John Clayton writes that free agent QBs are having trouble finding work because (1) many teams are investing long-term in their quarterbacks -- and therefore don't need immediate free agent help and (2) free agent QBs are looking for big paydays -- and in the day of the salary cap, most teams (with the obvious exception of the Redskins) are tight with the purse strings.
Here's how Clayton described the Steelers QB situation:
"The Steelers have said "no" to every quarterback opportunity that cropped up -- Brunell, Ramsey, Henson, Couch, Garcia, etc. Anyone doubting the organization's faith in Tommy Maddox and Charlie Batch aren't in tune with what the Steelers are thinking. Maddox is the starter. Batch will compete from the backup job.If Clayton is remotely on the mark here, then the encouraging news is that the Steelers aren't guaranteed to take a QB in the first round -- in which case they can address other needs (like OT or CB). I think he also makes the very good point that if the Steelers return to running the ball on a consistent and successful basis, it will make the passing game that much more effective. Let's hope the Steeler front office is on the same page as John Clayton (or at least with what he writes here).
The Steelers offense is undergoing a change now that coordinator Mike Mularkey is in Buffalo as head coach of the Bills. The Steelers ranked 22nd offensively averaging only 299.5 yards a game, two thirds of it through the air. Bill Cowher plays power football, so the signing of Duce Staley and the retention of Jerome Bettis signifies a move back to the ground game. The Steelers averaged only 93 yards a game on the ground. No more. The Steelers will pound it next year and that means more handoffs by the quarterback.
Maddox is a good decision maker. He gets rid of the ball quickly and he's got a great group of possession receivers to make plays once they catch the football. It's not out of the question for the Steelers to draft a quarterback, but it's not a lock they would take Rivers with their first-round pick. For now, the Steelers aren't looking for their quarterback of the future. They want to concentrate on the present."
