steelers fans know the drill too, I guess.

*Yet another young running back we expect too much out of.

Buckhalter

[FortKnox]

Buckhalter is tendered to the lowest possible RFA tender. Steelers could load him up with a significant deal, give up a 4th rounder, trade up for a QB in the draft and can be set.

I'm starting to come around with the idea of buckhalter. Very much like the bettis situation. Good runner, team doesn't care about him.