Steelers Extend Miller, Polamalu; Cut Foote In Salary Cap Moves

Everyone just stay calm. What you smell from the South Side is just the smoke coming from the pens of Omar Khan and GM Kevin Colbert as the Pittsburgh Steelers cut costs.

The biggest two names involved in the process are strong safety Troy Polamalu and tight end Heath Miller as each signed three-year extensions, first reported by NFL Network's Ian Rappaport and the National Football Post's Len Pasquarelli and since confirmed by Steelers.com.

Miller, who's negotiations were first announced Tuesday, is now to receive base salaries of $1.02 million in 2015, and $4 million in both of the subsequent years. Though, from what I've gathered, there is no guaranteed money in 2015 and 2016.

More immediately important is that his Salary Cap number down to $6,133,166 for this year. That is an approximate $3.4 million Cap savings from the previous $9.5 million Cap hit the Steelers were due to take.

The normally sure-handed Miller is essentially set up to retire a Steeler now. He is considered by many, most of whom tend to say "yinz" a lot, to be the best all-around tight end in the game. Something that one of his former coaches still touts. - http://tinyurl.com/kgck3c9

Polamalu, currently 32 years old, signed a similar extension. His was a three-year extension that lowers his 2014 Cap number by $4.5 million (it was $10.887M).

Per The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette from his Twitter (@EdBouchette) account, "Polamalu gets no new money to extend his deal by 2 years. #Steelers converted $6.75M of his $8.2 M '14 salary into bonus. Gets $1.5 M base."

Entering the final year of his four-year, $36.5 million contract, the guy with the hair, who had been very erroneously rumored to be cut. The City of Bridges would have seen jumps from some and burnings of others if the Steelers had made that move.

But, the man who is tied for seventh all-time on the Steelers interception list and who was rated by Pro Football Focus as the No. 5 safety in the league last season will retire a Steeler.

As for the other moves, it was announced first thing Wednesday morning that free safety Will Allen re-signed with the team, according to he and his agent Blake Baratz.

In just 12 games last season after returning to the team from Dallas, Allen, 32 in June, had 35 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass defense. His solid, veteran play and leadership will be needed again as the Steelers look to get younger in their secondary.

Speaking of getting younger, the Steelers announced the release of veteran inside linebacker Larry Foote. After signing a three-year extension last season, If It Ain't Steel said that he would likely only see one year of that deal. One year later...

He was set to earn $1.5 million this season. This gives the Steelers a Cap savings of $833,333 minus the $666,667 still owed him (dead money).

His ruptured biceps injury, and the steadily improved play of 2013 sixth-round NFL Draft choice Vince Williams, made his departure a sure thing.

The 11-year Steeler will be 34 in June and may hang up his cleats. He leaves with 621 tackles, 21 sacks, 19 PDs, nine FFs, seven FRs, three INTs and a safety for his career.

Offensive lineman Levi Brown was released as expected. The 2013 mid-season acquisition from the Arizona Cardinals never played for the Steelers and will clear $6.25 million from the Cap.

Curtis Brown, third-round Texas product from the 2011 Draft, never really panned out and was cut. His release frees up $645,000.

Injuries played into his exit as well. NFL writer and reporter Brian McIntyre reported via his Twitter (@brian_mcintyre) account that the "Steelers released Levi Brown and Curtis Brown with "Failed Physical" designations."

Add the money saved from the extensions, which essentially just moves money forward, to the contract cuts and the Steelers shaved approximately $15,628,333 million from the Cap and are very close to being compliant.

Next up are the contract situations with cornerback Ike Taylor, outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley, the re-signing of wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery and people keep suggesting another extension, one for someone named Ben...

Art Rooney II: Steelers Will Appeal Further Punishment, Praises Tomlin; Khan Gone?

Wednesday morning, Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II addressed the media regarding several matters associated with his team. Included among were support for head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and various other points.

Art II said that he would expect NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and the league to notify the team of any additional discipline - the losing of a draft pick - before the Spring owners' meetings, and that they would appeal it.

“(We've) notified the NFL that we would appeal if there is additional discipline," said Rooney II via Steelers Digest's Bob Labriola. "(We'd) disagree strongly if that were to happen.”

As Rooney II stated further, Tomlin has paid the piper. He took full responsibility for his actions and insisted that they were not intentional. He referred to them as "embarrassing" and "inexcusable" in the subsequent Tuesday press conference.

Tomlin paid the price dearly in fact, as he was fined $100,000 by the league for stepping onto the white area of the sidelines and nearly onto the field during the long kickoff return by Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones.

