Steelers coverage and the NFL http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers wanted a big receiver and got one in round two with Limas Sweed, this could be a steal here. He had injuries issues as his wrist injury hampered him last year and in pre-draft workouts but he is very talented http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers wanted an offensive lineman but they are all gone... Rashard Mendenhall was sliding and the Steelers stepped in and stopped that. The Steelers like to run the ball and now he and Willie Parker will be another impressive duo http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net Ok here is our final 2008 NFL Mock Draft. Glad we got the first pick right and guaranteed not to get all 32 thanks to the Patriots, but never came close anyway http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net So it's time to release our first 2008 NFL Mock Draft - another will come Friday before the draft. There is lots of intrigue and different scenarios and some trades will factor in of course, but we'll take a look where things are at now. See our 2008 NFL Mock Draft http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Cardinals have signed a potential replacement for Calvin Pace and a familiar one at that, former Steelers starter Clark Haggans has signed on in Arizona. Haggans lost his starting job last year and is looking for a fresh start http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers are paying the snapper, long snapper Greg Warren signed a 3 year $2.3 million deal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net Finally with some cap room to work the Cardinals made a flurry of moves resigning guard Elton Brown, WR Ahmad Merritt andDE Bo Schobel and adding former Steelers QB Brian St. Pierre, WR Jerheme Urban and DT Joe Tafoya http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers have terminated the contract for WR Cedrick Wilson after he was charged with assault for punching his girlfriend. She had previously assaulted him and they clearly have some issues. Wilson caught 81 passes in his 3 years with the team http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers have signed former Panthers center Justin Hartwig who was release earlier in the off season to a 2 year $4 million deal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers have resigned LB Andre Frazier to a one year deal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers are not known for spending big, but to lock up their QB they broke the bank. The team has agreed with QB Ben Roethlisberger on an 8 year $102 million deal with $36 million guaranteed. That gives him more guaranteed money than Peyton Manning got in 2004 and just less than Michael Vick and enters him into the exclusive $100 million club. Roethlisberger, Manning, Vick, Brett Favre, Carson Palmer, Donovan McNabb all have been given deals in excess of $100 million http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net Yes we know the salary cap has risen and the newest free agents are getting paid huge. A couple that stand out to us are Bernard Berrian and Alan Faneca, but for different reason. Berrian is not a top 5 certainly or even top 10 player at his position, he had one good year and average one the year before. Yes he is an up and coming receiver with great deep speed, but $42 million for 6 years and $16 million guaranteed? Sure the top player at the position gets paid more than he should in free agency, but Berrian wasn't the top player... what about Randy Moss. No one really counted him as they thought he was going back to the Patriots. Now how can Moss accept anything less than this... he certainly deserves to be paid much more than Berrian but the Patriots won't be paying that much. The Vikings really raised the bar on receivers here. On the other side Faneca raises the bar for offensive lineman but he certainly is in the top 3 at his position in the league and deserved to be paid more than all the guys last year, especially ones who haven't even earned a free trip to Hawaii. Faneca got more, but too much more... hint to Moss. Parity exists off the field as well. By the same token these players should be getting more than all the draft picks coming into the league. After all remember the #1 pick in the draft this year will be pushing for $35 million guaranteed. Taking that into consideration what is Moss, Faneca or even Berrian worth in comparison? It is easy to see there are some real issues that need to be fixed, but don't hold your breath. Moss... he figures to see $20-$22 million guaranteed tops, but the real questions is who will pay it... New England, Green Bay... probably not, Dallas don't count on it... after the year he had who thought he would have this much trouble finding a contract http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net Former Steelers guard Alan Faneca felt some pain last year seeing other guards who are not in his league get huge contracts, today it is official and Faneca is now the leagues highest paid lineman getting a 5 year $40 million deal from the Jets with $21 million guaranteed. That is a huge sum for a guard but Faneca is the kind of lineman that makes everyone else on the line better. Certainly the left side of the Jets line just took a huge step up and he will be a major influence on youngsters, left tackle DeBrickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The New York Jets big prize in free agency was Steelers guard Alan Faneca, they got him but he didn't come cheap. They have agreed in principle to a four-year, $32 million deal that includes roughly $23 million guaranteed according to ESPN. Last year the price was set at $7 million per year for top guards, but none of them were as good as Faneca who sets the bar at $8 million per and over 70% of the deal is guaranteed http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Jets appear to be the front runner for Steelers guard Alan Faneca. Last year it was assumed to he follow the coaching staff to Arizona but that never materialized and the Jets could use him dearly. They also want Asante Samuel but may miss there and land Kris Jenkins http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Rams desperately need to improve their offensive line. It will take free agency and the draft to do it. Look for them to at least be a player for Steelers guard Alan Faneca. Another name to watch is 49ers guard Justin SMiley who they are