NFL Free Agency Rumors: Predicting the fate of the Steelers UFA’s
By Matt Shetler
With the NFL free agent period set to begin Tuesday afternoon, there will be a lot of free agency rumors associated with current Pittsburgh Steelers unrestricted free agents.
Now that the Steelers have agreed to a three-year deal with Ramon Foster, the team has 15 UFA’s remaining and very little cap space to play with.
With that being said, here’s a look at predicting how free agency will play out for the Steelers remaining unrestricted free agents.
Dec 2, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress (80) prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M
Will Allen: Allen played pretty well last season when pressed into duty for the often injured Troy Polamalu. There may not be a lot of money, but Allen is a valuable depth piece that the Steelers should find a way to bring back. Prediction: Re-Signed
Charlie Batch: The aging veteran wants to return and although the Steelers badly need to address the backup quarterback spots, Batch knows the system and can be had cheap. Unfortunately he will likely be the No. 2 quarterback, which is a scary thought. Prediction: Re-Signed
Plaxico Burress: Given the Steelers lack of depth at the wide receiver position, I would like to see Burress return, but Plax was signed as an emergency and I don’t think the organization values him much more than that. Prediction: Signs Elsewhere
Larry Foote: It was reported weeks ago that the Steelers and Foote’s agent were talking, but there hasn’t been much progress on those talks. The Steelers want him back, but meeting his salary demands could be tough, although re-signing Foote is a necessity. Prediction: Re-Signed
Casey Hampton: It’s time for the Steelers to move on. Prediction: Signs Elsewhere
Brandon Johnson: No big loss here as Johnson isn’t a part of the Steelers future. Prediction: Signs Elsewhere
Byron Leftwich: Unfortunately for Leftwich, the writing was likely on the wall with last year’s latest injury; in what was nothing but an injury filled career with the Steelers. Prediction: Let Go, doesn’t sign with another team
Doug Legursky: Legursky is very valuable to the Steelers, but the Foster signing likely means there won’t be enough money left over for the Marshall product. Prediction: Signs Elsewhere
Keenan Lewis: Lewis was the one guy the Steelers needed to bring back, but there’s no money to do so. The William Gay signing likely means that the organization knows that they won’t be able match any of the big money offers that Lewis is about to get. Prediction: Signs Elsewhere
Rashard Mendenhall: Walking out on his teammates last year was the final straw. Prediction: Signs Elsewhere
November 4, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Mundy: The West Virginia product was given the chance to show what he could do, but he failed in a big way. Prediction: Signs Elsewhere
Leonard Pope: Pope didn’t do much last season and it was doubtful he would return in 2013, but the injury to Heath Miller means the Steelers need depth at tight end. They could find it elsewhere, but there is a chance they just bring back Pope. Prediction: Re-Signed
Max Starks: It was a good run for Starks wearing black-and-gold, but that run has come to an end. Prediction: Signs Elsewhere
Mike Wallace: Wallace will be the highest paid free agent in this year’s crop. He’s played his final game in a Steelers uniform. Prediction: Signs Elsewhere
Greg Warren: Warren has been a very good long snapper and bringing him back makes sense as it is a position they won’t have to worry about. Having said that though, it’s likely they find a cheaper option. Prediction: Signs Elsewhere