Pittsburgh Steelers Retooling: Looking Ahead to 2010 Free Agents

The 2009 offseason is upon us.  Unlike most years, we don't have a plethora of coming free agents.  Unfortunately, 2010 is going to be quite the different story. 

There are two things that need to be considered.  If there is no extention to the current CBA, players will not be eligible for unrestricted free agency until year seven.

There will be no salary cap for year 2010. 

On to the list.

RB - "Fast" Willie Parker.  In 2010 "Fast" Willie will be a UFA.  The big question here is, will he be worth a massive contract?  In 2010, Parker will hit the magic number for running backs, 30.  With Rashard Mendenhall seven years younger, and Mewelde Moore two years younger and showing he is more than capable as a third down back, this could be the last year for "Fast" Willie in Black and Gold.

WR - Hines Ward.  A few years ago when Hines was entering his contract year, and had a mini hold out over his contract status, Steeler fans were up in arms about re-signing him.  I don't see that happening this time around.  Hines will be 34, and unless he will be happy accepting a new role as third WR, he may end his career in another city.

DT - Casey Hampton.  The best 3-4 DT in the game.  Hampton will be 33 in 2010.  Will he have any gas left in his tank?  If the Steelers don't think so, they better draft his replacement this year.

DE - Brett Keisel.  Worked his way up to become a beast at DE.  Only one year younger than Hampton.  Again, if the Steelers don't think he has enough left, it is time to draft his replacement.

LB - Larry Foote.  I love Larry Foote.  Rumor has it, Foote will be released this off season, and he would like to go home to Detroit and play for the home town team.  He is the odd man out, but he will ALWAYS be a Steeler at heart.

LB - James Harrison.  This will be a top priority.  D player of the year and an all around maniac.

CB - Deshea Townsend.  Love him to death, but in 2010 he will be 35.  WAY too old for a corner.

SS - Tyrone Carter.  One year younger than Townsend.  Its been a great ride.

FS - Ryan Clark.  Only safety in the game that could play next to Troy Polamalu and still get recognition.  Needs to be a top priority.

K - Jeff Reid.  Anyone that can kick as accurately as Reid can in Heinz field needs to be resigned.

The following list of players will be UFA's only if a new CBA is reached.  If not, tender offers is all it will take to keep them for at least one more year.  If any team were to sign them it would have to give up the equivalent pick for the tender.

TE - Heath Miller.  No question a first round tender offer.  Will probably be re-signed before it gets to that.

CB - William Gay.  Stepped up pretty big this year.  Well see if next year he continues to grow.  Then make the decision.

P - Dan Sepulveda. - As much as I like him, he is a punter.  Wait and see.

TE - Matt Spaeth.  Great backup to Miller.  Big, strong, and decent hands most of the time.  Worth a mid round tender.

OG - Darnell Stapleton.  Did a decent job backing up Kendall Simmons.  Worth a mid round tender.