Jerry DiPaola writes in today's Pittsburgh Tribune Review:
"The Steelers are talking to running back Jerome Bettis about reducing his $3.617 million salary this season, but the two sides are not close to a resolution. When the deal is finalized, it could pay Bettis, 32, about $1 million, plus incentives, for 2004."Steelers cut Washington and Bruener
Ed Bouchette writes that the Steelers are cleaning house--sort of. They will cut CB DeWayne Washington and TE Mark Bruener--both lost their starting jobs last season. The Steelers have also restructured OLB Joey Porter's contract, will probably try to do the same with OLB Jason Gildon, and are still deciding what to do with Zereoue (release him now or try to trade him after March 3).
The Steelers are positioning themselves to resign free agents LB Clark Haggans, FB Dan Kreider and SS Mike Logan, go after free agents from other teams, and have enough money to sign players taken in the upcoming draft.
Portis to the Redskins for Bailey?
It looks like Joe Gibbs has taken one step closer to being committed. Apparently the Redskins are interested in acquiring Clinton Portis from Denver in exchange for Champ Bailey and a second round pick. This doesn't even make sense in theory. All Joe Gibbs has to do is look around the league and see that teams are succeeding with running backs taken in later rounds. Just last year the Broncos got Quentin Griffin in the fourth round and he had a breakout game against Indianapolis, and is slated to replace Portis if the trade goes through. In 2001, Travis Henry was a second round pick and Rudi Johnson was a fourth round pick--both had productive years last season.
How many great cornerbacks are there in the NFL? Whatever the number, one thing is certain--there are far fewer great cornerbacks than great running backs. Knowing that, why doesn't Gibbs just draft a running back with the second round draft pick he's willing to give up to obtain Portis? That solves two problems (better running game and strong pass defense) instead of creating one (filling the void left by trading an all-pro corner).
The 2004 NFL Draft
There are two good stories on ESPN.com about safety Sean Taylor from Miami being the best player in the draft and how this year's cornerback crop are decidedly undersized.
