Surprise! Steelers Sign Ramon Foster - Wither Willie Colon?

Lost in the wake of James Harrison’s release was the news that the Steelers were talking contract with unrestricted free agent Ramon Foster.

• Apparently, it wasn’t idle chatter

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette is reporting that the Steelers have agreed to a three year contact with Ramon Foster. Terms were not disclosed.

Ramon Foster joined the Steelers as a rookie free agent, saw starting duty toward the end of 2009, and entered the line up when the Steelers got spanked by the New England Patriots in 2010 and has started ever since.

Foster has not only proven to be a durable guard, but also has position flexibility, having started 3 games at tackle for the Steelers. Foster’s traditional position had been right guard, but the Steelers moved him to left guard late in the season when 2012 first round pick David DeCastro returned to the lineup.

Wither Willie Colon?

While the Steelers decision to sign Foster was a surprise, most quarters expected him to dip his toes into the free agent market, the immediate speculation was over what this meant for current starting guard Willie Colon.

Late in the season and for much of this off season myriad press reports indicated that the Steelers would part ways with the oft-injured Colon. Still, his agent Joe Linta has gone on record saying that the Steelers told him two weeks ago that they did not plan to release the guard.

That may be the case, but perhaps the Steelers do not plan to release James Harrison, and suddenly found themselves with more salary cap space than expected.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette beat writer Ed Bouchette stated on Twitter:

#Steelers cd designate Colon June 1 cut now so he cd sign elsewhere & team gains cap advantage but not until June 1. Counts on cap till then
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) March 11, 2013

No matter if #steelers do it now or designate it for June, Willie Colon will be cut. When they did not ask him foe a payout, it said it all.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) March 11, 2013

Steelers Stock Piling Offensive Lineman?

While Ed Bouchette has sources and his logic is water tight sense, other possible explanations exist.

It is impossible to discuss the fiscal impact of Foster’s signing without knowing how much he is being paid. Only starter money could convince Foster to sign without testing the open market and conventional wisdom would dictate that the salary cap strapped Steelers could not enter the season carrying six starting offensive line salaries.

• However, the Steelers started 2008 with Max Starks sitting on the bench despite a salary of around 7 million.

Another point to consider is that of the Steelers offensive line, only Foster and Willie Colon have veteran salaries.  Maurkice Pouncey, Marcus Gilbert, Kelvin Beachum, David DeCastro, and Mike Adams are working on their rookie contracts.

• Given the horrendous injury issues the Steelers have suffered in recent seasons on the offensive line, stock piling offensive lineman is not too far fetched a scenario

Finally there is the salary cap itself. No one denies that the Steelers have salary cap issues, but it is possible that the restructurings, the release of Harrison, and the unexpected increase in the salary cap itself has left the Steelers with more space than reported in the press.

The wait will not be long. If the Steelers are going to cut Willie Colon, they’ll likely do so soon.

Thanks for visiting. Click here for the rest of Steel Curtain Rising or here to see our Steelers 2013 Free Agent Focus.

Read More

Charlie Batch Likely to Get Final Encore with Steelers

Charlie Batch came to the Steelers as a cap casualty in late in the 2002 off season. Detroit had decided they no longer needed his services, and Kevin Colbert, who had a hand in drafting Batch,  leaped at the chance to add serious depth at quarterback.

• The expectation was that Batch’s relationship with the Steelers would be a short one.

The 2003 off season saw no offers coming Batch’s way and he was back with the Steelers and remains one of Colbert's all-time astute free agent pick ups.

Batch missed the 2004 season to injury, but was fixture on the Steelers depth chart from 2005 to 2007. During the 2008 preseason Batch broke his collar bone (which led to Byron Leftwich’s arrival), but again Batch was back in 2009.

Batch’s 2009 season lasted all of one series vs. Kansas City, where he managed to break his wrist.

• Considered too old and too fragile, he entered twin four man quarterbacking competitions during 2010 training camp and 2011 as the odd man out.

But Batch had the last laugh, as injuries to Byron Leftwich in 2010 and 2011 and Dennis Dixon in 2010 thrust Batch into the lead backup role.

Batch entered the Steelers 2012 season at third string, but after Bryon Leftwich injured himself vs. Baltimore, Batch became the starter again, struggling vs. Cleveland, but leading the Steelers to huge upset over Baltimore.

Steelers Nation can (Probably) Expect Final Batch of Charlie in 2013

Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert understand the concept of keeping a proven, veteran quarterback and they’ve seen it proven in several time during the past several seasons. They've wanted that "go to" veteran presence on the bench to be Bryon Leftwich, but Leftwich has proven to be unreliable.

Yes, Charlie Batch will be 39. Yes, he’s finishing his run. Yes, he's (been) fragile.

• But Charlie Batch is also 6-3 as a starter

Expect Charlie Batch to return for one final encore in 2013 as Ben Roethlisberger's back up.

Scenario that Sees the Steelers Saying Bye to Batch

Like many of the Steelers other unrestricted free agents, Charlie Batch could become victim to a numbers game.