Never mind that similar incidents of coaches actually stepping directly onto the playing field had occurred previously and since, meeting little to no punishment. Now Emperor Goodell wants to take away team draft picks also?

“Mike has paid the price and as far we’re concerned," Rooney II further said. "It should be behind us.”

Yes, it should.

More from Rooney II: Preparing for next year, as he put it in his interview, starts from the top down. That means an evaluation of the head coach. Have no fear (or "eat it" to the haters), Rooney II is completely fine with Mike Tomlin.

"I thought Mike did a very good job in the sense that, even though we created our own situation, our team continued to play hard through adversity," said Rooney II. "That's not always easy to do. They continued to fight, continued to believe in themselves, and most of that is a tribute to Mike and the kind of coaches and players we have here. They fought hard all the way through, and in the end, we came pretty darn close to being in the playoffs. Like I said, I believe we were playing our best football at the end, which is what you want to have happen, and I think that's obviously due to coaching."

So, he's here to stay. Thankfully.

Someone, however, may not be here to stay. The Miami Dolphins have requested permission to interview Steelers Director of Football & Business Administration Omar Khan. Though he is mainly a Salary Cap wiz, don't underestimate the possibility of his leaving. Thus the hiring of Samir Suleiman last year as their Football Administration Coordinator and Khan assistant after the Jets showed interest in Khan. Is he a personnel guy, though? Plus, the Dolphins are a mess at this point. Time will tell, but Behind The Steel Curtain gives a further breakdown here: http://tinyurl.com/l99u4jo

Steelers Place LaMarr Woodley on IR - Are His Days Numbered?

"All of those things are up to discussion....Obviously with a new injury, similar to the one that had kept him out for a number of weeks, he may not be available to us and that might be a process that's discussed this afternoon." - from the Mike Tomlin Press Conference discussing LaMarr Woodley's injury - http://tinyurl.com/nbtqlt9

After discussing it, they made the decision many knew was coming. The  Pittsburgh Steelers placed outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley on Injured Reserve Tuesday, ending his season.

Woodley injured his calf when jumping to knock down an Andy Dalton pass on the second play of the Bengals game last Sunday night. Earlier this season, Woodley injured his left calf. This latest injury was to his right calf. In addition to the ankle injury, he was also hampered by a hamstring injury.

Over the course of the last three years, Woodley has seen his play and time on the field diminish. He has played in only 34 games, has missed 14 games as well as being unable to finish several others due to injury and has recorded just 18 sacks.

Not exactly living up to the approximate $36 million "earned" during that time. Meanwhile, Jason Worilds is an unrestricted free agent and has outplayed Woodley for essentially a year and a half.

As Steelers Digest's Bob Labriola pointed out on Tuesday, "While Woodley will have missed 14 games because of injury during the past three seasons, during the three seasons from 2008-10 he was one of the most versatile and productive outside linebackers in football. He stopped the run, recorded 35 sacks, had three interceptions and defensed 12 passes, forced six fumbles and recovered seven."

That, though, raises questions as to what could and/or should be done with a player who can't seem to stay on the field. Looking at what Labriola pointed out, it feels as if we're dealing with degrees of diminishing returns.

That being the case, taking into the pros and the cons of the situation is imperative.

For one, there is his contract. Per sportrac.com, Woodley is scheduled to earn $8 million in 2014 and to count $13.59 million against the Salary Cap. If the Steelers release him before June 1st, though, he will be a $14.17 million dead money hit against the 2014 cap. - http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/lamarr-woodley/

However, if the Steelers designate Woodley a June 1st release, they'd carry his full $13.59 million cap hit until then. That would save them his $8 million base salary, again against the Cap.

Alex, I'll take "Chickens Coming Home To Roost" for $8 million.

But, they would still suffer a $8.58 million 2015 dead money hit because of the prorated money from bonuses and restructures still on the books.

This all becomes especially relevant with the emergence of Jason Worilds.

Worilds is an unrestricted free agent linebacker after the season and the Steelers will want to do what they can to get him under contract or to place the franchise tag on him. Doing either would require having the cap space to do so, especially come June 1st.

Finding a way to bring back Worilds should be priority one. Last season, he had five sacks in 422 defensive snaps. According to Football Outsiders, that equates to approximately 10 sacks over the course of a season.

Beyond that, in an article If It Ain't Steel wrote back in March, Worilds "is decidedly better on the left side than on the right. Nonetheless, during those three seasons {2010-12}, he played 999 snaps or the equivalent to one full season. In that time he has 10 career sacks" in 10 career starts to that point.

