Guess the Steelers did not like Ahmad Bradshaw's foot after all

Adam Schefter, prohibited by ESPN from tipping picks in last night's first round of the NFL draft reports that the Steelers have signed free agent running back LaRod Stephens-Howling:

One might reasonably speculate that this signing reduces the possibilities of the Steelers drafting a running back, at least in rounds two and three.

Right tackle redux

With Mr. Colon out for the season a lot of names were bandied about as possible replacements, and one of those names was Flozell Adams, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys and current free agent.

It seemed far-fetched that the Steelers would have any real interest in Mr. Adams; but proving once again that I do not know as much as I would like to think I do Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting (on PG+, subscription required) that Mr. Adams has visited the Steelers' offices "took a physical today and could be signed."

A Passing Thought: Free Agency

Let me preface this brief comment with the admission that I know that what I am about to propose will never come to pass.

In reviewing a list of NFL free agents I came across the name of one particular player who would look especially good in Black and Gold.

He is a Pittsburgh native who works in the shadows of a couple of higher profile teammates who play the same position, but this player's versatility is amazing; and the fact that he performed amazingly well against the Steelers about a year ago makes him someone I remember vividly.

Steve Breaston, come on down!

With Hines Ward nearing the end of his career wouldn't it be lovely to see Mr. Breaston lining in the slot with Santonio Holmes wide on one side and Mike Wallace wide on the other? Or perhaps returning punts and kicks? The possibilities are amazing.

That Mr. Breaston will garner a contract much more lucrative than the Steelers would/could pay is of little doubt; and with an uncapped year looming large for the 2011 season one can only speculate as to what that will do to the movement of players.

But one can dream, can't one?

Happy New Year!

Today is the first day of the NFL's 2009 calendar, and the player movement ~ both in free agent signings, and other signings, and still more signings, and trades ~ has been hectic (so much so that a special free agent tracker is now required).

Word coming out of Pittsburgh is that Kendall Simmons is headed to Buffalo for a visit, while Sirius NFL Radio is reporting that Bryant McFadden is expected to drop in on the Lions, and Nate Washington is also expected to visit Detroit as well as Minnesota.

The $123,000,000 Salary Cap

The NFL has released a Q&A fact sheet about free agency (e.g. what is a transition player, when does a player become an unrestricted free agent, etc.) which we thought we would share in its entirety. The final question regards the 2009 salary cap.

Q. When can players start being signed in the 2009 free agency signing period?
A. Beginning at 12:01 AM ET on Friday, February 27.


Q. What are the categories of free agency?
A. Players are either "restricted" or "unrestricted" free agents. Within the categories are also "transition" and "franchise" players.


Q. What is the time period for free agency signings this year?
A. For restricted free agents, from February 27 to April 17; for unrestricted free agents, from February 27 to July 22 (or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later); and for franchise players, from February 27 until the Tuesday after the 10th week of the season (November 17).


Q. What is the difference between a restricted free agent and an unrestricted free agent?
A. Players become restricted free agents when they complete three accrued seasons and their contract expires. Unrestricted free agents have completed four or more accrued seasons with an expired contract.


Q. What constitutes an "accrued season?"
A. Six or more regular-season games on a club's active/inactive, reserved-injured or "physically unable to perform" lists.


Q. Other than accrued seasons, what determines a restricted free agent?
A. He has received a "qualifying" offer (a salary level predetermined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and its players) from his old club. He can negotiate with any club through April 17. If the restricted free agent accepts an offer sheet from a new club, his old club can match the offer and retain him because it has the "right of first refusal." If the old club does not match the offer, it can possibly receive draft-choice compensation depending on the amount of its qualifying offer. If an offer sheet is not executed, the player’s rights revert exclusively to his old club after April 17.


Q. What determines an unrestricted free agent?
A. A player with four or more accrued seasons whose contract has expired. He is free to sign with any club, with no compensation owed to his old club, through July 22 (or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later). On July 23, his rights revert to his old club if it made a "tender" offer (110 percent of last year's salary) to him by June 1. His old club then has until the Tuesday after the 10th week of the season (November 17) to sign him. If he does not sign by November 17, he must sit out the season. If no tender is offered by June 1, the player can be signed by any club at any time throughout the season.


Q. What determines a transition player?
A. A club can designate one transition player (or one franchise player) in any given year. The player’s club must offer a minimum of the average of the top 10 salaries of last season at the player's position or 120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, whichever is greater. A transition player designation gives the club a first-refusal right to match within seven days an offer sheet given to the player by another club after his contract expires. If the club matches, it retains the player. If it does not match, it receives no compensation.


Q. What determines a franchise player?
A. A club can designate one franchise player (or one transition player) in any given year. The salary level offer by a player's club determines what type of franchise player he is. An "exclusive" franchise player -- not free to sign with another club -- is offered a minimum of the average of the top five salaries at the player's position for the current year as of April 17, or 120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, or the average of the top five salaries at his position as of the end of last season -- whichever of the three is greater. If the player is offered a minimum of the average of the top five salaries of last season at his position, or 120 percent of the player’s previous year’s salary, he becomes a “non-exclusive” franchise player and can negotiate with other clubs. His old club can match a new club's offer, or receive two first-round draft choices if it decides not to match.


Q. Can a club decide to withdraw its franchise or transition designations on a player? If so, can it then use them on other players?
A. A club can withdraw its franchise or transition designations and the player then automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent either immediately or when his contract expires. The club cannot name a new franchise or transition player that year. It can name a new franchise or transition player the next year.


