Most of you know that there weren’t many bigger G. Russell supporters here than DaTruth. As a rookie free agent, this guy was the first person for the Steelers to touch the football in the Super Bowl, scored a touchdown in the biggest game there is, and contributed to this team’s Super Bowl run. Hats off to the kid for a job well done. Hate to see him get shown the door.

But if this opens up a spot for “The Tank”, then so be it. If the Steelers really want him, then don’t mess around. Take one of your 5th round picks and get him into the fold. I wonder if its possible for both Powdrell, the FB from USC, and The Tank to make this team if they draft him. This team typically keeps 5 running backs anyways, and two spots are open with the release of Russell and hopefully Carey Davis. Powdrell played LB at USC before he made the switch late to FB, so if he shows something and lays a few people out on special teams, who knows?

Thoughts?

This is a silly move because we not sure how mendy will be from his broken Shoulder and FWP has been having Injury Promblems and is only signed thru this year.
I think Russell would have been worth keeping

I would not have been surprised if it were Carey Davis. I wish Gary Russell BOL. I sure he will find a good opportunity somewhere in the league.
Frank the Tank is a FB. Maybe…just maybe Ariens is…. Naw! He could not be thinking that.

I bet either…

 - They are definitely sure they can get a Frank Summers type in the draft
 - He failed a physical / showed up out of shape / some other bad sign that he wouldn’t perform
 - They think they can cut him, create cap room, and that he’ll be around for re-signing later in the summer if need be

I think the latter is the most likely.

syrsteelerfan, how much cap room are you going to save by cutting him now? He’s on a rookie free agent contract, which is the bottom of the barrel salary-wise. They obviously believe they either have something better on the roster now or soon will be in order for them to make this move.

I’m anxious to see how the draft will play out, but I will give this front office and our scouting department the benefit of the doubt on decisions such as this until they prove otherwise. Another step to 7th-Heaven BABY!!!!!

I bet it something off the Field
I forgot about Logan he would be a good Addition if he can Return Kicks just remember their field are bigger than the NFL i believe

Why now? Why not wait until after the draft, if we pick up a rb?

Must be they see something in Logan…the kid sounds exciting.

See ya GR, I thought he had the chance to develop. Someone will pick him up.

Oh, you know me so well. Got a good laugh off of that one. Take care, my brother and be blessed!

he made some great run in our run to #6. he must’ve made more than 1 mill for uis to release him

So quick to kick a guy to the curb without so much as a ‘thanks for scoring the first touchdown in the Super Bowl’.

I think this is about maximizing Russell’s options. Short of injury FWP, Mendenhall and Moore aren’t going anywhere. Davis is in a different catagory as a back and also has special teams upside. That leaves Russell to duke it out with any hotshot running back that makes it through the door. Champion status and the qualty of his performance in the SB means that he can have pretty good leverage around the league if he’s available early enough. If things don’t work out for him or the Steelers in terms of improving their circumstances, I’m sure the organization will be glad to welcome him back into the fold.

Guys, this is what Dale Lolley had to say about the release of Russell on his blog today:

“In an interesting move Thursday, the Steelers released running back Gary Russell, their primary kickoff return man and short-yardage specialist in 2008.
The move was announced at the same time as the team announced it had re-signed quarterback Charlie Batch.
It’s likely that this was a salary cap move. With the signings of James Harrison and Batch this week, the Steelers had to be tight against the cap.
Russell wasn’t making a lot of money, but the $450,000 or so in base salary he would have earned was likely used to sign Batch.
It also shows how much confidence the Steelers have that running back Rashard Mendenhall will be completely healed from the broken shoulder he suffered early in the 2008 season.”

Lolley also said in a follow-up post that the Steelers can free up some cap room by doing a long-term deal with Starks and by approaching Big Ben and Palomula to restructure their deals (i.e., accepting some of their base salary this year in a signing bonus).

