PixburghArn was wrong, as usual.

:)

Each passing day looks better & better

BMAC as much as the rest of us want will not be back, or maybe a less than 5% chance to see BMAC in Black & Gold..

Even if every other CB/DB is signed, BMAC wants money similar to IKE or IMO at least 80% of it somewhere around 2+mil a year. I do not believe the FO has that much wiggle room in the CAP to get a deal done, especially with no CBA in place for 2010…

Very similar to the problems we are having with Deebo, cant defer!!

Yes its a shame, because it would solidify our backfield for years to come, not to mention the ability to develope viable replacements with contracts expire..

How does two guys with the same agent get completely different results? I know it seems obvious but a guy like Owens, who is 35 on the decline in his career, already has several teams interested and to have a deal in place soon and a guy who is on the incline has nothing?

on some of what is above with my thoughts;
1) I am still not sure about the Steelers ability to sign 20. If they are keeping guys like Foote, Carter, Davis and talking to Fox, how can they afford him with the tight cap space and the draft players needing to be added?

2) I like 20. I see the potential. But the league is valuing other known commodities as opposed to BMAC. We know his potential but in reality he had never been able to supplant 26 until 08 then missed a bunch of games with injury. When he returned he split time with a second year 5th round pick in 22. With the economy, the unease over the uncapped 10 and future and the fact that as good as he looked in early 08 he was in front of the most ferocious pass rush since The Curtain perhaps owners aren’t willing to give the $$$. His ego driven agent wants too much for too long to a still unproven 20.

3) Really like Foote and agree with SYR points completely. Timmons will be better long term and maybe in 09 but depth is HUGE in the Steelers blueprint to ultimate victory. I see what they are doing. But…if I’m Colbert I cut Foote, Davis 38, Carter, Townsend (I know that hurts!) Kirshke and don’t sign Fox. That saves about 7 million or more. With that money get 20 signed, extend 92 and 83. Pat Bailey, Donovan Woods, Madison, Paxson, Russell, Bruce Davis and whomever they draft will step up. Got to sign 92 now. All those thoughts about keeping him an extra year as the franchise guy are moot. There is no agreement in 2010. It is an uncapped year. The franchise tag is part of the agreement is it not?

4) Don’t know if Big Max will extend. He made 7 million last year. He is making 8 million next. Then, there is an uncapped year. Why would he take less? Always liked him. Always had low confidence in Z&A because they sat him and played Simmons and Colon. He is a good young player with 2 rings. He is worth $$$.

What is insane? That I like Foote? That I like Townsend? I do like them. 26 did pick 6 and beat the Cowboys last year. 50 is valuable depth and still a starter.
Point is this. If they don’t sign 92 this off season he is gone. He will play in 09 for 1.5 million, wreak havoc and then sign with Wash, Dall, NE or some other big pockets team. 2010 is uncapped and there is no “franchise player” when the NFLPA agreement runs out. (I think) Here is the questions in my (insane or rational you be the judge) eyes;

1) Would you guys trade keeping Foote one year on the bench for Harrison in Steelers colors for 3-5? Even with Timmons ready? Bailey is not unproven, he was Steelers ROTY and a demon hitter. I watched Don Woods in preseason and thought he would make the team. He was that impressive. Mundy impressed enough that they let Anthony Smith walk. Russell can handle 38’s duties. They added a 260 LB FA FB on the roster for depth. Paxson didn’t embarras. I have faith in the FO.

2) I am a Townsend fan. As much as a leader as 26 is, would you guys rather have an aging Townsend or a rising BMAC in the secondary? I feel comfortable with Gay. I would rather him be the nickle though. Again, if you read my original post I am not optimistic we can sign 20.

3) If we lose Harrison, BMAC and Miller isn’t that much larger in the bigger picture than losing Foote, Townsend and the vets? (Carey Davis, Travis, Carter etc) If Colbert could put it together, wouldn’t you trade all those guys for Heath, Harrison and 20?

Again, you all have read my posts. I hold the Rooney’s and the FO in the highest regard. I am just trying to think outside the box. 92 is the most ferocious pass rusher we have had in these parts since K Greene, Lloyd days. Heath is the best TE we have ever had. BMAC while unproven has shown potential to be a starting DB for the next 5 years. Townsend (and I love him) will be an ESPN analyst 5 years down the road. I don’t see what is so insane. It is reality. I would rather lose a player one year too soon than keep him one year too long. Any of you in my generation remember what happened to the 70s Steelers. They morphed into the 80’s Steelers. Joe Greene got old. So did Franco. With the impending uncapped year the NFL will be changing gentlemen. Got to be ready. Go Steelers!