Q. What is the salary cap for 2009?
A. The salary cap is $123 million per club.

Max Starks and the Franchise Tag

As most everyone knows by now the Steelers have designated Max Starks as a non-exclusive franchise player. According to a press release from the NFL

"[i]f the player is offered a minimum of the average of the top five salaries of last season at his position, or 120 percent of the player’s previous year’s salary, he becomes a “non-exclusive” franchise player and can negotiate with other clubs. His old club can match a new club’s offer, or receive two first-round draft choices if it decides not to match. The signing period for franchise players to sign with new clubs is February 27 until the Tuesday after the 10th week of the season (November 17)."

Unlike last season's move to slap a transition tag on Mr. Starks, we see this a prudent move (though it is hard to argue with how well the move worked out). For all intents-and-purposes Mr. Starks will remain in Pittsburgh (what team is going to give up two first round draft picks?).

According to the league there are no potential free agents who have received the exclusive franchise tag. Here is a list from the league of the franchise players:

Club	Player	Position
Arizona	Karlos Dansby	LB
Atlanta	Michael Koenen	P
Baltimore	Terrell Suggs	LB
Carolina	Julius Peppers	DE
Cincinnati	Shayne Graham	K
Houston	Dunta Robinson	DB
New England	Matt Cassel	QB
New York Giants	Brandon Jacobs	RB
Pittsburgh	Max Starks	T
San Diego	Darren Sproles	RB
St. Louis	Oshiomogho Atogwe	DB
Seattle	Leroy Hill	LB
Tampa Bay	Antonio Bryant	WR
Tennessee	Bo Scaife	TE

Free Agency Update

With the 2008 season nearly concluded (technically the Pro Bowl is the final game of the season), many fans are interested in what is happening on the free agent front.

The Sporting News has a free, email product called Sporting News Today which is a daily sports "newspaper," and it has quickly become one of our must reads. On Wednesday they published an annotated list of the available free agents, and we are happy to offer it to you here.

Salary cap snapshot

One of our favorites is a group of amateur capologists at Yahoo! (free account required) who attempt to decipher the mysterious world of the NFL salary cap just for the love of doing so. The moderator(s) of that group have come across a look at the current salary cap situation for the 2009 season.

According to those calculations the Steelers are currently $19,000,000 under the cap.

Some members of the Yahoo! group are dubious about the numbers ~ e.g. they do not include cap credits, and will change quickly once the free agency period begins ~ but the calculations appear to be a solid look at how things are now.

For those, like us, who wish Super Bowl Sunday was already here, please enjoy!

Steelers Free Agent Class, 2009

The great folks at Pro Football Weekly have been good enough to compile a list of players who will, potentially, become free agents this offseason.

Naturally we are concerned primarily with players currently playing in Pittsburgh who fit into that category; and the list is pretty long including two quarterbacks, three cornerbacks, and four offensive tackles (UFA= Unrestricted Free Agent; RFA= Restricted Free Agent):

Quarterbacks

1. Charlie Batch, UFA
2. Byron Leftwich, UFA

Tight Ends

Sean McHugh, UFA

Wide Receivers

1. Nate Washington, UFA

Offensive Guards

1. Chris Kemoeatu UFA

Offensive Tackles

1. Willie Colon, RFA
2. Trai Essex, UFA
3. Marvel Smith, UFA
4. Max Starks, UFA

Defensive Ends

1. Orpheus Roye, UFA

Linebackers

1. Keyaron Fox, UFA
2. Andre Frazier, UFA
3. Arnold Harrison, RFA

Cornerbacks

1. Fernando Bryant, UFA
2. Anthony Madison, RFA
3. Bryant McFadden, UFA

Safeties

1. Anthony Smith, RFA

Punters

1. Paul Ernster

The move earlier this year by the owners to terminate the collective bargaining agreement with the players may be something of a complication for these, and all, free agents insomuch as 2009 may be the final season with a salary cap in place.

Safety Visit

According to a report in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review free agent safety Chris Crocker visited with the Steelers on Thursday.

After doing a Google search for "Chris Crocker" I became concerned about just who the Steelers were meeting with.

However, it turns out the Chris Crocker with whom the Steelers actually met played most recently for the Atlanta Falcons (2006-2007) after having been drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2003, and playing for that franchise through the 2005 season.

Here, in rapid fire order, are some specifics:

• Mr. Crocker is listed at 5'11" tall, 193 pounds, and will turn 28-years old on Sunday.


• He has seven career interceptions, and had a career best three interceptions in 2007.


• In 2007 he had 51 tackles, 4 assists, and 1 sack.


• He was drafted in 2003 by the Browns as the twentieth pick in the third round, the 84th choice overall.


• He attended Marshall University after having graduated from Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Of particular interest to us is a comment that Mr. Crocker made in Q&A session (April 5, 2007) that is posted on the Atlanta Falcons website. The comment, really an answer to a question, that drew our attention is:

"Q: What does it take to be successful at safety?

Crocker: You have to be very disciplined. You are the last line of defense at free safety and you are pretty much the last guy to make a tackle if someone breaks away. If there is a batted ball, you have to get around it and try to pick it off. You have to be like a quarterback, also by delegating responsibilities in the back end, especially with the corners and the other safety to make sure everyone is on the same page."

As we read this, the image that flashed before us was of Anthony Smith getting burned, twice, versus New England. Some in the media are hypothesizing that Mr. Crocker's visit (and Eugene Wilson's before that) are a response to Ryan Clark's injury. However, we believe that it is more accurate to say that the recruiting of a safety is a response to Mr. Smith's inability (whether due to inexperience or some other factor) to handle the responsibilities of the position.

