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The retention of CB Brice McCain seemed all but a forgone conclusion weeks ago, but the issue became decidedly more clouded on the opening day of free agency when three franchises all expressed interest in signing the 28-year old career role player who found his footing as a contributor as a member of the Steelers during the 2014 season.
Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, the Dolphins, Titans and Vikings -- the three teams interested in McCain -- all possess vastly more cap space than the Steelers, although Pittsburgh undoubtedly gives him the best chance to contend for a Super Bowl.
The Dolphins appear to be the most serious pursuer of McCain, and even brought him in to visit with officials and have discussed terms of a contract, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.
Miami has already made the biggest splash of free agency, inking DT Ndamukong Suh to the largest contract in the history of the NFL for a defensive player with over $60 million in guaranteed money, but the team will now set it's sights on adding depth to a reasonably sparse roster. McCain could be an excellent fit in Miami opposite Pro Bowl incumbent Brent Grimes, which is a potentially troubling reality for the Steelers. Salguero also alleges the Steelers have a three-year offer on the table for McCain.
McCain has stated he prefers to remain a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he's in position to cash in on a moderately lucrative contract given his surprising production last season, and the Steelers certainly won't be engaging the Dolphins in a bidding war; a fact demonstrated when they allowed Mike Wallace to depart in 2013.
Ironically, the player the Steelers figured they would lose, Jason Worilds, has yet to receive any serious inquiries, while the unheralded McCain, a player many figured they could easily retain, is being treated like the prettiest girl at the ball.