familiar with after seeing him twice a year. Smiley would be much less expensive, but Faneca ideal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Pittsburgh Steelers have released 3 veterans, TE Jerame Tuman, LB Clint Kriewaldt and returner Allen Rossum http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers have resigned DE Travis Kirschke to a 2 year deal. He is a valuable backup and started 4 games last year filling in for an injured Aaron Smith http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Kansas City Chiefs have cut starting OG John Welbourn starting an off season that figures to see a high player turnover. There are certainly more veterans to be cut the most obvious is LB Kendrell Bell, but the biggest name may be Ty Law. If Law does get the ax, what are the odds the Patriots may look to bring him back. He isn't the player he once was but he fits the system well and they do well finding the right mix of youth and aged veterans. Bell was the defensive rookie of the year with the Steelers and looked like he was going to be a star before getting injured in his second year and never really returned to his previous form http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net Ah yes tax time is near and the pain of seeing how much money we fork over to cause deep pain in our stomachs. Then of course there is all the good that comes from it, such as members of congress spending the day listening to the he said she said of Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee (don't forget Andy Pettitte too) and now a new wonderful word "Nannygate", ugh what has this world come to? Add to that Arlen Specter grilling NFL commissioner Roger Goodell over the spygate issue, threatening congressional hearings and the league's antitrust exemption. Do these blowhard's not have anything better to do with their days??? Do we not have any serious issues to be tackled in this great country that we have time to bicker and seek headlines with this crap? Hey guys call me when you fix the economy, health care, homelessness in this rich country and a list longer than.... then we can get around to which retired baseball players did what. Other than Barry Bonds the rest of this is ridiculous and makes me not want to pay attention to the sports we all love so much. This country has become addicted to soap opera's and reality crap where everyone wants their 15 minutes. It's not like this is all brand new, the Steelers of the 70s admittedly used steroids and they certainly were not alone but no one is calling to take back their Super Bowl wins. Lester Hayes is probably my favorite corner of all time, but he reported used something to help him get a better grip. Can we all just move on and focus on trying to fix things rather than going over the top about the past. Either way Roger was dominant, the Patriots were superior and as much as it pains us Bonds was a Hall of Famer before they all crossed the line http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons have named secondary coach Emmitt Thomas as the interim head coach. Thomas has gotten some attention in the past as a head coach candidate and maybe this will help bolster his future. A good selection though not the expected one. Arthur Blank needs to hire the right person this time. Bill Cowher will certainly get a call as will Mike Singletary who was close last year. Whoever he selects better come with NFL experience and the ability to command respect. Singletary is getting a lot of talk early, but with a huge rebuilding project it may be a difficult task for him and we may wish better for such a classy guy. Cowher would get to stay somewhat close to home and Blank can certainly afford him, that might create the easy call http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The NFL suffered a tragedy with the loss of Redskins safety Sean Taylor who was shot in his home during a suspected buglary, he was 24 years old. We extend our sympathy to Sean's family, friends and teammates http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers have kept new head coach perfect on the year with a 37-16 win over the 49ers. It was a close game until the end, 17-9 after 3 quarters before they ran away in the 4th, the Steelers very ver solid and look to be in the upper class of the AFC for sure. The 49ers let it get out of hand in the hand but played well threw 3 and showed they are not as conservative as many were saying. They will compete in the NFC West but need to get Frank Gore going. He just 39 yards on the ground while Fast Willie Parker got 133. The Steelers got a big boost from kick returner Allen Rossum who returned their first kick 98 yards for a TD which was the difference early. The 49ers were able to move down the field but the Steelers defense held them to three field goals through the third quarter. The 49ers are hoping the knee injury to TE Vernon Davis isn't serious, he went out late after taking a hard shot after what should have been a first goal for the 49ers but a strange reversal after review called the pass incomplete, looked for sure like he made the catch and was down. The 49ers ended the drive with a field goal. A loss of Davis would be a serious blow to the offense that finally showed some life http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers and new head coach Mike Tomlin are off to an impressive 2-0 start after thumping the Bills 26-3. Ben Roethlisberger had another good day and Willie Parrker ran for 126 yards. The Bills offense just couldn't get it rolling, their defense was led by LB Paul Posluszny who had 12 tackles http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals have added a familiar center, signing former Steeler Chukky Okobi to a one year deal according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net It all started well for the Steelers who walked over the Browns... again. Ben Roethlisberger threw 4 TDs and and Willie Parker ran for 109 yards, need we say more http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net Cleveland Browns punter Dave Zastudil is out this week with a back injury, and who said the golf course isn't a dangerous place? To replace him the Browns signed Paul Ernster for this week against the Steelers http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers have locked up guard Kendall Simmons with a 4 year contract extension worth almost $24 million, that's a lot of money for a guard in Pittsburgh isn't it