Searching for a Replacement

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that unrestricted free agent Rex Hadnot visited the Steelers' offices on Wednesday. Mr. Hadnot is 6'2" tall, and weighs in at 325 pounds. He turned 26 years of age in late January.

Coming out of the University of Houston in 2004 Mr. Hadnot, was regarded by some as a "[p]hysical player with good punch . . . [e]xplosive." He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins, has been a starting offensive guard for that team since 2005, and is described in a recent South Florida Sun-Sentinel article "as the [Dolphin's] most consistent offensive lineman." Despite that, chances that he might return to Miami seem slim-to-none -- a check of the Dolphins' official roster (on their website) reveals that his name has already been removed.

Scouring multiple online sources reveals that Mr. Hadnot's name has been mentioned in conjunction with the Cleveland Browns (he reportedly visited them on Sunday), Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans (he reportedly will be visiting them on Friday), and the Seattle Seahawks.

If it's a bidding war he and his agent want they shouldn't expect the Rooney family to play that game.

February 2009 Could Get Ugly

An article in Wednesday's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette contained a couple of nuggets which correct points made here, and elsewhere.

First off, the 8-year deal signed by Mr. Roethlisberger is not an extension but a brand new contract (i.e. the final two years of his old deal were voided), meaning that he is signed with the Steelers through the 2015 season.

Secondly, instead of reducing his number against the salary cap the new contract actually increases his number for the 2008 season. Furthermore, as Ed Bouchette points out in the article, "[Mr. Roethlisberger's] salary leaps to $8.05 million in 2010. He will earn $11.6 million annually through the 2014 season. He will earn $12.1 million in the eighth and final year of the new contract, 2015." Which got us to wondering just what that might mean for future seasons (putting aside, temporarily, the collective bargaining battle that lies ahead for the league and the player's association) -- specifically next off-season.

So we went to the good folks at KFFL to find out just how many free agents the Steelers might have next February. While most of the names are not those of Pro Bowlers there are enough here, combined with the big dollars being paid to Ben Roethlisberger and Troy Polamalu (the two of them will account for more than $12,000,000 of the Steelers' $116,000,000 payroll), to make us wonder just what's going to happen. Here's a look at former Steelers, the 2009 edition:

Player	Position	Status
Charlie Batch	QB	UFA
Najeh Davenport	RB	UFA
Carey Davis	RB	RFA
Willie Reid	WR	RFA
Cedrick Wilson	WR	UFA
Jon Dekker	TE	RFA
Willie Colon	OL	RFA
Jerremy Parquet	OL	RFA
Marvel Smith	OL	UFA
Jason Capizzi	OL	RFA
Ryan McBean	DL	RFA
James Farrior	LB	UFA
Bryant McFadden	CB	UFA
Anthony Madison	S	RFA
Anthony Smith	S	RFA

A list of 15 potential free agents is a daunting thing, and considering that of those at least nine started games in 2007 we begin to get an idea of just how tough things could get.

As Steelers fans it is our nature to see the glass as at least half empty, so it's important to remember that the salary cap will increase next off-season -- our guess is that an additional 6.5% of spending will be permitted -- but how many of the players on the list will $7,540,000 bring back?

I have to admit to being a big fan of James Farrior, but he will be 34-years old next January. As a result of all the factors at work it seems certain that 2008 will be his final season in Pittsburgh. Additionally Cedrick Wilson, who has been something of a disappointment, will turn 30 in December -- bye, bye Ced. Najeh? Charlie? It definitely doesn't look good for them, at least right now. And Marvel Smith has probably already got his boxes ready for packing.

On the other hand the restricted free agents -- especially Messrs. Colon, Davis, Madison, Reid, and Smith -- all can be expected back (i.e. barring an insane contract offer from another team) in Pittsburgh.

Ahhh, but all of that can be put aside for now -- what with the draft . . . and training camp . . . and an entire season to be played before any of this comes to the fore. But, like you, we're not happy unless there's something to worry about.

The Franchise Tag

Pro Football Weekly has come out with a list of all the players who will be contractually bound to their teams next season as the result of being designated as franchise players.

All three of them.

According to the article teams have until February 21, 2008 to designate a potential free agent as an "exclusive" free agent -- thereby purchasing their services for one season "by committing to a minimum offer of the average of the top five salaries at the player's position as of the end of the restricted free-agent signing period on April 20, or a 20 percent increase over his 2007 salary, or the average of the top five salaries at his position as of the end of last season — whichever of the three is greater."

Is Alan Faneca Worth $7,455,000?

Amongst the Steelers' faithful the general sentiment is that Alan Faneca should be re-signed. We've even heard it suggested that the All-Pro guard should be slapped with the franchise tag (something, by our recollection, that the Steelers have never done).

Such a move would have immediate economic consequences for the team -- specifically, $7,455,000. The numbers for franchise tags and transition tags are calculated off the top ten salaries at each position (though for the offensive line centers, guards, and tackles are all lumped together).

If you would like to see those numbers the NFLPA has posted them on their website.

The Upcoming Season -- Free Agent Season, That Is

The Yahoo! Sports Group AmCapNFL is comprised of individuals who enjoy calculating salary caps for NFL teams, just for fun.

Geeky though it may seem, these folks come up with great information -- some of which Pittsburgh Steelers Fanatic uses, all of which is appreciated.

One of the members of the group, "ninerscapinformation," has come up with his rankings for the 2008 class of free agents. The list is a long one, but with no Steelers game this weekend you've got nothing but time.