This season he has become a virtual sack machine with six sacks in seven games and his 18 quarterback hits are more than the other outside linebackers on the team...combined. Most all of this is also, again, since moving to the left side. A fact which isn't lost on Tomlin.

“I think he is emerging and developing like all players should,” Tomlin said at last week's press conference. “He is healthy, more healthy than he has been in recent years....Also, I think he's a different, athletic matchup for right tackles.”

Others will be paying attention as well. Worilds could playing himself into a contract worth tens of millions. That's an amount the Steelers could find difficult to match, thus the consideration to designate him as their franchise player, an amount that could cost approximately $9 million, and then work on extending that into a long-term deal.

So, between Woodley and Worilds, head coach Mike Tomlin, GM Kevin Colbert and Director of Football & Business Administration (and resident Cap guru) Omar Khan have quite the decisions to make.

~

TIDBITS: To fill the roster spot vacated by Woodley, the team signed linebacker Jamaal Westerman who was released by the Buffalo Bills last week. He was originally an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers in 2009. Signed by the New York Jets, he has also spent time with the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts. He has appeared in 21 games over the past two seasons and has recorded 1.5 sacks. He just fills a roster spot and purely provides depth behind Jarvis Jones and Jason Worilds.

~

LB Kion Wilson, who was released from the Steelers' active roster on Saturday, has cleared waivers and was signed back to their practice squad.

Tomlin Takes Responsibility For Personnel Woes - Should He Do So Alone?

by Jason and Jayden

When things are going badly, like they have lately with the Pittsburgh Steelers, it's common and all too easy to point fingers. It's equally easy for the accused to retaliate defensively since we tend to operate with a self-conscious notion/tone without the perspective of relative responsibility.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin doesn't seem to have a problem with this.

In his weekly press conference Tuesday, Tomlin handled questions regarding the state of the team, which centered mainly around the historic beating they took with Sunday's loss still fresh in everyone's mind. Those questions expanded not surprisingly to the quality of players the Steelers have. When asked essentially how figures into draft-day decisions, he answered in no uncertain terms.

"I take responsibility for the players we've drafted," Tomlin said.

He even repeated it more succinctly and sternly when the media tried to have him expound upon his initial answer.

Falling on the grenade and, somewhat literally, taking one for the team is admirable of the Super Bowl-winning head coach.

Admirable, but inaccurate.

No single individual is solely responsible for each year's draft decisions. In fact, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert has in the past alluded to himself as having the final word in the NFL Draft. The coordinators and position coaches have a certain say in players as well. Beyond that, players have to take opportunities as they come and to make the most of them.

So, despite what he contends, this isn't by any means a burden that Tomlin carries alone. The Steelers' poor draft record through much of his tenure - in the five years from the 2008-2012 draft, only 18 of the 42 players drafted (43%) remain with the team - has many calling for him to not just fall on the grenade, but his sword also. Again, though, this doesn't fall solely on him. Not by a long shot.

Colbert has the responsibility to oversee the draft as well as the Salary Cap, with Omar Khan at his side, under which those draftees will perform.

He is directly in charge of providing the coaches, including Tomlin, adequate talent to be developed into a winner. By way of his own visits to games, suggestions from the coaching staff regarding players who catch their eye and the ever-so-vital information brought to him from the team's scouts, he looks to maintain a certain level of talent on the field. A talent level that has clearly been below the line in recent years.

Along with that is the Salary Cap which has been mismanaged since the uncapped year of 2010 when the team uncharacteristically signed several free agents that would result in their recent Cap hell that they still aren't completely out of yet.

In doing so, they have tied up too much of their Cap space in expensive contracts owed to older players past their prime (Aaron Smith comes immediately to mind).

As a for instance, they didn't attempt to retain cornerback Keenan Lewis this past offseason and instead re-signed William Gay and also chose to hold onto to 33-year old Ike Taylor. The result: Lewis has three interceptions for the Saints this season while the Steelers as a team have four.

Such bad decisions by Colbert and company cause them to constantly restructure contracts to get back down under the Cap. In effect, just pushing money forward and mortgaging their future, over which Tomlin has no control.

Returning to the draft itself, Tomlin does absolutely have a say in who is selected, yes. But could it just be that he doesn't have enough say? Or maybe it's that the two don't work together as well as Colbert and former head coach Bill Cowher did?

It is just speculation, yes, but it is certainly feasible. Cowher and former Director of Football Operations Tom Donahoe had their own issues during a time when the team was similarly bereft of talent and wins. Those issues turned into a bit of a power struggle that caused Donahoe to leave after the 1999 season.

