We robbed Max, the profootballtalk.com called in a ski-mask maneuver. We robbed him w/o a gun, mask, or any accomplices. I truly feel we are paying him below value. Plus he is the best lineman we have.

I’m still stuck on Stapleton and Colon getting beat by linemen running X stunts. The first stunts you learn in peewee football as a 7 yr old

That’s what I’m afraid of.

I do think it was competition for a starting job that kept Max in trim shape for a big guy. When he got bigger in 06 he got slow. That’s one of the reasons he was benched for Colon. He came back in fantastic shape last year, and I hope that trend continues. But my biggest concern with this deal is he grows a bit lazy. I hope Tony Hills can push him, if not this year, then next.

I have found myself very muddled over the Steelers handling of Starks. He appears to be the beneficiary of Pittsburgh’s roster challenges along the O-line. Last year’s “Transitional Tag” on Starks seemed more out of necessity, then from the conviction that he is a valuable asset—and must be retained even at “Transition Tag” prices. The “Franchise” marker this offseason was obviously more to avoid what would happen if Starks left, then based on what franchise changing contribution the LT might make. So, when we say we got Starks for a steal, might we be falling into the trap of assuming a player is worth retaining at his inflated “tagged” price? Inevitably his new contract numbers will seem modest in comparison. The truth, however, might be that Starks’ contract either reflects his actual value (and, therefore, is not a steal), or could even prove to be an overestimate of what #78 will contribute over the next 4 years…

Obviously it’s a good deal for the Steelers. They finally end the tag game with Max and lock up the most important position on the O-line for four years, while also clearing cap space immediately for another player. There is also now a fixed amount of time in which to draft and/or develop his eventual successor. I think it’s also a good deal for Max. He gets more guaranteed money than he would have received under the franchise tag, which while lucrative provided no security for the future. Another factor is his age. This deal is going to allow him to become a free agent at just 31 years old. If he’s motivated to prove himself an elite LT — or, even better, if he’s forced to improve by competition from Hills or a future draft pick — then it’s a win-win situation for both sides.

Max signed a deal that is good for the Steelers and good for him. Max pocketed $10M in the bank yesterday as his wedding day approaches, can earn $26M during the next four years and probably more than that if he hits all of his contract incentives (Pro Bowls, Super Bowls, etc). Don’t forget the millions he pocked this past year with the transition tag.

For the Steelers, it allows them to continue to compete for championships while this window is open. Starks still has upside and has shown to be a better LT than RT. And you now have your 2-time winning QB and LT under contract for the next four years.

This also gives the Steelers the opportunity to continue to rebuild their OL and find their linemen of the future. Maybe players like Hills, Urbik, R. Foster, Shipley or etc. will be a part of that line, or maybe not. It’s good to see another one of the Steelers own draft picks rewarded for their play. It sends a positive message to the rest of the team that when the Steelers select you, and then you perform, they will make the effort to re-sign you. Players won’t break the bank here, but you will be taken care of (Big Ben is the exception on breaking the bank) and will have the opportunity to compete for championships.

Now, it’s on to Heath, Reed, Clark, and then Keisel & Big Snack. I think the handwriting is on the wall for FWP. I wouldn’t be surprised if Keisel inks something that will be a hometown discount. As for Snack, unless he gives a discount, I’d let him play out the year. I think the team would benefit greatly from a hungry Big Snack.

YIPPEEE! I was really hoping they’d get this done. Phew.

That’s an additional signing I’d like to see.

Here you go:

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Diner-morning-news-Building-the-lines.html

I know that a lot of people on this site have had no use for Starks (or any of the current crop of O-linemen). I for one have been continually puzzled by why. IMHO he has been nothing but a quality player with little of the downside that his replacement at RT has shown. This move creates a mental cornerstone around which the O-line can build in the coming few years. We really haven’t had that since Jeff Hartings retired, given the contract and injury situations involving Faneca and M. Smith. With the experience and confidence gained through the championship run and the maturation of the younger players the O-line could become quite good in faster time frame than we might expect.

As for the other potential FAs. Let’s not take Reed for granted. He has been remarkably steady and consistent over the years playing on a field (Heinz) that generally speaking is Hell on kickers. He has been the one constant bright spot in special teams play. I also don’t take the fact that he was voted a team captain lightly. Kickers aren’t often accorded that honor. Don’t necessary rate him above Miller, but not below him either. In all other cases the jury is still out. For example, I don’t necessarily extend Keisel or Hampton until we see what we’ve got in camp in terms of competition (in the case of Keisel) or Snack comes to camp in good shape. With all due respect to datruth, If FWP stays healthy and puts up Pro Bowl caliber numbers it would be crazy to write him off. Especially if Mendenhall and Co. aren’t doing much better.