Of interest to Steelers fans -- beyond the names of Dan Kreider, Alan Faneca, Max Starks, and Travis Kirschke as unrestricted free agents -- is the availability of T.J. Duckett. The Steelers made a serious play for him last offseason, and their struggles this season running inside underscored their need for a bruising back.

Complicating any free agency talk is the possibility that the collective bargaining agreement may have to be renegotiated.

Note: "RFA" indicates a Restricted Free Agent, while "UFA" indicates an unrestricted free agent"

Quarterbacks
1 Derek Anderson QB Cleveland Browns RFA
2 Josh McCown QB Oakland Raiders UFA
3 Cleo Lemon QB Miami Dolphins UFA
4 Daunte Culpepper QB Oakland Raiders UFA
5 Rex Grossman QB Chicago Bears UFA
6 Quinn Gray QB Jacksonville Jaguars UFA
7 Todd Collins QB Washington Redskins UFA
8 Shaun Hill QB San Francisco 49ers UFA
9 Ryan Fitzpatrick QB Cincinnati Bengals RFA
10 Jared Lorenzen QB New York Giants UFA
11 Ken Dorsey QB Cleveland Browns UFA
12 Vinny Testaverde QB Carolina Panthers UFA
13 Chris Redman QB Atlanta Falcons UFA
14 Billy Volek QB San Diego Chargers UFA
15 Tim Rattay QB Arizona Cardinals UFA

Running Backs
1 Michael Turner RB San Diego Chargers UFA
2 Julius Jones RB Dallas Cowboys UFA
3 Justin Fargas RB Oakland Raiders UFA
4 Jesse Chatman RB Miami Dolphins UFA
5 Jamal Lewis RB Cleveland Browns UFA
6 Chris Brown RB Tennessee Titans UFA
7 T.J. Duckett RB Detroit Lions UFA
8 Musa Smith RB Baltimore Ravens UFA
9 Vernand Morency RB Green Bay Packers UFA
10 Michael Bennett RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers UFA
11 Mewelde Moore RB Minnesota Vikings UFA
12 Maurice Hicks RB San Francisco 49ers UFA
13 Travis Minor RB St. Louis Rams UFA
14 LaBrandon Toefield RB Jacksonville Jaguars UFA
15 Derrick Ward RB New York Giants UFA
16 Aaron Stecker RB New Orleans Saints UFA

Fullback
1 Mike Alstott FB Tampa Bay Buccaneers UFA
2 Tony Richardson FB Minnesota Vikings UFA
3 Brad Hoover FB Carolina Panthers UFA
4 Cecil Sapp FB Denver Broncos UFA
5 Dan Kreider FB Pittsburgh Steelers UFA
6 Sean McHugh FB/TE Detroit Lions UFA
7 Leonard Weaver FB Seattle Seahawks RFA
8 Nehimiah Broughton FB Washington Redskins RFA
9 Zach Crockett FB Tampa Bay Buccaneers UFA
10 Casey Cramer FB Tennessee Titans UFA
11 Jon Bradley FB Detroit Lions UFA
12 Thomas Tapeh FB Philadelphia Eagles UFA

Wide Receiver
1 Randy Moss WR New England Patriots UFA
2 Bernard Berrian WR Chicago Bears UFA
3 Bryant Johnson WR Arizona Cardinals UFA
4 Patrick Crayton WR Dallas Cowboys UFA
5 Drew Carter WR Carolina Panthers UFA
6 D.J. Hackett WR Seattle Seahawks UFA
7 Terrance Copper WR New Orleans Saints UFA
8 Devery Henderson WR New Orleans Saints UFA
9 Keary Colbert WR Carolina Panthers UFA
10 Ernest Wilford WR Jacksonville Jaguars UFA
11 Malcom Floyd WR San Diego Chargers RFA
12 Samie Parker WR Kansas City Chiefs UFA
13 Jabar Gaffney WR New England Patriots UFA
14 Jerome Mathis WR/KR Houston Texans RFA
15 David Patten WR New Orleans Saints UFA
16 Nate Washington WR Pittsburgh Steelers RFA
17 Keenan McCardell WR Washington Redskins UFA
18 Robert Ferguson WR Minnesota Vikings UFA
19 Aaron Moorehead WR Indianapolis Colts UFA
20 Devard Darling WR Baltimore Ravens UFA

Tight End
1 Dallas Clark TE Indianpolis Colts UFA
2 L.J. Smith TE Philadelphia Eagles UFA
3 Eric Johnson TE New Orleans Saints UFA
4 Ben Troupe TE Tennessee Titans UFA
5 Stephen Alexander TE Denver Broncos UFA
6 Marcus Pollard TE Seattle Seahawks UFA
7 Bryan Fletcher TE Indianapolis Colts RFA
8 Billy Bajema TE San Francisco 49ers RFA
9 John Gilmore TE Chicago Bears UFA
10 Kris Wilson TE Kansas City Chiefs UFA
11 Aaron Walker TE St. Louis Rams UFA
12 Ben Joppru TE Seattle Seahawks RFA
13 Dwayne Blakley TE Atlanta Falcons UFA
14 Billy Miller TE New Orleans Saints UFA
15 Jeramy Stevens TE Tampa Bay Buccaneers UFA
16 Christian Fauria TE Carolina Panthers UFA
17 Courtney Anderson TE Atlanta Falcons UFA
18 Keith Heinrich TE Tampa Bay Buccaneers UFA
19 Mark Bruener TE Houston Texans UFA
20 Nate Jackson TE Denver Broncos UFA

