On Thursday, the Steelers parted ways with guard Kendall Simmons. It was a surprising move; not so much because of Simmons' on-field contributions -- he's been nothing more than replacement level for the last three seasons -- but because starting left guard Chris Kemoeatu was headed for free agency and Simmons' replacement, Darnell Stapleton, has only 12 career starts.Then, on Friday morning, the New York Daily News reported that the Jets had offered Kemoeatu more than $4 million a year. By this afternoon, however, the Steelers had re-signed Kemoeatu, their former sixth-round pick, to a five-year, $20 million deal, which includes a $4 million signing bonus.
The signing eases what was developing into a crisis at guard for the Steelers. They released veteran Kendall Simmons on Thursday and were left with Darnell Stapleton as their only experienced guard and Jeremy Parquet, who has been in and out of the league since 2005 without ever getting into a game until he played briefly in five of them with the Steelers the past season.As JJ wrote last night, "Kemoeatu isn't very good himself, but he is better than Simmons, and unlike Simmons his biggest problems (blitz pickup and technique) are things he could improve with more reps, while Simmons' problem (lack of functional strength) is nearly impossible to fix."
And that's the point: physically, Kemoeatu has all the tools, it's the above-the-neck stuff that needs sorting. That said, he was serviceable last season -- his first as a starter -- and there's no reason to think he won't improve.
Tracking NFL Free Agents
Albert Haynesworth, Defensive tackle, Tennessee Titans
SIGNED WITH WASHINGTON - Seven years, $100 million
The Latest: Just hours after becoming an eligible free agent, Haynesworth agreed to a monster deal with Washington.
Mark Humphrey, AP
DeAngelo Hall, Cornerback, Washington Redskins
RE-SIGNED WITH WASHINGTON - Six years, $54 million
The Latest: For the second time in his young career, Hall received a massive deal, this time from big-spending Washington.
Nick Wass, AP
Bart Scott, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
REPORTEDLY SIGNED WITH JETS - Five years, $40 million
The Latest: Reports claimed that Scott had signed on the dotted line in New York, but the Ravens are apparently still alive.
G. Newman Lowrance, Getty Images
Chris Kemoeatu, Guard, Pittsburgh Steelers
RE-SIGNED WITH STEELERS - Five years, $20 million
The Latest: Despite rumors claiming he was headed to the Jets, Kemoeatu decided to stick with the Steelers, a boost for their mediocre offensive line.
Paul Spinelli, Getty Images
Nnamdi Asomugha, Cornerback, Oakland Raiders
RE-SIGNED WITH OAKLAND - Three years, $45.3 million
The Latest: One of the NFL's brightest young stars, Asomugha inked a gigantic contract to stay in Oakland.
Greg Trott, Getty Images
Julius Peppers, Defensive end
FRANCHISE TAG USED BY PANTHERS
The Latest: Despite his expressed wishes, Peppers was tagged by Carolina. He'll make nearly $17 million next season, but the Panthers will have to work out a trade for him to leave.
Streeter Lecka, Getty Images
Antonio Bryant, Wide receiver
FRANCHISE TAG USED BY BUCS
The Latest: Bryant will stay in Tampa, and receive nearly $10 million next year, a huge jump from the $600K he earned in 2008.
Joe Robbins, Getty Images
Dunta Robinson, Cornerback
FRANCHISE TAG USED BY TEXANS
The Latest: Houston will keep Robinson for next season, and continue to work on a long-term extension.
Greg Trott, Getty Images
LeRoy Hill, Linebacker
NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TAG USED BY SEAHAWKS
The Latest: Seattle franchised Hill and, though he's free to talk with other teams, it's unlikely anyone will cough up multiple first-day draft picks for a trade.
Ted S. Warren, AP
Terrell Suggs, Linebacker
FRANCHISE TAG USED BY RAVENS
The Latest: The Ravens opted to lock down Suggs for next season, at the risk of losing both Ray Lewis and Bart Scott. Suggs will earn $10.2 million in 2009.
Streeter Lecka, Getty Images
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-27-2009 @ 3:45PM
A.J. said...
One would assume he'd improve, but it's not a given. I guess we'll see. GO STEELERS!
Reply
2-27-2009 @ 3:58PM
The Mayor said...
That weak STEELER offensive line took them to a Super Bowl victory. And that was after having the most difficult schedule in the NFL. If the offensive line improves, the STEELERS could be in 7th Heaven!!
Reply
2-27-2009 @ 7:36PM
Kansas City Steelers Fan said...
To the Mayor: Their weak O-Line took them to the Super Bowl and Big Ben only tossed 17 TDs compared to 32 last year and FWP only rushed for 800 yards to 1200 last year to boot!! I say improve the O-Line and you'll see those #s back up!! If they do its 16 - 0 with a weaker schedule GO STEELERS!!!!!!
Reply
3-01-2009 @ 2:02AM
gcn said...
I like the move, I agree its certainly possible that Kemoeatu gets even better, he's a young enough guy, and last season was his first as a starter.
Reply
3-01-2009 @ 7:43AM
detsesom said...
Thank God they have a new head coach, one that isn't so damn opinionated and bull headed....now maybe we won't lose as many coaches year after year, and keep our players spirited. What a job, Mike...keep it going!
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