The Steelers resigned FB Dan Kreider to a 4 year $4.04 million contract yesterday. They also met with Indy OLB Marcus Washington, who could possibly replace Jason Gildon (they're the same size, but Washington is five years younger). On a more curious note, the Steelers plan to have three cornerbacks in for visits, but all three (Reggie Howard of Carolina, Fernando Bryant of the Jacksonville and Fred Thomas of New Orleans) are considered average at best. Couple that with the fact that (at least for now) Chad Scott will again be a starter, and you begin to wonder why they cut DeWayne Washington (or at least didn't give him a chance to restructure). I can't say this enough (to be fair, free agency is only a day old) but it is imperative that the Steelers get a quality cornerback. It relieves so much pressure on the linebackers and safeties when they don't have to help with double coverage because the cornerback is ineffective. And for a position that requires this 'Me against the world attitude', I'm not sure if Scott measures up. So before this is all said and done, let's hope the Steelers make some moves in the right direction.
Here's a mini-profile of the cornerbacks scheduled to visit Pittsburgh
From the Pittsburgh Tribune Review:
"...the Steelers also have shown interest in free-agent cornerbacks Fernando Bryant of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Reggie Howard of the Carolina Panthers and David Barrett of the Arizona Cardinals.Tommy Maddox--no raise yet
Bryant, a No. 1 draft choice in 1999, has been a starter for the Jaguars since his rookie season, but he is not expected to return to Jacksonville.
Howard, 6-foot, 190, has a reputation as a strong tackler. He started 15 games last season for the NFC champion Panthers, recording two interceptions in the regular season. In the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots, he intercepted a pass in the end zone.
The Steelers have shown only lukewarm interest in Barrett, who is 5-10, 198 pounds and has been a starter for the Cardinals for the past three seasons. He might visit with team officials in Pittsburgh next week, but the Lions, Houston Texans, New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks also may bid for Barrett."
In related news, Agent Vann McElroy said there has been no dialogue about restructuring the contract of Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox, who is due to earn only $750,000 this year. "It's not a good time to go there," McElroy said.
The question then becomes, should Maddox hold out? Which should be immediately followed by the question, will he make more if one of the following happens: a) hold out (maybe, but probably not--Batch is the backup), b) gets cut and signs with another team (maybe, but that may be risky), c) complains but doesn't hold out (that will probably lead to b)).
Should Maddox be paid more? Probably. But remember, when he signed this deal, he was fresh off of his MVP season in the XFL and was looking for any opportunity in the NFL--no matter how small the contract. Now if Cowher or Rooney promised him a raise, that's another story, but I'm not sure that conversation ever took place.