Center
1 Seth McKinney OC Cleveland Browns UFA
2 Andy McCollum OC St. Louis Rams UFA
3 Jeremy Newberry OC Oakland Raiders UFA
4 Alex Stepanovich OC Cincinnati Bengals UFA
5 Matt Lehr OC Tampa Bay Buccaneers UFA
6 Jason Whittle OC Buffalo Bills UFA
7 Wade Smith OC New York Jets UFA
8 Brett Romberg OC St. Louis Rams UFA
9 Rex Hadnot OC Miami Dolphins UFA
10 Mike Pucillo OC Washington Redskins UFA
11 Dylan Gandy OC Indianapolis Colts RFA
12 Geoff Hangartner OC Carolina Panthers RFA
13 Casey Wiegmann OC/LS Kansas City Chiefs UFA

Guard
1 Alan Faneca OG Pittsburgh Steelers UFA
2 Ruben Brown OG Chicago Bears UFA
3 Ryan Lija OG Indianapolis Colts UFA
4 Jake Scott OG Indianapolis Colts UFA
5 Justin Smiley OG San Francisco 49ers UFA
6 Chris Kemoeatu OG Pittsburgh Steelers RFA
7 Larry Allen OG San Francisco 49ers UFA
8 Keydrick Vincent OG Arizona Cardinals UFA
9 Adam Goldberg OG St. Louis Rams UFA
10 Rick DeMulling OG Washington Redskins UFA
11 Montrae Holland OG New Orleans Saints UFA
12 Chris Liwienski OG Miami Dolphins UFA
13 Fred Weary OG Houston Texans UFA
14 Elton Brown OG Arizona Cardinals RFA
15 Jason Brown OG Baltimore Ravens RFA
16 Tyson Walter OG Green Bay Packers UFA
17 Tyson Clabo OG Atlanta Falcons RFA
18 Stacey Andrews OG Cincinnati Bengals UFA
19 Stephen Peterman OG Detroit Lions UFA
20 Milford Brown OG St. Louis Rams UFA

Tackle
1 Max Starks OT Pittsburgh Steelers UFA
2 Floyd Womack OT/OG Seattle Seahawks UFA
3 Sean Locklear OT Seattle Seahawks UFA
4 Jordan Gross OT Carolina Panthers UFA
5 Trai Essex OT Pittsburgh Steelers RFA
6 Todd Steussie OT St. Louis Rams UFA
7 Nat Dorsey OT Cleveland Browns UFA
8 Travelle Wharton OT Carolina Panthers UFA
9 Flozell Adams OT Dallas Cowboys UFA
10 Jason Fabini OT Washington Redskins UFA
11 Kwame Harris OT San Francisco 49ers UFA
12 Stockar McDougle OT Jacksonville Jaguars UFA
13 Mike Rosenthal OT Miami Dolphins UFA
14 Ross Tucker OT Washington Redskins UFA
15 Adrian Jones OT New York Jets UFA
16 Chris Terry OT Kansas City Chiefs UFA
17 Brandon Gorin OT St. Louis Rams UFA
18 Cornell Green OT Oakland Raiders UFA
19 David Stewart OT Tennessee Titans RFA
20 Will Svitek OT Kansas City Chiefs RFA

Defensive End
1 Terrell Suggs DE/OLB Baltimore Ravens UFA
2 Justin Smith DE Cincinnati Bengals UFA
3 Tommy Kelly DE Oakland Raiders UFA
4 Jared Allen DE Kansas City Chiefs UFA
5 Mike Rucker DE Carolina Panthers UFA
6 Bobby McCray DE Jacksonville Jaguars UFA
7 Bryant Young DE San Francisco 49ers UFA
8 Marques Douglas DE San Francisco 49ers UFA
9 Travis LaBoy DE Tennessee Titans UFA
10 N.D. Kalu DE Houston Texans UFA
11 Antwan Odom DE Tennessee Titans UFA
12 Jimmy Wilkerson DE Kansas City Chiefs UFA
13 Darrion Scott DE Minnesota Vikings UFA
14 Renaldo Wynn DE New Orleans Saints UFA
15 Travis Kirschke DE Pittsburgh Steelers UFA
16 Josh Thomas DE Indianapolis Colts UFA
17 Corey Smith DE/OLB Detroit Lions UFA
18 Bryan Robinson DE Cincinnati Bengals UFA
19 Tony Hargrove DE Buffalo Bills UFA
20 Eric Hicks DE New York Jets UFA
21 Ebenezer Ekuban DE Denver Broncos UFA

Defensive Tackle
1 Albert Haynesworth DT Tennesse Titans UFA
2 Isaac Sopoaga DT San Francisco 49ers UFA
3 Randy Starks DT Tennessee Titans UFA
4 Brian Young DT New Orleans Saints UFA
5 Sam Adams DT Denver Broncos UFA
6 Ted Washington DT Cleveland Browns UFA
7 Spencer Johnson DT Minnesota Vikings UFA
8 Russell Davis DT New York Giants UFA
9 Chuck Darby DT Seattle Seahawks UFA
10 Corey Williams DT Green Bay Packers UFA
11 Damione Lewis DT Carolina Panthers UFA
12 Anthony Maddox DT Houston Texans UFA
13 Dan Klecko DT Indianapolis Colts UFA
14 Colin Cole DT Green Bay Packers UFA
15 Antonio Garay DT Chicago Bears UFA
16 Kimo von Oelhoffen DT Philadelphia Eagles UFA
17 Langston Moore DT Detroit Lions UFA
18 Cedric Killings DT Houston Texans UFA
19 Tim Anderson DT Atlanta Falcons UFA
20 Ian Scott DT Philadelphia Eagles UFA

