My Two Cents.

imageFinally, some real Steeler news with the advent of the free agent signing period. The worst part of the silly season is over, at least until the draft is over . . . .

My favorite signing so far is the three year contract for “Big Play” Willie Gay. Aside from being the team’s most consistent cornerback, he is as mentally tough as any player on the roster.

Once the favorite whipping boy of more critical fans. Gay not only survived the torrent of catcalls for his ouster, he has improved to the point where keeping him was critical to the continued improvement of the secondary. Ike Taylor might have had a lot to do with Willie’s mental toughness. . . .

The signing of Ramon Foster is a relief. With Foster and Beachum potential free agents and Mike Adams missing all last season with and injury, we needed a signing to stabilize the offensive line. We now will have the same offensive line we played with most of last year.

Foster has come a long way since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He went from being an injury replacement for Chris Keomatu to beating him out and making him expendable. He is now a solid, if unspectacular, mainstay at left guard, an a leader in the locker room. . . .

I’m praying hard for Martavis Bryant. Word is that his current violations are missed drug tests rather than failed ones. Bryant’s agent claims he is battling depression. I wish him nothing but the best in defeating his depression, a strong and crippling foe. At this point, my concern is for his personal well being. He needs to get better before he can concentrate on his career. . . .

Reportedly, the Steelers have made an offer to LT Russell Okung, and are meeting with other offensive tackles. The front office appears serious about adding an experienced OL to protect Big Ben. I’m on board with that.  Ben is irreplaceable; money for his protection well spent.  The Steelers wisely see the next few seasons as prime opportunities to make a Super Bowl run. I have concerns about Okung’s health and even more about his price tag, but the Rooneys know better than me.   Making Ben’s protection a top priority could pay off big. . . .

I wasn’t as thrilled as many with re-signing of Darrius Heyward-Bey. While his special teams play was great, he still had too many drops.  My ambivilence evaporated with the news of the possible suspension of Martavis Bryant. . . .

The signings of Robert Golden and Roosevelt Nix made me happy. Both made great strides last year. Don’t you just love it when undrafted free agents succeed? The tradition continues — Donnie Shell. Willie Parker. James Harrison. Ramon Foster. . . .

Nobody can replace Heath Miller, but I’m excited about Ladarius “Pee Wee”Green (love that nickname). A 6’6”, 240 LB. tight end who runs a 4.5 forty makes nice new toy for Benny’s toy box. . . .

I’d love to see the Steelers keep Sean Spence, Kelvin Beachum and Brandon Boykin.  I’m not holding my breath, but these guys can play.

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