The Steelers could very well be on the free agent for a low-priced veteran back up, and such a player could displace Batch, particularly if the Steelers also find a promising young rookie to pair with that veteran. But Batch thinks he'll get one more season, and that is probably what will happen.

Thanks for visiting. Click here for the rest of Steel Curtain Rising or here to see our Steelers 2013 Free Agent Focus.

Read More

Steelers Roll Dice, Only Offer Original Round Tenders to Restricted Free Agents

The Steelers are banking that dice don’t have memory, at least when it comes to restricted free agents. Facing salary cap pressures, the Steelers have given original round tenders to restricted free agents Steve McLendon, Jonathan Dwyer, Emmanuel Sanders and Isaac Redman. Pittsburgh has opted not to offer tenders to Stevenson Sylvester or Jeremy Kapinos, making both men unrestricted free agents.

By offering the men original round free agent tenders the Steelers both preserve their right to match any offer given to these players and the signing team will have to give up a draft pick from the round the player was taken in.

• In Jonathan Dwyer’s or Emmanuel Sanders case, that means any team signing him would essentially have to trade the Steelers their 6th round or 3rd round pick.

However, since both Isaac Redman and Steve McLendon were undrafted rookie free agents, the Steelers would get nothing should either man leave the team, although they still retain the right of first refusal.

Given that both men have ample experience, either man could garner attention, thereby putting the Steelers at risk of losing their project starting nose tackles and running backs. However, a year ago the Steelers made the same gamble last year with (then) restricted free agents Ramon Foster and Doug Legrusky, both of whom had starting experience, and neither man drew much interest from NFL teams.

The cases of Sylvester and Kapinos are more nebulous the Steelers could bring both men to camp, but clearly show no interest in paying either man more than the NFL veteran minimum.

Thanks for visiting. Click here for the rest of Steel Curtain Rising or here to see our Steelers 2013 Free Agent Focus.

Read More

Steelers Talking with Ramon Foster

The news that the Pittsburgh Steelers have released James Harrison clouded over the fact that they were talking with Ramon Foster.

Ramon Foster has been one of the more intriguing of the Steelers unrestricted free agents. Nobody’s world beater, Foster has nonetheless showed himself to be an outstanding back up and solid if not spectacular starter. He also has position flexibility.

• When Steel Curtain Rising did its Free Agent Focus article on Ramon Foster, the conclusion was that Foster was unlikely to return.

However, Foster has indicated that the Steelers are in talks with him, and at least will attempt to make him an offer, although several teams are interested in talking with Foster.

Ramon Foster is one of Kevin Colbert's rookie free agent successes, and it would be nice to keep in Pittsburgh. The fact that the Steelers are talking with Foster, also perhaps indicates that they are planning on letting Willie Colon go. Willie Colon has three years remaining on his contract, but has finished each of the last three seasons in injured reserve.

Thanks for visiting. Click here for the rest of Steel Curtain Rising or here to see our Steelers 2013 Free Agent Focus.

Read More

Steelers Likely to Part Ways with Byron Leftwich

Mike Tomlin likes Byron Leftwich. It is easy to see why. Sure, Leftwich is immobile and has an irregular release.

But he’s got 60 starts under his belt and is no stranger to the pressure that comes with that role. He’s got poise and confidence in the huddle and in the pocket. And he has a rocket for an arm (Leftwich is one QB who would never under throw Mike Wallace)

Leftwich has everything you want in a back up quarterback. Except dependability.

• Slated to win the temporary starting job in 2010, Leftwich injured his knee in preseason
• Again the favorite for the number 1 back up slot in 2011, Leftwich broke his leg and went on IR
• Making his only start for the Steelers vs. Baltimore, Leftwich injured his shoulder – on a 31 yard scamper into the end zone of all plays!

Injuries bedeviled Leftwich prior to his coming to Pittsburgh, and that fact serves to be his inconvenient truth.

Leftwich to Exit Stage with Steelers

A good back up quarterback is like a comfortable suit case. You don’t use it every day, but you sure are glad to have something familiar when traveling in unfamiliar places.

Any number of men have made good livings as an NFL back up by holding a clipboard for most of the time and delivering when called upon the rest of the time.

• Think Don Strock, Gary Kubiack, Frank Reich, Jon Kitna and yes Charlie Batch.

Bill Cowher found such a back up in the form of Mike Tomczak and stuck with him until Kevin Colbert arrived in 2000 and convinced him to bring in Kent Graham to give Kordell Stewart competition.

Mike Tomlin has dearly wanted Byron Leftwich to be “his” back up. When the word “Midgeville” entered the vernacular of Steelers Nation, Tomlin wasted little time in bringing in Leftwich to start in Ben Roethlisberger’s place.

But each year those plans have been foiled by injury. The experiment has been replicated. Numerous times.

• Expect the Pittsburgh Steelers and Byron Leftwich to part ways this off season

Mike Tomlin can be a patient coach, but everyone’s patience has a limit.