Outside Linebacker
1 Lance Briggs OLB Chicago Bears UFA
2 Boss Bailey OLB Detroit Lions UFA
3 Demorrio Williams OLB Atlanta Falcons UFA
4 Tedy Bruschi OLB New England Patriots UFA
5 Shantee Orr OLB Houston Texans UFA
6 Sam Williams OLB Oakland Raiders UFA
7 Dhani Jones OLB Cincinnati Bengals UFA
8 Calvin Pace OLB Arizona Cardinals UFA
9 LeMarr Marshall OLB Cincinnati Bengals UFA
10 Junior Seau OLB New England Patriots UFA

Inside Linebacker
1 Karlos Dansby MLB Arizona Cardinals UFA
2 Kawika Mitchell MLB New York Giants UFA
3 Na'ill Diggs MLB Carolina Panthers UFA
4 Jerimiah Trotter MLB Tampa Bay Buccaneers UFA
5 Dontarious Thomas MLB Minnesota Vikings UFA
6 Larry Izzo MLB New England Patriots UFA
7 Randall Godfrey MLB Washington Redskins UFA
8 Teddy Lehman MLB Detroit Lions UFA
9 Tony Gilbert MLB Jacksonville Jaguars UFA
10 Robert Reynolds MLB Tennessee Titans UFA

Cornerback
1 Asante Samuel CB New England Patriots UFA
2 Marcus Trufant CB Seattle Seahawks UFA
3 Drayton Florence CB San Diego Chargers UFA
4 Nnamdi Asomugha CB Oakland Raiders UFA
5 Randall Gay CB New England Patriots UFA
6 Tory James CB New England Patriots UFA
7 Domonique Foxworth CB Denver Broncos RFA
8 Chad Scott CB New England Patriots UFA
9 Karl Paymah CB Denver Broncos RFA
10 Ricardo Colclough CB Cleveland Browns UFA
11 Hank Poteat CB New York Jets UFA
12 Joselio Hanson CB Philadelphia Eagles UFA
13 Daven Holly CB Cleveland Browns RFA
14 David Macklin CB Washington Redskins UFA
15 Jason Webster CB Buffalo Bills UFA
16 Michael Lehan CB Miami Dolphins UFA
17 Keiwan Ratliff CB Indianapolis Colts UFA
18 Stanley Wilson CB Detroit Lions RFA
19 Duane Starks CB Oakland Raiders UFA
20 Reynaldo Hill CB Tennessee Titans RFA

Free Safety
1 Gibril Wilson FS New York Giants UFA
2 Ken Hamlin FS Dallas Cowboys UFA
3 Eugene Wilson FS New England Patriots UFA
4 O.J. Atogwe FS St. Louis Rams RFA
5 William Bartee FS Kansas City Chiefs UFA
6 Madieu Williams FS Cincinnati Bengals UFA
7 Marquand Manuel FS Carolina Panthers UFA
8 Mike Doss FS Minnesota Vikings UFA
9 Brandon McGowan FS Chicago Bears RFA
10 Idress Bashir FS Detroit Lions UFA

Strong Safety
1 Bob Sanders SS Indianapolis Colts UFA
2 Erik Coleman SS New York Jets UFA
3 Atari Bigby SS Green Bay Packers RFA
4 Gerald Sensabaugh SS Jacksonville Jaguars RFA
5 Yerimiah Bell SS Miami Dolphins UFA
6 Hamza Abdullah SS Denver Broncos RFA
7 Omar Stoutmire SS Washington Redskins UFA
8 Jay Bellamy SS New Orleans Saints UFA
9 Tank Williams SS Minnesota Vikings UFA
10 Travares Tillman SS Miami Dolphins UFA

Return Specialist
1 Chris Carr RS/CB Oakland Raiders RFA
2 B.J. Sams RS/CB Baltimore Ravens UFA
3 Andre' Davis RS/WR Houston Texans UFA
4 Rashied Davis RS/WR Chicago Bears RFA
5 Michael Lewis RS/WR San Francisco 49ers UFA

Place Kickers
1 Josh Brown PK Seattle Seahawks UFA
2 Jason Elam PK Denver Broncos UFA
3 Rob Bironas PK Tennessee Titans RFA
4 Lawrence Tynes PK New York Giants UFA
5 Shaun Suisham PK Washington Redskins RFA
6 Morten Andersen PK Atlanta Falcons UFA

Punter
1 Todd Sauerbrun P Denver Broncos UFA
2 Jeff Feagles P New York Giants UFA
3 Michael Koenen P Atlanta Falcons UFA
4 Dustin Colquitt P Kansas City Chiefs RFA
5 Derrick Frost P Washington Redskins UFA
6 Kyle Larson P Cincinnati Bengals UFA


1 Ethan Albright LS Washington Redskins UFA
2 Rob Davis LS Green Bay Packers UFA
3 Ryan Kuehl LS New York Giants UFA
4 Andrew Economos LS Tampa Bay Buccaneers RFA
5 Nathan Hodel LS Arizona Cardinals UFA
6 Lonnie Paxton LS New England Patriots UFA

A Good Free Agent Signing? Well, He's No Punter

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the Steelers have signed four year veteran offensive lineman Sean Mahan, formerly of Tampa Bay, to a five-year contract. Mr. Mahan will turn 27-years old in May; and while there is a long way to go before he proves himself to be worthy of such a comparison, this signing is reminiscent of the free agent signing of Jeff Hartings (who played for Detroit for five seasons before coming to Pittsburgh in 2001).

Highly regarded coming out of Jenks High School in Oklahoma (he bench pressed 390 pounds, and played offensive tackle, defensive tackle, and defensive end) -- where he won an Oklahoma state football championship his senior season -- Mr. Mahan followed his father (who died when the younger Mahan was a sophomore in high school), sister, and uncle in going to Notre Dame.