http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Eagles signed DE Kimo von Oelhoffen to a one year deal. The Jets had just released him in their final cuts and the long time Steeler will add some beef to the Eagles line where he will play end on run downs and can slide inside to tackle as well. Don't expect to see him too often on passing downs though http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net Former Pro Bowl returner Allen Rossum was traded by the Falcons to the Steelers Saturday for a conditional pick next year. The Steelers are looking for a boost in their return game and the Falcons obviously didn't think he'd return to the Pro Bowl year of 2005 form, last year he was not nearly as good http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Cardinals have released 37 year old punter Scott Player who had been with the team for 9 years. He is being replaced by Mike Barr who has never kicked in the NFL but had an excellent pre-season for the Steelers http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net RB Kevan Barlow may be on borrowed time. He was released by his hometown team, the Steelers, as they made their cuts down to 75 man limit. Barlow was a third round pick of the 49ers in 2003 and in his third year rushed for over 1,000 in part time duty and looked to be the successor to Garrison Hearst. However Barlow despite being a big back was a soft runner who rarely broke the first tackler and danced too much behind the line. The 49ers suckered a 4th round pick from the Jets last year for him and he was cut after the first year there. Strangely the Steelers signed him hoping he could be their powerful compliment to Willie Parker, what were they thinking. They cut their losses early http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net Here is a great article by Fox Sports' John Czarnecki about how the NFL rookie are being paid way too much. "It doesn't make sense that LaRon Landry is the highest paid safety in the game," Cowboys executive Stephen Jones told me. "And that Joe Thomas (Cleveland's top pick) has a better deal than Tom Brady. For example, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson signed yesterday for less guaranteed money than what Johnson and Thomas collected, and only a moron would say those rookies deserve more than one of the NFL's best running backs... we're right there with you John, good work http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Redskins have signed their first round pick, number six overall, S LaRon Landry to a 5 year deal worth a max of $41.5 million and $17.5 million guaranteed according to ESPN. Just last week Steelers safety Troy Polamalu got a 4 year extension worth just over $30 million and $15 million guaranteed... oh how screwed up this rookie system is. Landry looks to be the real deal, but Polamalu certainly is. Landry will team with Sean Taylor to make up the back half of a second where both player were top 10 picks and should be the best tandem in the league soon enough. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has been licking his lips ever since the draft to get these two lined up side by side. He likes to play an aggressive defense and with these two prowling he should be able to be creative http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is now the highest paid safety in the league according to ESPN. He signed a 4 year extension worth $30.19 million with over $15 million guaranteed. With his salary added from this year which isn't touched it is a 5 year $33 million deal. Now let's see what someone who has never played a down gets, LaRon Landry who was the sixth pick in this year's draft by the Redskins, his teammate Sean Taylor will be interested to see his numbers too http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Pittsburgh Steelers have resigned RB Verron Haynes, if healthy he will again serve as their third down back. Haynes tore his ACL last year midway through the year. They also signed Najeh Davenport and Kevan Barlow earlier in the off season but only one of them will make the team (read Davenport) as Willie Parker's backup. They want a power back behind Parker and ignore Barlow's profile where his size reads as a power back. He had one good year in San Francisco as a backup but has never done anything in a starting role and despite his size he runs soft and is usually taken down by the first guy http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net In round two the Steelers took another linebacker, Michigan's LaMarr Woodley. He can play in both defenses fronts for the Steelers, but is a surprise pick after getting Lawrence Timmons in round one http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers got a linebacker to replace Joey Porter in Lawrence Timmons at #15 overall, who can play in the 3-4 and will be an excellent weakside linebacker in the Tampa 2 if the Steelers switch to Mike Tomlin~s preferred defense. Timmons has great speed and instincts and was all over the field for FSU last year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The word voluntary by definition means, acting of one's own free will. The NFL definition of the word voluntary when used with the word workout is much different. Steelers guard Alan Faneca is acting of his own free will and not attending the Steelers voluntary mini camp according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, yet it is big news there. Faneca is entering the final year of his contract and is not happy at the pace of talks on an extension. He isn't required to be there but in the NFL that means if you like your job show up on time or 5 minutes early in New York http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net Nebraska DE Adam Carriker will be visiting with the Eagles, Jets, Rams, Steelers and Redskins before the draft according to the Sacramento Bee. Carriker can play end or tackle on the defensive line and was a standout at the Senior Bowl where he shot up the charts http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net Linebacker Joey Porter may now be a member of the Miami Dolphins, but he still has some Pittsburgh Steeler in his blood. According to the Las Vegas Review Journal he was cited for misdemeanor battery after allegedly punching Bengals left tackle Levi Jones over the weekend. Just wanted the Dolphins wanted to see from new highly paid free agent we're sure http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt brought WR Sean