The All-Ex Steelers Team illustrates how when it comes to free agency, the Steelers know when to let go

With Lawrence Timmons, Markus Wheaton and Jarvis Jones finding new teams via free agency, some fans (yes, I know, not you) never cease wondering if the team let these guys leave too soon. Sure it has happened before, most notably Rod Woodson in 1997, but for the most part the Steelers seem to have a knack for knowing when a player’s time in Pittsburgh has come to a close. Some guys like Hines Ward, Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu chose retirement instead of extending their careers elsewhere. Some players were in the Steelers plans, but the team did not feel they could afford them and failed to fight for them. With some free agents or released players, the franchise’s lack of interest screamed loudly, “Don't let the door hit you where the Good Lord split you.”

So, it got me thinking. Of the current men (those who, at least, occupied a spot on an NFL roster in 2016) who once donned the black and gold, who are the best that left? By looking at the following list, It’s of my opinion that the departures of Steeler Nation ended up being minimal. There are no players like Woodson, that the Steelers have regretted their leaving yet. Timmons could be one of those guys, but time will tell.

Without further ado, here are the players that comprise the all Ex-Steeler list...

The All-Former Steeler Team

QB

Brian Hoyer (2012) - San Francisco 49ers

RB

LeGarrette Blount (2014) - New England Patriots

FB

John Kuhn(2006) - New Orleans Saints

WR

Emmanuel Sanders (2010-2013) - Denver Broncos

Mike Wallace (2009-2012) - Baltimore Ravens

Markus Wheaton (2013-2016) - Chicago Bears

C

A.Q. Shipley (2009) - Arizona Cardinals

G

Wesley Johnson (2014, was poached off practice squad) - New York Jets

Chris Scott (2011) - Carolina Panthers

T

Kelvin Beachum (2012-2015) - New York Jets

Kraig Urbik (2010)-Miami Dolphins

DL

Nicholas Williams (2013) - Miami Dolphins

Ziggy Hood (2009-2013) - Washington Redskins

Steve McLendon (2010-2015) - New York Jets

ILB

Lawrence Timmons (2007-2016) - Miami Dolphins

Sean Spence (2012-2015) - Indianapolis Colts

OLB

Jarvis Jones (2013-2016) - Arizona Cardinals

Travis Feeney (2016, was poached off the practice squad) - New Orleans Saints

DB

Brice McCain (2014) - Tennessee Titans

Crezdon Butler (2010) - Detroit Lions

Doran Grant (2015) - Jacksonville Jaguars

Valentino (Antwon) Blake (2013-2015) - New York Giants

P

Brad Wing (2014, was traded to New York) - New York Giants

K

Randy Bullock (2016) - Cincinnati Bengals

KR/PR

Jordan Todman (2015) - Indianapolis Colts

ST

Will Johnson (2012-2015) - New York Giants