Enter Colbert into the mix and the rest is history, as it were. But Cowher was established already and seemed to have greater control of the draft. Remember the t.v. shot of prospect Ben Roethlisberger on the phone being told he was about to be drafted by the Steelers? He was on the phone with Cowher.

Maybe Colbert isn't as qualified to take on majority control of the situation? Maybe he is approaching his Waterloo. - http://tinyurl.com/bh7eytc

Not to suggest an ouster or that another power struggle is forthcoming, but maybe he should acquiesce more of the control to Tomlin. Whatever may be most accurate, if Tomlin is to blame for the recent woes, Colbert and team president Art Rooney II are as well, if not more so.

Speaking of Rooney II, his role in more recent results cannot be understated. Though it might have seemed to make sense at first (as it was just meant to be a "tweak", right?), Rooney II's meddling in team affairs was the beginning of the current snowballing.

Rooney II's signing of the "retirement" papers for former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, after Tomlin had said Arians would be back, undermined Tomlin's authority and made him look like an impotent figure head.

Poor personnel decisions from the front office, like the release of Jonathan Dwyer in favor of Isaac Redman despite Dwyer having been the team's leading rusher last season, having fumbled less and having blocked better, have further tied his hands when attempting to put forth the best talent.

Yet, Tomlin stands firm and tall with a hypocycloid target on his chest willing to take the responsibility or blame, as a true leader should. Irrespective of whatever slings and arrows come his way, it's his dog and he's walking it.

Steelers Restructure Lawrence Timmons To Help Get Under Salary Cap, Roethlisberger Next

That was the tweet that Albert Breer of NFL Network sent out Tuesday morning. Lawrence Timmons' contract was the first to be restructured as Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers work to get under the 2013 NFL Salary Cap. Per Breer: "The move will free up approximately $5 million in salary-cap space for the Steelers" of the six-year, $50 million deal Timmons signed in 2011. - http://tinyurl.com/aclwuvj

Breer and others have pointed out that it was Timmons' roster bonus and another $4 million of his base salary that were combined and turned into a signing bonus in order to add up to the $5 million in Salary Cap savings. His, therefore was easy and, for lack of a better word, safe. The same may not necessarily be said for Ben Roethlisberger's deal.

Big Ben's base salary this seaaon is $11.6 million. The Steelers could convert over $10.6 million into a guarantee which would create $7.1 million in Salary Cap space reduction. But, as Pro Football Talk establishes, it may mortgage the future because "with a base salary of $12.1 million due in 2014, it converts to a minimum cap number of $18.325 million next year." - http://tinyurl.com/anptys7

With no extension, this wouldn't seem like a good thing when looking at the bigger picture. It would seem like more Salary Cap hell yet again next season. But, again as Breer speculates, that's just what the Steelers may look to do with their franchise quarterback.

"The Steelers' precedent has been to extend quarterbacks with two years left on their contracts," Breer commented, "and that would mean Roethlisberger could get a new deal next offseason."

That would be much easier on the Steelers and their needs to sign needed players, and it aids Big Ben in that he gets a really big check now (which is basically all a restructure is) and assures his future as a Steeler.

Maybe of even greater note Tuesday, though, was Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette reporting that the team met with James Harrison's agent, Bill Parise, at the NFL combine. Harrison, who will count $10.035 million against the Cap in 2013, so the meeting would seem to have been about that and a possible restructure.

The only viable way, however, to keep him is to ask him to take a pay cut. Parise had previously said that Harrison wouldn't take a reduction, but that the option wasn't discussed and the sides plan to meet again.

One can only hope that something gives, because there will be a degree of instability at the position next season with no real successor being groomed.

Will Harrison, Polamalu and Clark be Steelers in 2013?

Math isn't my strong suit, but even I can tell that $24,922,500 is more than -$12,000,000.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing some tough decisions as they delve deeper into the offseason. Yet again, first among those decisions is the Salary Cap and Rule of 51 dilemmas that have them more upside down than the typical Fannie Mae home.

The reason that's said is because the $24.9M amount above is the Cap hit that would be taken from linebacker James Harrison and safeties Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark alone. The negative $12 million is (most of) the amount that the Steelers are over the Cap. And as was stated in the previous "Salary Cap Update" article, those monies include the exclusive rights free agents, DeMarcus Van Dyke and Baron Batch. Then add to that the six restricted free agents, assuming all will be re-signed, and you have an approximate $8-$10 million more in contracts.

It doesn't take a math wiz at that point to figure out that not all three will be back. Harrison, though, may have made the decision as to which one that will be an easier one.