If what Lolley is saying is dead on, then I think that G. Russell could be back in the fold later when they free up more cap room. If he isn’t signed by another team before the draft, then there’s a good chance that he could be back (if the Steelers want him back) because teams that need runners will try to scratch that itch in the draft.

I guess the Steelers are going to have to start redoing some contracts to free up money to sign the rookies and do other extensions. All in all, this has been a pretty decent offseason — except for the loss of Bryant McFadden. That still stings a little.

I think either CB Vontae Davis, CB Darius Butler or CB Alphonso Smith will be staring at the Steelers with the no. 32 pick next week. Would anyone on this board bite on one of those CBs there?

I think my top 4 choices at no. 32 for the Steelers are DE Jarron Gilbert, C/G Eric Woods, C/G Alex Mack and CB Darius Butler.

Thoughts?

OK, all, who do you take and why?

Maybe it’s as RickVA suggests, the team releasing Russell because he had an opportunity elsewhere that he was not going to get here with the Steelers so loaded in the backfield. This is where agents can earn their money for a client. Russell is young and has shown enough in brief glimpses to suggest he can be a rotation back for another team. The agent makes a few calls, finds out that Team A, B or C are interested and willing to pay a few more bucks, he phones Colbert and says do me a favor this time around and I’ll deliver Player X to you if he goes undrafted.

Still, it’s a bit surprising especially before the draft when a team cuts his best KO return guy and its best short yardage back. That in itself is a unique combination. I doubt the Steelers were so close to the cap that $450,000 was going to make that much difference, and if it was there are other guys under contract for close to the same amount who contribute much less than Russell. Jeremy Parquet is on the books for $460,000. As long as this move is not related to an off-field incident then I expect Russell to be signed elsewhere within a week.

… think about it… russell gone, maybe carey davis next. we’ll draft pat white in the 2nd round and put him and dixon together in the slot. we’ll pick up that missouri TE highschool steeler likes who catches everything but couldn’t block alonzo jackson. heath will walk after 09 and we’ll cut ben to make room for a dual QB spread scheme with white and dixon. it’ll be nothing but jet sweep and read-option and five wides from goal line to goal line. a bruce arians fantasy come true!

excuse me now while i go throw up in the bathroom…

Oh. My. God.

We will draft a kick returner

This is Willie Parker’s last year in all likelihood. Why would they sign a back that is partially effective, that is turning 30 next year and eat up cap space with him. You have Mendenhall and Mwelde Moore as your top 2. Willie will be gone and should be. I like him but as Parcells said, you have to keep the guys that you can’t win without. That is not Willie.

Steeler magic baby……we’re the best at drafting a no name, mid-round back and having them eventually become 1,200 or more yard Pro-Bowl caliber running backs…Never worry about SixBurgh when it comes to Linebackers or Running backs…It is what it is…..Steeler Magic!!!!

Guys, check out what Tomlin said the type of players he wants from this draft. I think we can all pretty much mark Vontae Davis’ name of the list. Here it is:

“I see it with increasing clarity the longer I have my job," said Tomlin. "I’m looking for guys who are talented and have humility, because the guys who are humble and even-keeled are the guys who will come into this thing and fit in, they’ll continue to grow and get better, they’ll take the criticisms of their game, they’ll be accountable."

Sounds like Eric Wood, Alex Mack, Jarron Gilbert to me. More and more people think Darius Bulter will be gone by pick no. 32.

If we take Wood or Mack first, then I hope we’d trade up to try and get Gilbert. If we take Gilbert first, then I think Max Unger will be there at the end of the second round. I think people are hyping up Unger a little bit more than what he’s worth. He didn’t look that great to me at the Senior Bowl. Regardless, I don’t think our scouts will be duped come draft day.

