Steelers off season rumors
December 26, 2009 by Steelers
Filed under Team Articles
Pittsburgh Tribune (AP)
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the off season with several questions that need answered after going 4-12 and putting up the worst record the team has finished with in over 20 years. They have needs all over the place and some big names that will become free agents soon so they will need to get their off season plan together and do what it takes to get the ship back afloat.
The first decission the team will need to make is who gets resigned and who does not. Potential free agents include HB Willie Parker, FS Ryan Clark and WR Hines Ward just to name a few. With the emergeance of Rashard Mendenhall in the run game Parker could be on the outside looking in. Rumor is the Steelers are looking to trade Parker, but that has not been confirmed by team officials.
As for Ward and Clark a team offical has said the Steelers wish to resign both players. Kicker Jeff Reed though may not be getting the same treatment as the team has been rumored to be looking for a kicker with a stronger leg.
Another player that could be on the outs with the team is DE Dwight Freeney who was added earlier in the season in a trade that sent Casey Hampton to Indianapolis. A team source has been quoted as saying the Steelers love Freeney but are not sure he fits as well into a 3-4 as once figured. Rumor is Freeney could be traded if the right offer was presented to the Steelers.
One positive note for the Steelers is they will have the 3rd pick in the up coming BDML draft and could use it to secure the services of the cornerback they so desperatly need. One with game changing ability, who can create turnovers for them. Another possibility is the Steelers trade down and pick up extra draft picks as they have several needs this year.
Some needs the Steelers will be looking to fill during the off season via the draft or FA will be a true RT so Willie Colon can be moved to his natural RG spot, a cornerback, a replacement for Willie Parker if he is traded, a wide reciever a DE or DT, and a young MLB to groom to replace the aging James Farrior down the road. Other areas of concern are at back up safety and some depth for the OL.
