In a somewhat surprising move, the Steelers have released longtime tackle Max Starks. Starks is rumored by some to be approaching 400 pounds (!!) and his cap hit was $5.14 million in each of the next two seasons. That’s an awful lot for a guy who hasn’t had a defined role in a few years and has trouble staying healthy.
The Steelers situation at tackle is still murky. Flozell Adams is still under contract with a cap hit of $5 million and the team is said to be close to signing Willie Colon. Another UFA, Jonathan Scott seems likely to come back and the Steelers also have rookie Marcus Gilbert. Depending how the numbers shakes out, Adams could be a cap casualty.
That’s a lot of tackles and none of them are particularly good. I’m sure the Steelers will at least kick the tires on a few unrestricted free agents, but nobody jumps out to me.
It’s looking like the starting offensive line will be: Colon, Kemoeatu, Pouncey, Essex and Adams/Scott. Given the team’s struggle to pass protect and run block during much of the year last season, I’m not exactly encouraged to see this group of five as the likely starters in 2011.
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