Harrison’s agent, Bill Parise, told John Harris of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that they’re "certainly willing to do (restructure). Do we need to take less money? I don’t think so. Personally, I think he’s a bargain.”

An aging linebacker who has started/played in just 24 of a possible 32 regular season games in the last two years, who is coming off of multiple surgeries to his back and knee, who subsequently saw his production suffer and who will count $10,035,000 against the Cap is "a bargain?"

No, my finding a Franco Harris throwback jersey for a quarter the price because the never-saw-a-football-game-in-her-life salesgirl got the tags mixed up was a bargain. This is no bargain.

It isn't fiscally responsible, either. The problem that the Steelers face is that it might be cheaper to roll the dice and restructure (though, they would only save about $1 million in doing so). - http://triblive.com/sports/johnharris/3462343-74/harrison-steelers-dejankovacevic#axzz2KhrZmykX

If the Cap casualty is Polamalu, though, his departure would clear $10,137,500. This is another player whose age and health could possibly mean that he won't be in a Steelers jersey next season. After all, the Steelers secondary did attain its number one status without him.

Don't worry, though. I'm not asking for his head on a pike, either. While defensive end Brett Keisel (who himself will count about $4,500,000 against the Cap and realizes he could also be gone next season) did say that the Steelers do "need some splash plays by those young guys" to bring the defense back to the level it had been before, that wasn't to mean that the veterans are just to be tossed aside.

The presence of a healthy Polamalu provides an almost unquantifiable comfort level and stability for the defense. At the same time, his presence often causes a great air of uncertainty for an offense and signal caller. Because of Polamalu's being able to be at the line of scrimmage to stuff runs or rush the quarterback, to play underneath given the pass play or to play deep on long passes, he must be accounted for when on the field.

That explosive play, splash-play ability, is what was often missing from the defense in 2012. They were solid to say the least, but lacked the triple threat. A threat that he showed signs of again in the final two games of the season. He is still, even with his absenteeism of late, a player the Steelers are better with than without.

But this game is still ultimately a business, and business is dictated by the bottom line. Saying that, it may be a 50/50 as to whether they cut losses and go younger or keep the veteran and chance that he can be healthy for the majority of the year.

A difficult decision to say the least. After all, this game is no country for old men, and I must ask, "What's the most you ever lost on a coin toss," Kevin Colbert?

The last being focused on here is free safety Ryan Clark. Clark left Twitter back on January 28, 2013 because he is, as his wife (@WriteHereYONKee) tweeted "Focusing on rehab & training."

The minor controversy it caused aside, Clark is scheduled for a Cap hit of around $4.75 million in 2013, the final year of his contract. Should he be released, the Steelers would also save the $3.5 million base salary he's due.

That said, he was arguably the Steelers defensive MVP of the first of 2012. He finished the season with 102 tackles, nine passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He was the vocal leader of the defense and the Yin to Polamalu's Yang.

However, his other stats were two concussions and a deep thigh bruise to end the season, Add that to the fact he'll be 33 years old next year and it can be understood why his is a name considered for a possible release. A dilemma that surely has Omar Khan hanging this sign on his office door:


If It Ain't Steel's guess is that, of the three and despite proven backups at any of the positions discussed, Harrison is one most likely to be gone.

Still, whomever leaves, I don't need to need to be a math wiz to know that something has to give this offseason or the next numbers we could be considering are 8-8 x 2 = 2013.

Chris Rainey and Jerome Bettis: A Tale Of Two Running Backs

by Jayden and Jason

By now you know that Pittsburgh Steelers' 2012 fifth-round draft pick running back Chris Rainey was arrested on Thursday for the assault of his girlfriend, and then released that same day. It cast a bit of a dark cloud over the news previously reported that beloved former Steelers phat back Jerome Bettis was among the 15 finalists for the Hall of Fame. With respect to Charles Dickens, it was a tale of running backs.

It was the worst of times...

We're truly looking at a juxtaposition here in style, stature and abilities. Rainey has the potential to make the NFL his own personal pinball machine, sending opposing teams to TILT on a regular basis if used properly. The depth of his talents were barely tapped his rookie season in a Steelers uniform. Nonetheless, his mercurial speed, slithery elusiveness and his third-to-fifth gear explosiveness was evident. Even if only in flashes. The potential was apparent.

As is often the case, though, potential can be a dirty word. And with Rainey's troubles not going away, the Steelers decided that he must.