Anyone concerned if A. Boldin comes to Ravens via trade? As long as it isn’t Larry Fitzgerald, then I’m not that concerned. Thoughts?

they’d have to give their 1st and probably a 4th to get him (arizona wants a 1 and a 3 but i don’t see that happening). a 1 and a 4 is still a high price for a guy who’s 28, has had some injuries and (most importantly) is a me-first guy, especially when you consider that the ravens have some rebuilding to do on their o-line. don’t get me wrong — boldin’s tough as hell and can be a great player. but he’s high maintenance and i can see a dick lebeau D frustrating him into a sideline tirade (what’d he catch in the super bowl? 4 balls? that’s not gonna fly with antwan if he’s the #1 guy). i just don’t think he’s the kind of receiver you want to put with a young QB on the rise. you want to surround flacco with intelligent pros who will foster his growth, not with guys who yell at people when they don’t get the ball. if baltimore wants to fork over the picks i say let them have him…

Guys, here is Mike Lombardi’s mock draft at the National Football Post. The former Raiders GM and Mike Mayock are two of the people I respect the most in the business when it comes to evaluating talent. Here it is:

MOCK DRAFT NO. 2

1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia — The Lions must find a way to fix the most important position on the field.

2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, LT, Virginia — To me, the Rams’ line is their most pressing need. This pick is available for any team who wants a lineman.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest — It wouldn’t surprise me if the Chiefs tried to trade down and gain some other picks. I know they like Tyson Jackson, but not here.

4. Seattle Seahawks: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC — Too much value to pass for Seattle. The Seahawks can groom him for the future and make sure the franchise never has another downturn.

5. Cleveland Browns: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech — If they trade Braylon Edwards and Brady Quinn, the Browns may end up with three first-round picks in this draft. I think Sanchez is also an option here.

 
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Smith, LT, Baylor — They might be tempted to take Andre Smith here, but since Jason Smith makes it to them, the Bengals go with the more complete Smith.

7. Oakland Raiders: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland — Heyward-Bey’s speed is too tempting for the Raiders to pass up.
 

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama — The Jags have to find a way to improve their offensive line and Smith is a talented player.

9. Green Bay Packers: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi — The Packers might be tempted to draft Tyson Jackson, whom I hear they love. Oher is a hot commodity in the draft right now. Hard to pass on a legitimate left tackle, although I know they need defense.

 
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (trade with San Francisco): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State — The Bucs know they have to be aggressive to get their quarterback of the future. The 49ers move when Oher is taken.

11. Buffalo Bills: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas — The Bills have to generate a rush, and last year Aaron Schobel was not well.
 

12. Denver Broncos: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College — The Broncos have to rebuild their defense and specifically their defensive line. Getting Raji is a huge bonus.

13. Washington Redskins: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri — The ‘Skins must find a playmaker to go with Moss and help their quarterback make plays. I know they drafted wideouts last year, but they still need playmaker.

 
14. New Orleans Saints: Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State — Might be tempted to go with Malcolm Jenkins, but the Saints must find a way to convert short-yardage plays and need a big back to handle the chore.

15. Houston Texans: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee — Ayers can play all over the front and is capable of playing in any scheme. He’ll help with inside pressure.

16. San Diego Chargers: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State — The Chargers can go in many directions, but the key is to find a safety with range and ball skills.

 17. New York Jets: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State — Other than Dustin Keller, there’s not a tight end on the roster. They’d love a wideout, but there are risks with taking Percy Harvin. One thing about the Jets, the pick is always a surprise.

18. Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU — Two defensive linemen make sense for the rebuilding Denver defense.

19. San Francisco 49ers: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State — He helps their pass rush and can fit into their style of defense very well.

20. Detroit Lions: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi — A big tackle to help the Lions’ defense slow down the run and get more physical.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State — The Eagles love pass rushers, and Brown slipping to this spot will be too tough to pass up.

22. Minnesota Vikings: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC — Cushing can play all three-linebacker spots in the Vikings’ defense.