During his freshman year, while playing defensive line on the field, Mr. Mahan received some shocking news off the field: "On campus just a couple months, Mahan got a call everyone dreads - - his mother had died. She had underwent minor surgery, complications arose and she did not recover" (South Bend Tribune. October 5, 1999. "His bragging rights Mahan has earned them," pg. B1). With support from his sister, aunts and uncles, Mr. Mahan made the decision to remain at Notre Dame. Evidence that the loss made him mature beyond his year is found in this statement to a reporter in August of 2002:

" 'I really didn't talk a lot about it to the guys on the team,' he said of his parents' passing. 'I'm kind of reserved, and I don't like to share my problems with other people. Sometimes, that's probably a bad thing, but that's the way I am, I guess.

'But you can always look at things another way. What a great thing it is to have a girlfriend like I have, whose parents are great and who have a room for me there. What a great thing it is to have such great family and friends.

'So I look at this year as a wonderful opportunity. I look around and see all the talent we have. I'm not going to bash anyone for what's gone on before. I'm going to think about the possibilities and how blessed I am to have a chance to be a part of it' "
(South Bend Tribune. August 19, 2002. "Ready to dish it out: ND line aims to dominate," pg. 1.)

During his Notre Dame career Mr. Mahan eventually moved permanently to the offensive line -- playing guard, tackle, and center -- and played along side Jeff Faine.

After being chosen in the fifth round of the 2003 draft, Mr. Mahan played in nine games his rookie season (mostly on special teams); and in 2004 he became the starting center after the incumbent, John Wade, suffered a knee injury on the first play of a game versus Kansas City (November 7, 2004). Mr. Mahan eventually started eight games at that position. In 2005 he started all of Tamapa Bay's 16 games at right guard, but in 2006 injuries along the Buccaneers offensive line resulted in Mr. Mahan being moved (according to one media account) "around like a ping- pong ball." As a result he started one game at left guard, then three games at right guard, and the final twelve games of the season back at left guard.

Valued for his willingness and ability to play different positions along the offensive front, Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune described Mr. Mahan's value this way (emphasis aded):

"NCREASED INCENTIVE: The need to re-sign G/C Sean Mahan has increased dramatically since the Bucs learned the news about LG Dan Buenning's season-ending knee injury.

Buenning, who went down during the Thanksgiving loss to Dallas, suffered a complete tear of his right anterior cruciate ligament. The injury is one that likely will keep Buenning off the field until at least training camp . . .

Mahan has replaced Buenning as the starter at left guard . . . [b]ut Mahan is slated to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.

The Bucs always have viewed Mahan as their center of the future, but with Buenning expected to miss the entire offseason workout program, the best option might be to re-sign Mahan and earmark him for left guard"
(Tampa Tribune. December 9, 2006. "Bucs Notebook," pg. 7).

Now Sean Mahan is a Pittsburgh Steeler -- how must Chukky Okobi feel? -- and for him and his new team the future may well be now.

A Free Agent Worth Looking At

With only $4,000,000 of space beneath the salary capp -- assuming that Chris Gardocki doesn't, finally get released -- and this year's gaggle of draft picks to sign it certainly seems unlikely that the Steelers will be looking to free agency for any helping in what is beginning to take on the appearences of a rebuilding project. However there is one player the team should look at seriously, even if it seems a crazy idea.

In all of the noise associated with their release of Corey Dillon, and the subsequent signing of Adalius Thomas, few have taken note that the team has, apparently, ended their association with wide receiver Troy Brown. It seems that his age -- Mr. Brown will be 37-years old in July -- is the primary reason for this decision. While I'm loathe to argue with the collective wisdom of the Patriot's Scott Pioli and Bill Belichick, the view from here is that Mr. Brown has some football still ahead of him. Despite his advanced age he managed to come up with 43 receptions in 2006 (his most in a single season since his 97 catches in 2002), of which 28 were for first downs (a conversion percentage of 65.12). Indeed, his 43 receptions would have been third highest on the Steelers last season, and his first downs would have tied him for third with Nate Washington.

Beyond the numbers, Troy Brown is a winner -- his play against San Diego, stripping an apparent fourth down interception away from Marlan McCree, thereby saving the Patriots' season is evidence of that -- who has a knack of coming up with big plays in big games. Certainly it would be difficult to convince Mr. Brown to begin anew after spending fourteen years in New England, but here's hoping that Kevin Colbert makes a phone call and asks.

Free Agency FAQs

The fine folks at NFLMedia.com have come up with some frequently asked questions regarding NFL free agency. The information is presented here, reformatted but otherwise unedited.

Q – When can players start being signed in the 2007 free agency signing period?
A – Beginning at 12:01 AM ET on Friday, March 2.

Q -- What are the categories of free agency?
A -- Players are either "restricted" or "unrestricted" free agents. Within the categories are also "transition" and "franchise" players.

Q -- What is the time period for free agency signings this year?
A --

• For restricted free agents, from March 2 to April 20;
• For unrestricted free agents, from March 2 to July 22 (or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later)
• For franchise players, from March 2 through the 10th week of the season (November 13).

Q -- What is the difference between a restricted free agent and an unrestricted free agent?
A -- Players become restricted free agents when they complete three accrued seasons and their contract expires. Unrestricted free agents have completed four or more accrued seasons with an expired contract.

Q -- What constitutes an "accrued season?"
A -- Six or more regular-season games on a club's active/inactive, reserved-injured or "physically unable to perform" lists.