“Chris Rainey’s actions this morning were extremely disappointing,” Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert said. “Under the circumstances and due to this conduct, Chris will no longer be a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.” - Steelers.com

Being that one half of this blogger team is a surviving victim of domestic abuse, there was an immediate, visceral and emotional reaction designed toward writing a scathing eulogy for Rainey. We decided to hold off, though, because we assumed something more may come down the pike regarding the alleged incident. We were correct.

Here are the facts as we all know them now. The Steelers will waive Chris Rainey, they can't until the day after the Super Bowl at the earliest and by the end of March at the latest, because of an "alleged" assault of his girlfriend. - http://tinyurl.com/bclhzaq

Then Rainey's (erstwhile?) girlfriend, through her lawyer, denied she was assaulted...the common reaction from victims of abuse. - http://tinyurl.com/bbty28l

What may be most telling about his release is that Rainey seems to have several demons, one of which is gambling: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/11/chris-rainey-had-two-run-ins-with-the-law-during-his-rookie-season/

So, let's run it down: in 2010, he was arrested and charged with felony stalking after threatening his ex-girlfriend, he lied to the Steelers organization by saying that he was over such things and that he'd learned from his mistakes, he previously had or he developed a gambling problem and now he's allegedly assaulted his girlfriend. Is there any wonder why he was released?

It was the best of times...

Rony. The Battering Ram. The Bus. Brian Urlacher's daddy. Super Bowl champion. Jerome Bettis has been known by many names over the years. It's high time to add another to that list of epithets: Hall of Famer.

Where Rainey dodges and darts his way in between defenders, Bettis bowled over opponents just as easily as ran past them. Appropriate analogy considering he loves to bowl and because of...well, his shape. Quickly named "The Bus" by the legendary late Myron Cope, Bettis ran roughshod over linemen, linebackers and safeties all the way to the endzone 100 times in his career, 78 with the Steelers.

Bettis was drafted out of Notre Dame into the NFL in 1993 by the then-Los Angeles Rams. He had an immediate impact on the league by rushing for 1,429 yards, and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year as well as receiving First-Team All-Pro honors. But, it was his move to Pittsburgh that cemented his legacy.

On April 20, 1996, Bettis was traded to the Steelers and hit the ground running. He totaled 1,431 yards in his first season in the Burgh, to go along with 11 touchdowns. A star was born.

All told, Bettis would pound out 10,571 yards for the Steelers earning him several Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. The Bus pulled into the depot for the last time in February of 2006. Poetically, it was in Detroit, his hometown. Fittingly, it was in Super Bowl XL -- shouldn't the NFL's best ever truly big back end his career in a game labeled "XL?"

All aboard. Next stop: Canton.

~

TIDBITS: Maurkice Pouncey, the only center in NFL history to be voted to the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons, has also been named to the 2012 NFL All-Pro 2nd Team: http://triblive.com/sports/nfl/3285328-74/team-cowher-pro#axzz2HtufPPmg

~

Pittsburgh Steelers' official and resident Cap-ologist Omar Khan is set to interview for the Jets' GM job. If he leaves, be afraid...be very afraid. But...would The Wrath of Khan even fit in with the Jets? Mark Kaboly, Steelers beat writer and someone who is close to the situation offers his assessment: "Khan, the cap guru of cap gurus, will interview with the Jets on Thursday for their general manager job.

"While it will be a great experience for Khan," Kaboly continued, "I really can't see him fitting in with Woody Johnson, Rex Ryan and that circus. Khan is too classy for that, so expect him to be back with the Steelers."

"But eventually," he concluded, "Omar Khan will find a perfect fit and the Steelers will suffer because of it."

Fixing the Steelers Starts with Drafting for Defense

Al Davis once said, as was regularly imitated years ago on SportsCenter by Keith Olbermann, "The (other team's) quarterback must go down and he must go down hard." The late Oakland Raiders coach-then-owner also famously said, "Don’t adjust. Just Dominate."

Despite being the NFL's No. 1 defense once again, tops in total defense in yards per game and in passing yards and the No. 2 rushing defense, the 2012 Pittsburgh Steelers defense neither 'dominated,' nor did it get to the quarterback enough. And make no mistake, despite whatever issues were had on offense, fixing the Steelers starts with the defense.

For the second straight year, the Steelers defense hobbled their way to the quarterback, taking down the opposing passer only 37 times. With little pressure being brought, they paralleled that by only forcing 20 turnovers...and that just does not cut it.

We'll delve more into this in part two of "All The King's Horses" where we will address the defense looking back at the season. Here, though, we're looking forward at the three defensive positions that are of greatest need and that the Steelers will most likely address in the early rounds of the April 25-27 NFL Draft. First off within that, the Salary Cap issues.

