NFL Free Agency: Who Would You Take?

The insanity that is known as the NFL free agency signing period is about to start.

Perennial Pro-Bowler Jeff Saturday has declined the offer made to him by the Indianapolis Colts. Saturday has instructed his agent to contact the Steelers on Friday, because he wants to be a Steeler.

Everyone that watched the Steelers this year knows they are in need of some serious O-Line help.

If Pittsburgh is going to go into free agency to sign replacement offensive linemen, who would be your first choice?

Jeff Saturday, UFA, Indianapolis Colts.

As stated earlier, Saturday has told his agent that he wants to be a Steeler.  Depending on how much money he wants to make, this is now a distinct possibility.  Saturday said he is even willing to move to Guard, the position he originally played.

Saturdays agent, Ralph Cindrich told the Pittsburgh Tribune that Saturday is a Rooney type of guy if there ever was one.

Saturday is entering his 12th season.  At 33 years old, will not be a long-term solution to any of the Steelers long term needs on the line, however he would be a great short term solution.

Matt Birk, UFA, Minnesota Vikings

Also an unrestricted free agent.  Birk has played his entire 12 year career with the Minnesota Vikings.

Although the Vikings are negotiating with Birks agents, rumor has it the Vikings are looking for his replacement in the first round of this years draft.

Jason Brown, UFA, Baltimore Ravens

Brown has started every game the last two seasons for the Baltimore Ravens.  He was a fourth-round pick, and has developed into a pro-bowl caliber player.

Brown is only 25, and signing him would be a benefit two-fold.  He could immediately start at Guard or Center, and would no longer be blocking for the Ravens.

Mike Goff, UFA, San Diego Chargers

Goff has missed only three games in the last nine years.  He is big (6'5, 311) but also getting long in the tooth.  At 33, Goff is probably looking to break the bank, which wont happen in Pittsburgh.

Khalif Barnes, UFA, Jacksonville Jaguars

Barnes is bigger than Mike Goff (6'5, 325), and considerably younger at 25.  Barnes is in his fifth season having only missed 7 total games in his career, none last year.

Barnes is also a Tackle, as opposed to Goff.  With Max Starks having played both Tackle spots in the Super Bowl, Barnes could be brought in at Left Tackle and move Starks back to the right side.

The Steelers have already franchised Max Starks, so the departure of Marvell Smith is already certain. 

Chris Kemoeatu, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers

Kemoeatu did a wonderful job filling in for the departed Alan Fanaca.  Maybe too good for the Steelers.  Kemoeatu (6'3, 344) is only 24, and like Khalif Barnes, is going to be in high demand on the free agent market.

In a perfect world, I would like to see Pittsburgh re-sign Chris Kemoeatu, at Guard.  Then Bring in free agents Khalif Barnes to play Left Tackle, and Jason Brown to come in and play Center.

All three players are under the age of 25 with plenty of experience between them.  We would then have Max Starks (6'8, 345) who is 28 and Kendall Simmons (6'3, 315) at age 29.

This would be a solid line that could be together for years to come.

But, I have to stop pipe-dreaming.  There is virtually no chance this is going to happen.  Odds are though, we may get one.

Who do you want?