23. New England Patriots: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois — The Patriots would love a rusher, but with their age in the secondary, it might be hard to pass this talented athlete.

24. Atlanta Falcons: Evander "Ziggy" Hood, DT, Missouri — The Falcons need to find more talent in their defensive line. John Abraham had half the team’s sacks in ‘08.

25. Miami Dolphins: Larry English, OLB, Northern Illinois — English gives them a power player off the edge who can play on all three downs.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers — A big wideout with good speed is something the Ravens need. Might trade this pick for Boldin.

27. Indianapolis Colts: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia — The Colts need a defensive tackle, but Moreno might be too good to pass up at this point. They struggled to run the ball in ‘08.

28. Philadelphia Eagles: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona — The Eagles must repair their offensive line, and Britton is the last tackle with versatility.

29. New York Giants: Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss — The Giants need a wideout, but Nelson’s size/speed ratio is off the charts. He would give them a major dimension in the passing game.

30. Tennessee Titans: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut — An excellent athlete who fits the Titans’ defensive style.

31. Arizona Cardinals: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC — A versatile defensive player who can play in the Cards’ scheme and rush off the edge.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jarron Gilbert, DT, San Jose State — The Steelers love his athletic talent. If they go with a defensive lineman, they’ll take him.

I like this draft, even though I could easily see Woods at no. 32 rather than Gilbert. I take Gilbert because he has more upside, you have John Mitchell as a DL coach and Aaron Smith and B. Keisel as tutors, and the Steelers can trade up in the 2nd to get Woods, Mack, Unger or G/T J. Meredith from South Carolina.

Thoughts?

BallsofSteel,

How about this then, the Steelers take C/G Eric Wood at no. 32 then trade back up into the 2nd round to take DE/DT Jarron Gilbert? Well, since the team does have 6 championships, I’ll go with whatever they decide if they don’t like this suggestion.

Always enjoy your posts. Keep it up.

This is why I love this blog. We generated over 60 comments on the release of a pure role player who was likely to not dress for games this season.

Give me a break. You don’t sign a Wilie Parker to a multi-year contract when he is turning 30. Epitomy of stupid and the Steelers will NOT do it. In the NFL, running backs are the EASIEST position to replace. No, Mendnehall has not proved anything, but we should know, barring injury, if he is the answer. If not, we will fnd a younger back. Why in the world would you worry about signing Parker, when you will have no Left Tackle that can start signed, no right tackle signed, Heath Miller to be signed, a nose-tackle needed to replace Hampton (now 32), a need for a high-end DE to replace Smith (now 33), and extend Holmes and Polamalu. You can’t keep everyone. Yea, Willie is wonderful. He is gone after next year. And you know it. The Steelers did not get here by making dumb signings. Kendall Simmons was a dumb one. He did not warrant it. We can replace Willie far cheaper and get more. How long do you think fast Willie Parker will be fast by the way? How good to you think he will be then? He is gone next year.

Do you have this understanding:

Willie Parker Running Back
Year Yds per Carry
2008 3.8
2007 4.1

One can sit here and make excuses for the offensive line, the injuries, playing the Ravens twice, blah, blah, blah. I repeat, the Steelers will not signe Willie to a decent contract as he is easily replaceable based on his production. Willie will only keep aging and slowing down. We have too many needs upcoming due to age and contracts winding up to waste time on extending him.

In a perfect world, FWP would say he’s going to take less to be a Steeler for life. But the reality is someone is going to offer him more money than the Steelers. The Steelers have a good bead on what they think he is worth, and are not going to give him a penny more than that. Plus, with Mendenhall, Moore, & The Tank (hopefully) in the fold, they’ll be covered at this position if they lose him.

Willie has been a great rookie free agent find, but there are 2 things that have always bothered me about his game: 1) He never runs well against stout defenses. 2) He has no hands coming out of the backfield.

I think the Steelers will let him go before the wheels fall off. RB is a young man’s game.