Q -- Other than accrued seasons, what determines a restricted free agent?
A -- He has received a "qualifying" offer (a salary level predetermined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and its players) from his old club. He can negotiate with any club through April 20. If the restricted free agent accepts an offer sheet from a new club, his old club can match the offer and retain him because it has the "right of first refusal." If the old club does not match the offer, it can possibly receive draft-choice compensation depending on the amount of its qualifying offer. If an offer sheet is not executed, the player’s rights revert to his old club after April 20.

Q -- What determines an unrestricted free agent?
A – A player with four or more accrued seasons whose contract has expired. He is free to sign with any club, with no compensation owed to his old club, through July 22 (or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp,
whichever is later). On July 23, his rights revert to his old club if it made a "tender" offer (110 percent of last year's
salary) to him by June 1. His old club then has until the Tuesday after the 10th week of the season (November 13) to
sign him. If he does not sign by November 13, he must sit out the season. If no tender is offered by June 1, the
player can be signed by any club at any time throughout the season.

Q -- What determines a transition player?
A -- A club can designate one transition player (or one franchise player) in any given year. No transition players were named this year. The player’s club must offer a minimum of the average of the top 10 salaries of last season at the player's position or 120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, whichever is greater. A transition player
designation gives the club a first-refusal right to match within seven days an offer sheet given to the player by another
club after his contract expires. If the club matches, it retains the player. If it does not match, it receives no compensation.

Q -- What determines a franchise player?
A -- A club can designate one franchise player (or one transition player) in any given year. The salary level offer by a player's club determines what type of franchise player he is. An "exclusive" franchise player -- not free to sign with another club -- is offered a minimum of the average of the top five salaries at the player's position as of April 20, or
120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, or the average of the top five salaries at his position as of the end
of last season -- whichever of the three is greater. If the player is offered a minimum of the average of the top five
salaries of last season at his position, or 120 percent of the player’s previous year’s salary, he becomes a “nonexclusive”
franchise player and can negotiate with other clubs. His old club can match a new club's offer, or receive two first-round draft choices if it decides not to match.

Q -- Can a club decide to withdraw its franchise or transition designations on a player? If so, can it then use
them on other players?
A -- A club can withdraw its franchise or transition designations and the player then automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent either immediately or when his contract expires. The club cannot name a new franchise or transition player that year. It can name a new franchise or transition player the next year.

Q – What is the salary cap for 2007?
A – The salary cap is $109.0 million per club.

Preparations for Free Agency Continue

Rumor has it that there is still one game left in the 2006 season -- something going on in Miami? -- but it doesn't involve the Pittsburgh Steelers, so who really cares? Instead our attention turns to the draft and to the impending free agency season.

According to our friends at AsktheCommish.com the Steelers are going to be $1,440,000 under the cap -- the lowest number of any team in the AFC (by comparison the Indianapolis Colts, the next AFC less than five million dollars under the cap, is projected to be $4,900,000 under the NFL's salary cap). Amongst the teams in the AFC North the Baltimore Ravens are projected to have $5,700,000 available -- assuming that Jamal Lewis, who's cap number for 2007 could be in excess of eleven million dollars isn't cut -- the Cincinnati Bengals are projected to be $28,800,000 below the cap, and Cleveland --despite their spending spree last offseason -- is expected to be $33,305,000 below the cap. Clearly the Steelers have much less flexibility than their rivals.

Of course another aspect of this issue is just how many free agents each team has, and in this respect the Steelers are in decent shape. According to Pro Football Weekly the unrestricted free agents on the Steelers' roster are: Rodney Bailey, Barrett Brooks (one of the oldest players on the roster), Tyrone Carter, Najeh Davenport, Chidi Iwuoma, Mike Logan, and Sean Morey. Meanwhile the restricted free agents are: Tim Euhus, Arnold Harrison, Ronald Stanley, Max Starks, Greg Warren, and Nate Washington.

While the team would like to resign several of these players (e.g. Tyrone Carter, Chidi Iwuoma, and Max Starks) most are eminently replaceable.

As for the other AFC North teams some of the more noteable free agents include: Adalius Thomas (unrestricted, Baltimore), Jarret Johnson (unrestricted, Baltimore), Eric Steinbach (unrestricted, Cincinnati), and Justin Smith (unrestricted, Cincinnati).

Free Agency Details

In addition to the upcoming draft this is also the season of free agents, a time when terms like "franchise tag" and "transition plyer" get bandied about. But what does that really mean? Well, one group of amateur capologists are helping to keep all of us informed.

Members of the Yahoo! group AmCapNFL have provided the dollar amounts that go with each position. For example, a cornerback who is franchise tagged will receive a one-year contract worth $7,790,000. Conversely, a transition cornerback is guaranteed to receive at least $6,766,000.

FRANCHISE
Quarterbacks -- $12,615,000
Offensive linemen -- $9,556,000
Defensive ends -- $8,644,000
Wide receivers -- $7,613,000
Cornerbacks -- $7,790,000
Linebackers -- $7,206,000
Running backs -- $6,999,000
Defensive tackles -- $6,775,000
Safeties -- $4,490,000
Tight ends -- $4,371,000
Punters and kickers -- $2,078,000

TRANSITION
Quarterbacks -- $10,182,000
Offensive linemen -- $8,267,000
Defensive ends -- $7,701,000
Wide receivers -- $7,040,000
Cornerbacks -- $6,766,000
Linebackers -- $6,493,000
Running backs -- $5,981,000
Defensive tackles -- $5,554,000
Safeties -- $3,984,000
Tight ends -- $3,612,000
Punters and kickers -- $1,926,000