Usually the Steelers wait until free agency has entered the bargain hunting phase before they start shopping around. But here we are just a couple of days into free agency and the Steelers are bringing Patriots safety Eugene Wilson in for a visit.With just a little over $2.4 million under the salary cap and a contract extension with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger expected in the next couple of days it's hard to know where the money to sign Wilson would come from, but he would help out what was a clear need for the second half of last season.
But signing Wilson would also seem to be a clear sign that Ryan Clark's recovery from a splenectomy is not going as well as hoped. Clark was a very solid free safety before his illness and if he can make it back then safety becomes a minor need for the Steelers compared to the gaping holes on the offensive line. It's not that the Steelers don't need help at safety, but with so little money to spend, I'd rather see them add a guard/center to replace Sean Mahan rather than worrying about improving on Clark, even if signing a starter away from the Patriots would be fun.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-03-2008 @ 3:26AM
Mr.G said...
Better fix that o-line first,or they'll be playing for a Wild Card spot at best.Think what you want,but the Browns are serious contenders now.
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3-03-2008 @ 6:15AM
Gina said...
They should be looking at Jake Scott.
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3-04-2008 @ 3:41PM
smortas said...
In today's NFL fans want their teams to compete every year for a championship. I think the steelers would be smart to add another veteran DB to their roster as safety was not a strength last year. If they can do it in free agency then it gives them mobility in the draft to add depth as areas where they are aging like DL and WR and to maybe find a RB to tandem with parker. I think they will definitely address their OL in the draft, but let's hope smith comes back healthy as any rookie will need time to develop and they cannot afford a OL in free agency as good as faneca. The chess game begins and yes cleveland has made a serious move to pass the steelers by with their recent signings. I say bring it on!!
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3-04-2008 @ 4:53AM
Rick Vogt said...
It will be fun to see the Pitt/Cleve rivalry go up a notch.
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3-05-2008 @ 1:02AM
Michael said...
Without surprise, Faneca gone leaving us with a less than impressive O Line. So we have a marquis QB and RB but I ask, what is the plan for protecting and making holes for these two cats? A second issue is our secondary, I guess speaking with this Wilson character is not a bad move but lets not get to excited, a couple years ago we were speaking with Pittsburgh native and great, Ty Law. There is a great deal of hidden talent in the NFL and traditionally we have gone a admirable at finding it, Coaching remains a big question mark in this experts book. Not just Tomlin but the assistant staff has much to prove. Even our beloved Dick LeBeau, let the leagues best defense fall apart late in the season.
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3-05-2008 @ 1:08AM
Michael said...
The Browns???? This is too funny, the past 2 years we have been hearing how great the Bengals were going to be. Lets not get confused here. Nest the brownies can hope for is a wildcard slot but that is reaching. Teams will not take them light this year, big difference
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