NFL Draft Info - Pittsburgh Steelers

2010 Steelers Free Agency Recap

Another year, another time when I assume the Steelers are not going to do anything at all in free agency, well that is except lose players, and usually key players.  That’s what they do, they lose a key contributor, I get upset and curse out the decision, and usually end up eating my words as the player lost never is productive again (see Yancy Thigpen).

Casey Hampton- D Line- Resigned

The biggest thing (no pun intended) this year was their restricted and unrestricted free agents, namely Casey Hampton.  If you do not know, the defensive lineman in a 3-4 scheme are like pawns in chess, they are replaceable, plug in another one if one goes down.  When you have a great DT, or NT, it makes the 3-4 work so much better, and that is what Casey Hampton provides, power, control or the line, and lets face it, he takes up two plus blockers.  When they signed him to a three year deal, it completely surprised me, but I was pleased to see the big man come back and help the Steelers again.

Will Allen- Safety- Free Agent - Tampa Bay

I will be honest, when I heard this signing; I immediately thought it was the older of the two Allens.  This signing reunites Tomlin with Allen from their days in Tampa, which means he knows what Coach Tomlin expects out of his players.  I think he will fit right in and add some depth in the secondary as he can cover receivers as well.

Ryan Clark- Safety- Free Agent Resigned

With the injury to Troy Polamalu last season it certainly showed the flaws in Clark’s game.  He has a very tough time covering receivers and is much better at being the floater through the secondary.  He had a rough year, on and off the field, actually criticizing the Steelers fans.  The signing of Will Allen and the health of Polamalu will make Clark better on and off the field.  The signing of both adds depth for years to come.

Antwaan Randle El- WR- Free Agent- Redskins

An old friendly face rejoins the Steelers after a brief stint with the Redskins.  This was a great signing in every way; it adds depth to the receiving core as well as the return game.  Randle El was never used the correct way in Washington, he is a dynamic receiver that is great in the slot, and he can throw the ball too.  He won’t be a guy that wows you with his numbers, but he will make a difference in the locker room, look at Mike Wallace and Stefan Logan to improve on the field with Randle El as a mentor.

Larry Foote- LB- Free Agent - Detroit

Another familiar face returns to the team that gave him two Super Bowl rings.  I can’t complain that he left last year, he took decent money to play for his hometown team and he had a great year.  Foote will add depth at line backer and provide a multi dimensional LB, he can rush and drop back in coverage.  Great signing again as he know what Coach Tomlin and the Steelers are expecting.

Jeff Reed- K- Franchise Tag

I made fun of the Bengals last year for franchising Shayne Graham and not resigning TJ Houshmandzadeh, but at least the Steelers are not losing anyone by doing this.  I would not be surprised to have the Steelers resign him if he is on his best behavior as he has been arrested in Pittsburgh a few times drunk.  He is a good kicker, but needs to shape up his act.

Arnaz Battle- WR- Free Agent – San Francisco

What happens when you get a new job as a coach?  You find the guys that made you successful and get them on your team again.  That is what Al Everest did, he became the new special teams coach in Pittsburgh and Battle followed.  Battle has played all of the kick return and kick coverage positions and can help them in coverage.  He is also not a bad fourth or fifth receiver either.  Great signing, more depth, I see a trend to their free agency!

Jonathan Scott- OT- Free Agent- Buffalo

I do not know too much about this guy, he went to Texas, he is a big cat, 6-6, 310, and was cut by the Detroit Lions.  He has started more than 20 games as a OT, and size and consistency can help the Steelers line, he may be a good addition and not spending a draft pick.

There were some other small signings along the way to add to their roster, but these are the most crucial that I have seen.  They may not be as big as a Julius Peppers, but they add depth to an already good team that had injury issues last year.  Look for them to add more depth to the defense and offensive line.