Pittsburgh Steelers' Offseason Update

As the Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for the 2009 season, it is business as usual.

Management is currently working on a new contract for reigning Defensive MVP James Harrison, with the outside linebacker due to make less than $1.5 million in 2009.

Harrison's agent, Pittsburgh-based Bill Parise, said in February that the two sides were working on a deal, and he was positive that it would be coming soon.

Here we are a month later and no new deal has been signed.  Harrison is in Pittsburgh for offseason workouts.  From the organization's standpoint, no new deal would have been worked out, had Harrison not been there. 

If they wouldn't work out a deal with Hines Ward absent, they certainly won't do it for Harrison.

But to be honest, is Harrison really worth breaking the bank for?

LaMar Woodley is doing an amazing job opposite of Harrison.  Lawrence Timmons, who everyone thinks is ready to be a starter on the inside of the linebacker corps, could easily stay outside and play just as well as Harrison, if not better.

James Farrior just re-signed for another four years, and Larry Foote could be re-signed after this year to patrol the middle.

Pittsburgh also has the option of drafting another OLB to fill the void if Harrison leaves.  If the Steelers draft one, Harrison is entering his final year as a Steeler.

Look what the Ravens did with Ray Lewis.  He is only one year older than Harrison will be when his current contract expires after this season.

Draft Speculation

I find it humorous that all of the mock drafts have Pittsburgh taking an interior offensive lineman when they make the final first round selection at the draft in April.

I am not saying that they won't, but I won't be surprised if they don't.

Pittsburgh is known for drafting the best available player.  That is how you build a successful team.  If the player they see as the best available is an offensive lineman, then that is who they are going to take.

If it happens to be a corner or safety, Shawn Smith from Utah for example, then don't be shocked if that's whose name is on the draft card they turn in.

Free Agency

A couple of players were brought in for interviews in the second week of free agency, which is the norm for the Steelers every offseason.

Former Buccaneer WR Joey Galloway was in for a visit, but at age 36, he really didn't wow the team enough to be offered any kind of deal.  Galloway later signed with the New England Patriots.

Chris Carr, return specialist and CB of the Tennessee Titans, was also in for a visit.  He left without a contract offer, too, and instead inked a deal with the Ravens.

Both of these men were decent this past year, but neither was a game breaker. 

No harm in letting either walk away.