Per Steve Wyche of NFL.com in June of 2012: "The salary cap slightly increased to $120.6 million from $120.37 last season. Several team management officials said it's not projected to jump much in 2013, prompting one general manager to say there could be "carnage" for some big-contract players...after next season."

So, we'll go with the assumption of a rounded up salary cap of $121 million. The Steelers are roughly $12 million, when you include the exclusive rights free agents, over that number and will need to restructure, reduce and cut to have room to sign there own free agents and to possibly do a little shopping. - http://tinyurl.com/akaloo6

The Steelers are getting older at key positions also, and three players, James Harrison, Troy Polamalu and Larry Foote, play prominently in what Kevin Colbert and Omar Khan will be able to do. Like the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review made painfully clear, the Steelers' dollars go to the defense. - http://t.co/BFQMIKZ6

These three gentlemen present daunting age and salary cap situations. Harrison, for starters, is due $6.57 million next season and would count just over $10 million against the Cap. It has been well publicized by now that Deebo will be willing to restructure. Good, but the problem is that there isn't much room to restructure. He would more accurately have to take an actual pay cut to stay with the team.

Whether he does or not, the Steelers have need right now at his position. Even if he comes back and plays at a Silverback-ish level, the depth behind him is either woefully suspect, woefully untested or they've woefully underperformed.

So, another vicious pass rusher who is also athletic enough to cover is needed to replace Harrison. We think the two who stand out as possibles in the first round for the Steelers are Brigham Young's Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah and Oregon's Dion Jordan.

Ziggy Ansah is a 6'6" 270-pound outside linebacker/defensive end with speed whom his position coach, Kelly Poppinga, called "remarkable" and said that "he has all the numbers they want to see at the combine. He'll blow that part away."

If chosen, what else will Keith Butler and Dick LeBeau love about him? Poppinga said that he could play all three of the down lineman positions, as well as both linebacker spots, and that "he picks up things super fast and doesn't forget them." - http://tinyurl.com/b75kwqe

Don't take our word for it, though, take the word of someone with intimate knowledge of both the Steelers and the Cougars, Chris Hoke.

The former Steelers nose tackle/defensive end had this to say on his personal Twitter (@hokiebro76) account: "Ziggy Ansah? Raw... Unbelievable kid! So much talent it spews out of him." Sounds good to us.

Dion Jordan is another OLB/DE who has size (6'7" 243 lbs) speed (4.68/40) and can defend in space. A former tight end, Jordan has the athletic ability to drop into coverage as well as to rush the edge. The type of versatility the Steelers like. - http://tinyurl.com/85el334

(UPDATE: As this was being edited and about to be posted, it was reported that it has been confirmed that Jordan will have surgery to repair a torn labrum. Since that alters his draft stock, here are alternate possibilities: the 6'5" 240-pound OLB/DE Barkevious Mingo out of LSU, who had 15 QB hurries and five QB sacks on the season; the 6'5" 265-pound raw, but mean DE out of Texas, Alex Okafor, may drop enough to be found in the second round; and Gerald Hodges, a 6'2" 235-pound OLB who could be taken in the second round.)

As the Steelers defense started to gel, they began keeping nearly every quarterback they faced from doing what they wanted. They even went eight straight games without allowing more than 200 yards passing. Most of that, though, was due to the coverage of the secondary.

The cornerbacks are a young unit, outside of Ike Taylor, who came into their own this season. Assuming Keenan Lewis can be signed, another UFA Salary Cap situation, he'd be one third of the holy trinity of the Steelers future in the secondary, along with Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown.

The issues are at safety. Both former Pro Bowl safeties, Polamalu and Ryan Clark, are getting up in age and are near the end of contracts. Polamalu specifically is due approximately $9 million from a contract due to expire after next season. Could this affect what the Steelers do with Troy and in the draft?

If the Steelers feel the "best available" need is at safety in the first round, there are two who should be available at the 17th pick: Florida's strong safety Matt Elam and LSU's free safety underclassman Eric Reid.

Matt Elam, at 5'10 and 202 lbs is nearly the epitome of strong safety. He's a strong, bruising hitter who isn't afraid to throw his body around the field and into opposing wide receivers. Per Dane Brugler, he also has the "read/react skills to be effective against both the run and the pass." - http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1737092

Eric Reid is a 6'2" 210-pound "centerfielder" with the requisite build and athleticism, and the instinct and tenacity to deliver the big hit. Hm...sounds like another LSU safety on the team.

