Why I Am Glad the Steelers Do What They Do During Free Agency

OK Steeler Nation. We are deep into free agency, one of my favorite times of the year. So far, the Steelers have not made any huge moves that warrant a live break-in press conference on ESPN.

There is no Terrell Owens or Albert Haynesworth smiling in a black and gold hat next to Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin. All I can say about that is, thank goodness.

The Steelers traditionally do not make many moves in free agency because the Rooneys realized a long time ago that teams do not win the Super Bowl in March. I am OK with teams like the Redskins and Giants (and even the Bills) making waves now, and no one paying much attention to the Steelers.

When the Steelers do sign free agents, most of the time the move turns out great. At the end of the day, the Steelers win games.

Let’s go back in time when free agency first began and how it worked for the Steelers (not all players but just the major ones that season. If I missed any guys or if I am wrong, let me know. I am doing this from memory):

Kevin Greene in 1993 from the LA Rams: He worked out well; made it to the Super Bowl with his outside pass rush. One of the first major free agents in league history.

John L. Williams in 1994 from Seattle: He played in a Super Bowl but was at the end of his career when he arrived in Pittsburgh

Erric Pegram in 1995 from Atlanta: He played in a Super Bowl and wasn't too bad in his two seasons with the Steelers.

Norm Johnson in 1995 from Atlanta: He was a good kicker for the Steelers.

Will Wolford in 1996 from Indy: He was OK but nowhere near the guy who played in Buffalo and Indy

Donnell Woolford in 1997 from Chicago: He sucked as a Steeler. What was Donahoe thinking?

Dewayne Washington in 1998 from Minnesota: He had his ups and downs.

Wayne Gandy in 1999 from the Rams: He was solid in my opinion.

Kimo von Oelhoffen in 2000 from Cincinnati: He worked out well. Very underrated and won a Super Bowl ring.

Jeff Hartings in 2001 from the Lions: He was very good, especially since he successfully switched from guard to center. He was a rock and I still miss him (Sean Mahan and even Hartwig at times will make one do that)

James Farrior in 2002 from the Jets: He worked out well. Won two Super Bowls and made two Pro Bowl appearances.

Chris Gardocki in 2004 from Cleveland: He was OK but not anyone you would write home about.

Duce Staley in 2004 from Philly: He started out so well and then just disappeared.

Tyrone Carter in 2004 from Minnesota: He is a reliable backup with two Super Bowl rings.

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