Will we ever learn why he got benched? Willie? Really?

WB Blizt!

For the record, anyone that questions Max’s work ethic is either in the closet reading sports or has his or her head under a pillow. Look at his career as an individual in school, sports, community and family. Every single year that Max’s has reported for camp he reported in top shape, as he would spend his own dime and trained for three months out in the desert in Arizonia. Even when he was benched he did not give into the naysay talk and he kept his spirits in tact, and hired a great life coach to make sure that he made his coaches “terrbile” decision turn into the best decision for him. Every single time he has prove the sports writers from high school, college and now the NFl wrong. And anyone that question his work ethic is an idiot.

Who is 27. graduate from college with honors, on the board of the symphony, in the leaque, destine to play with same team until he is 31, with 2 Super Bowl Rings? Max Starks. What is next for him? Max is getting married this weekend. So marriage and kids. Max has signed a long-term contract with the Steelers, that has eluded him since he became a free agent two year ago. Max has earned everything that he has gotten, but he also understands the NFL is not for long. So he is trying to Maximize his years while he is earning large sums of money by investing well, and also givning back to the community. Last year he attended the NFL Broadcasting School (chosing from a few); Northwestern and Stanford Continuing MBA program the years before. Yes he graduate from Florida with honors inspite of a professor who wouldn’t give him a grade so that his degree would be conferred. So what did he do to set the record straight? Max went back to school on his off day, practice two a days and put up with all the bull that come from being benched for a less skill player ,to winning his rightful position on the line. Now you know 77, was his Florida number — Maybe the Steelers would considered post the draft award him that number (Smile) But the only thing that has eluded Max is the Pro-Bowl… now nation it is up to you.

This has been a love hate relationship mostly with sportswriters. Max does not fit the stereo-type player that they love to destroy. Max is intelligent, humble and a killer on the field. Max was too big to play football until he went to college so he was not a Pee Wee Footballer or Pop Warner. Max came out of nowhere and made his name. And he didn;t learned about his famous football family until he was 17, and inspite of all that scrutiny he is 27 with two Super Bowl Rings. Willie Parker contributes his rise in the 2006 Suoer Bowl to Max’s action on the field, but the press gave it to Fanaca Who? the cry baby is long gone and he should have just been more humble and waited for another ring. Santonio also contribute Max’s blocking to his rise in the Super Bowl. Remember when FAnaca; Simmons and Smoth went down — Max was the senior person on the o-Line and he was the only one that had ever won a Super Bowl. Pittsburgh baby!! He carried the momentum and he set the pace for that game. You should be sending him flowers.
Sportswriter are always looking for sensationalism.. Max just give you consistent best….
Why don’t you write about that? Also why was he benched? You never wrote the truth. it was not his ablity, it was his agent status — tenuous so they thought they needed to develop new talent that wouldn’t leave. Asked Willie Colon who help him with his assignments. Who is always helping the Rookies to adjust. Not the quarterback. i can quarantee you that.

Max is on our board and we love him. We just completed a weekend of Max’s All Star Champions in Orlando. The is a program called “Character in Action.” Max started the program to extend his brand to the community beyond just sports. Over 300 kids and their parents gathered at the Downtown Recreational Center in Orlando for a pep rally on Characters Needed for Success. Parents and kids participated in the discussions and there were bands, cheerleaders, skits, old school music, fun,games and prizes. Message sent a televised message directly from the trophy room since he could not be there this year. "Character can be achieve by winning trophies. Character – It begins when you adopt the characters to succeed in life, school, community, family. Honesty, Integrity, Work Ethics, Team Work, Community, understanding and appreciation of diversity, Kindness, Charity, Leadership, etc. This was a great program and city officials as well as former NFL & NBA players attended along with Corporate Head. A pact was made with the community to conduct the program year round.

We know Max and we love him!!!!

This is something I’ve been pulling for. I’m a big Maxamillion fan and I’m hoping he gets a good shot at switching back to RT. But if not its ok by me as I think he anchored left pretty good.

Good step forward and once again the FO does what nobody thinks possible