Morey from Pittsburgh to the desert. Morey doesn't see the field much on offense but is an excellent special teams player that Whisenhunt was familiar with http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers have signed former Bucs guard Sean Mahan to a 5 year $17 million deal with a $4 million signing bonus according to ESPN. Mahan can play guard or center and will give the Steelers some flexibility in replacing Jeff Hartings who retired http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The San Francisco 49ers will match the Steelers offer to restricted free agent punter Andy Lee according to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. The Steelers signed him to a 6 year $7,1 million offer sheet with a $1.66 million signing bonus http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed 49ers restricted free agent punter Andy Lee to an offer sheet. The 49ers now have 7 days to match the offer or they will receive the Steelers 6th round pick in return http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Miami Dolphins have signed former Steelers LB Joey Porter to a 5 year $32.5 million deal with $20 million guaranteed according to the NFL Network. Dom Capers will be looking forward to working him into his defense http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Pittsburgh Steelers had a visit from 49ers restricted free agent punter Andy Lee who went to college at Pitt according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. If the Steelers sign him to an offer sheet the 49ers don't match, the Steelers would give up a 6th round draft pick in return. It's a safe bet the 49ers will match the offer unless it is a blockbuster or contains a poison pill of some kind. Lee has handled the winds of Candlestick and is a very good holder as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Bengals and Dolphins will vie for former Steelers OLB Joey Porter. As we reported earlier the Dolphins were a team to watch, their interest has now been confirmed by numerous outlets. The 49ers and Cowboys were two other teams that could have been interested but neither is likely to get into the mix. The Chargers were also mentioned but they have a solid group of linebackers already. The Dolphins are probably the better fit but in Cincinnati he would get to face his former team twice a year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Pittsburgh Steelers will host Patriots OLB Tully Banta-Cain Tuesday as they look for a replacement for Joey Porter. Banta-Cain is a pass rush specialist and can play OLB or rush end as the Steelers potentially transition to a 4-3 defense this year or next http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net Former Steelers OLB Joey Porter is looking to cash in after being released. The Browns are out of the race after signing Antwan Peek. The Bengals are interested and the Cowboys and 49ers could show interest as well. He will be 30 years old later this month and after not having a great season some wonder if he will have great production going forward. He still can get after the passer if he has less responsibilities to drop in coverage and could do well rotating in and out at linebacker in a 3-4 or as a rush end for the Bengals. Another team to watch would be the Dolphins where Dom Capers would get the best out of him http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The rumors are floating in Cincinnati of former Steelers OLB Joey Porter signing soon with the Bengals. He is a 3-4 outside linebacker but would be a situation pass rusher if he signed with the Bengals, and wouldn't that be interesting http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers have resigned RB Najeh Davenport, who came over last year from the Packers to replace Jerome Bettis. He didn't have much impact last year gaining just over 200 yards but figures to be more involved this year in tandem with Willie Parker http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Pittsburgh Steelers have released OLB Joey Porter and RB Verron Haynes. Porter's play didn't match his contract and you have to wonder about Mike Tomlin's desire to slowly switch to a 4-3 maybe not being quite as slow. Haynes was a solid backup but missed over half the year with a knee injury http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net Tomorrow morning isn't Christmas but may seem like it in some NFL cities as free agency begins . There will be some quick signing and the sticker price will shock and awe http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Pittsburgh Steelers have extended the contract of DE Aaron Smith for four more years keeping him with the team through 2011. He was set to be a free agent after next year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers will run a 3-4 yet this year according to new head coach Mike Tomlin but that doesn't mean OLB Joey Porter will be a part of it. With a roster bonus due next week and a big salary he could be on his way out. His play is not at the same level of his contract anymore and is likely to be looking for a new home. Think he'd like to play a situational role in Cleveland? That would make those games even more interesting http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Steelers will keep the 3-4 defense in 2007 but look for Mike Tomlin to start looking to transition as well. Watch the draft picks and safe money is on them being better suited to pay the cover 2 defense in 2008. Jerry Porter is getting old at OLB and likely will keep the spot for a year and without a replacement will start the process of change. Corner back is a need as well but switching systems may benefit the players already there. They are able to support the run but have given up plays down field. The cover 2 would protect them more http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders have hired Darren Perry as their new secondary coach. He previously held the same spot with the Steelers http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net According to Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints will play next year in the Hall of Fame game on August 5th http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28 PFInsider.net Steelers center Jeff Hartings has decided to retire according to teammates. He played 11 years in the league with the Steelers and Lions at guard and then center for the Steelers. http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=28