Lefty is saying all the right things – and I’m sure that he enjoyed his time in a winning, cohesive organization – but he thinks he can still start. And, for a team like the Bears or Chiefs or Jets he probably can. He would be foolish at this point in his career to merely consider himself a back up when a lot of GM’s and coaches would probably give him the chance to start.

True, Blue. Key word though, -probably. Though he is one of the better free agent QB’s available, it remains to be seen if a team is willing to shell out the cash to install him as starter, or have him come compete for a starting slot. In this scenario, nothing is a given, and BL knows this.

On the other hand, if the Steelers want to commit to #4 as their #2 QB, the salary comparison likely becomes less of an issue. I think he is aware that as an employer the Steelers are heads above the rest and could offer him long term stability. It sounds to me that this is where he is leaning. Then the question becomes, do the Steelers pull the trigger? Personally, I think it would be a great move.

Another thing that strikes me about this article concerning BL, and other Steeler free agents for that matter, (most notably, Bmac) is how much does playing for Tomlin factor into players decisions about free agency? For example, if Bmac wants to play for Tomlin, then I have a hunch that Tomlin will see to it that Bmac remains a Steeler.

While it is most certainly true that most players sole consideration is being paid top money for their services (naturally) something tells me that Tomlin may well be an X factor in some player’s decision about who they line up for. If not Tomlin, than the greatest franchise in sports. If there is even a hair of truth to this, there will be more rings forthcoming.

BLeftwich: I believes he loves playing for Coach T but I think the extra $$$ and the chance to start will be too much for him to stay.

CBatch: I’m not sure of his skills since he’s not getting any younger. May stay on as a coach in the not so distant future.

DDixon: I know some fans like him. I do not. I thought we would have been better served with a OLineman with that pick. I want to see what he can do and it would be great if he’s going to produce like a lot think he can but I’m skeptical. The guy looks like the Ravens would break him in half!!

BMac: I really like him and want him back but I don’t see it. The market for good, young CB’s is going up, up, up…and out of our price range. Colbert was talking about how this draft is good for CB’s. I think we may be spending a high draft pick on a CB.

Apparently it is an issue. There is a fine line between being a competitor and a gambler. Given #4 comments about the coach and club, my guess that team success and stability do have role to play after all.

and I thought it was great. Further proved what we thought, Coach Tomlin is the man!!! I am proud of our organization and proud to be a fan-atic!!

BLeftwich has a good point…if he leaves, he could get stuck as the #2 qb on a crappy team…yes, he’d have more $$$ but not much fun…it’s a balancing act. In the end, I think BL is such a competitior, the opportunity to try and lead your own team as the #1 guy may be too enticing.

We shall see…

a good read. Props again to the FO for getting him for what 600k? when Charlie went down. He said some great stuff about the Steelers and Coach Tomlin, and out of the side of his mouth slammed the Jags. I would love to have him back, but there is no way he will sign for league minimum. Lefty will get a nice check during FA. These team will be dumb not to fight for him; Tamp, Minn, SF, Jets, and the Bears. Lefty’s quick release with a decent running game will get you to the playoffs.

My guess he will end up in Minn or Tamp.

Love to see Byron stay. He obviously loves it here. But he deserves one more shot, and if he doesnt succeed, the Steelers can be open again if Dixon isnt the answer. But for now, Batch to mentor Dixon and make him the future #2. Dixon would be great for some wildcat trick plays.

it’s all good

that is an interesting piece. All season, I have thought that BL was a great backup to have in hand. While I like Charlie Batch and what he has done for the team, my assessment is that BL is a much more powerful backup. I also can see why he would love to stay with the Steelers. It has to be a great place to be and hey, with Big Ben always on the move, stepping in to start is just a head-bang away. On the other hand, publicizing a desire to stay just might drive up the “yes, I’ll leave Pittsburgh price.” Charlie would be a great number 3 QB as well. Talent on hand if the Steelers ever have to go to number 3 and a number 3 that can actually understand what is going on and discuss it with the playing QB. The downside to a BB, BL and CB lineup is that your QB of the future isn’t being grown appropriately because he’s not on the roster.