Scenario that Sees the Steelers Deciding Leftwich is Still Right for Them…

Unless press reports are horribly wrong, there almost no chance of Byron Leftwich getting an offer from the Steelers in free agency.

• Could Leftwich be back in Pittsburgh in 2013?

Perhaps... should injury strike at quarterback either during training camp or during the regular season, strike certainly possible Steelers management could pick up the red phone to a Leftwich.

But in such an event the Steelers would likely exhaust other possibilities before taking that route.

Thanks for visiting. Click here for the rest of Steel Curtain Rising or here to see our Steelers 2013 Free Agent Focus.

Read More

Steelers Release James Harrison

In a move that was as anticipated as it is being lamented, the Pittsburgh Steelers have cut former NFL Defensive Player of the year James Harrison.

At issue were James Harrison’s salary, his age, and his health. At 34 James Harrison was scheduled to make salaries in the range of 6 to 7 million dollars a year, and was eating up the a large chunk of the Steelers salary cap.

The Steelers attempted to reach a deal with James Harrison, who in fact was willing to take a reduced salary, but as Ed Bouchette reported in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the two sides could not find a middle ground.

James Harrison joined the Steelers in 2002 and is perhaps the best example of Kevin Colbert’s uncanny ability to find rookie free agents who blossom into stars.

It took several years for Harrison to develop, and he spent time on going on and off the Steelers practice squad. At one point the Baltimore Ravens had him, only to release him. But Harrison broke the starting line up in 2007, after that succeeded in breaking the hearts of quarterbacks.

It’s Now or Never Time for Worilds

Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert denied that the team was in transition, but that claim is made more dubious. Salary cap considerations aside, the Steelers chances of getting Lombardi Number Seven in 2013 were far, far better with James Harrison on board.

But the Steelers have salary cap issues, and Kevin Colbert indicated that they were reaching the limit of their ability to perpetually restructure player contracts.

With Harrison out, management is embracing youth, much like it did in 1996 when they let Kevin Greene go in favor of Jason Gildon. Whle Jason Gildon was a quality player, Kevin Greene outplayed him in stints in San Francisco and Carolina over the next few years.

• Now they’re doing similar experiment with another Jason.

The Steelers drafted Jason Worilds the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Worilds played little in 2010, looked rather unimpressive in a few starts in 2011, but improved somewhat in 2012.

• For better or for worse, the Steelers will now find out what they really have in Worilds. 

Jason Worilds may develop into a quality NFL starter. He might grow into a Clark Haggans or even Jason Gildon type player.

But in replacing James Harrison, Jason Worilds very, very big shoes to fill.

Thanks for visiting. Click here for the rest of Steel Curtain Rising or here to see our Steelers 2013 Free Agent Focus.

Read More

Steelers Insurance Policy at Safety aka Will Allen Paid Dividends in 2012 - What Comes Next?

The Steelers secondary finished 2009 as a shell shocked unit unable to stop or make a big play. When something similar happened in 2002 the Steelers brass responded by maneuvering to bring in Troy Polamalu in the 2003 NFL Draft.

• In the winter of 2010 Mike Tomlin responded by dipping back into the secondary he’d coached down in Tampa Bay and signing safety Will Allen.

For two seasons the decision to bring Will Allen in as part of their mini-2010 free agent signing spree looked like one of the league’s all time ho-hum free agent moves. For two years Allen did little more than play special teams and do some limited spot duty at safety.

Allen remained an insurance policy as the Steelers focused on developing Ryan Mundy as Polamalu and Ryan Clark’s understudy. In any number of fan-based salary cap discussions during the 2012 off season, Allen was universally considered expendable.

However, you take out insurance policies to guard against unplanned events. And in 2012 the unplanned event was the dead end that Ryan Mundy reached in his development. (Click here for the Steelers 2013 Free Agent Focus article on Ryan Mundy.)

With Troy Polamalu ailing and Ryan Mundy wailing (sorry, couldn’t resist), Will Allen stepped in to start 7 games and in the process stabilized the Steelers secondary.

Although he wears 26, no one would ever confuse Will Allen’s ability to make the impact of a Deshea Townsend let alone that of Rod Woodson, but the Steelers defense got better as the season wore on, and Allen’s steady hand helped that.

• His best game, statistically, came vs. Washington where he defended 3 passes in an effort that shut down Robert Griffin III.

Now Allen is a free agent and he’ll be 31 before training camp. What should the Steelers do?

• Ideally they’d replace Allen with a younger player with the potential to develop into a starter. The Pittsburgh Steelers must inject youth at safety. 

But that doesn’t mean that Allen won’t have a place on the 2013 Steelers. He’s not likely to field a lot of offers on the free agent market, and the Steelers likely have the luxury of making off season personnel moves at back up safety on their timetable.

Thanks for visiting. Click here for the rest of Steel Curtain Rising or here to see our Steelers 2013 Free Agent Focus.

Read More