If the Steelers go pass rusher in the first round, then there are two safeties who just might be available in the second.

The first and potentially better choice is Texas FS Kenny Vaccaro. He is 6'1" 218 lbs with good instincts. He can pass rush as well as tackle the catch, and is starting to rise up mock draft boards. In fact, according to Todd Swoopes of National Football Direct, he is actually first-round worthy. - http://nationalfootballdirect.com/2013-nfl-mock-draft/todd-swoopes-mock-draft-1-0/

The other whom we think would be a second-round consideration is the son of former San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowl safety, USC FS T.J. McDonald. He's 6'2" and 205 lbs, runs a 4.52 40-yard dash and was a consistent defender for the Trojans, recording 67 tackles and three interceptions.

Jim Wexell of Steelers Digest and SteelCityInsider.net added his two cents on the subject, not to mention a couple of more names to consider: "So far, I like 3 safeties (I'm letting E.Reid go to the Ravens): {Kenny} Vaccaro, {Matt} Elam, {FS D.J.} Swearinger. Fallback {SS Phillip} Thomas a small ballhawk." Brackets ours.

Using Wexell as a reference again, let him now springboard us into the last position being covered in this piece. That of inside linebacker.

Wexell points out that the Steelers haven't forgotten about last season's third-round draft pick is still a a possibility. From his personal Twitter (@jimwexell) account, in part, he tweeted: "#Steelers believe Sean Spence will recover fully..." But if we're going to speculate about the future, take a brief look back at the past: http://tinyurl.com/bdm5h4b

The Steelers are facing a situation they aren't used to, in that they have to draft for right now at certain positions. With Spence an unknown commodity, Stevenson Sylvester an uncertain one and Foote an old one (though he did play very well this season the UFA has openly said he'd take less to come back), the Steelers may still look to inside linebacker if a particular one is still on the board.

Manti Te'o had a dream season: 113 tackles, seven interceptions, an undefeated regular season and more trophies than an Iranian prince has "trophies."

However, someone stole his dream catcher, causing him to have a rude awakening as his Notre Dame Fighting Irish ran out of luck and lost to the Alabama Crimson Tide, 42-14. A game where he finished with 10 total tackles, but missed almost as many.

Now, one game doesn't discount an entire season, but people have a tendency to form opinions on what they saw lastly. So, could knee jerk reactions cause Te'o to slide somewhat and be ripe for the plucking at the 17th pick? Yes, they could. They shouldn't, but they could.

The Steelers conceivably could feel they still need a coverage ILB that could roam the middle of the field in Nickel and Dime packages, but also in man coverages against tight ends and running backs alike. If so, Manti fits that to a tee('o).

If not, and they want to wait on scratching that itch, Nico Johnson, who was on the same field Monday night, could be found as late as the third round. He's 6'2" and 245 lbs with a 4.63/40 time. A solid selection, he was third on his team in tackles (54), had two tackles for losses, two forces fumbles, a QB pressure and a pass defense in just five starts.

Those are the three positions that are most important on the defensive side of the ball and possibilities for players who may wear Black and Gold next season. Will we see one of them? Two of them? None of them? Time will tell.

Regardless of whether, though, any of those names will be heard being called on that Thursday or on the subsequent days, those positions absolutely will called. Maybe even in each of the first three rounds. Because that's where they begin to dominate again.

Mike Signs Contract, But Mike Doesn't: Latest On Wallace

Anything exciting happen yesterday?

Doesn't take much to get Steeler Nation up in arms, does it? Well, it was dealing with Mike Wallace after all. And if you don't know what I'm talking about, then you must have been under that rock from the Geico commercial. 

Tuesday afternoon, Jim Wexell, of Steel City Insider and Steelers Digest, reported that "Channel 11 [in Pittsburgh] reporting Mike Wallace and Steelers have agreed to 5 yr $42 million contract with $20m guaranteed." In a nutshell, he was wrong. It wasn't long after this that he admitted it as well.

"Apparently 'someone pulled a fast one on me' is what my source is saying. Sorry, no Wallace signing."

He later would apologize again and even poked fun at himself when certain ones in Steeler Nation and, apparently other members of the media, were taking their shots: “@jimwexell: "@BladedWedge I get the feeling that some members of the media are finding joy with @jimwexell getting duped" -- he's not well-liked.”

Another "source" also took blame for the faux pas. His name is Bill P. and he goes by @SteelerBill13 if you're on Twitter. You can also call him and complain. His number is 1-412-... (lol Sorry, Bill...just takin' a jab)

It's easy to understand, though, the heights of elation and then the depths of deflation to which Steeler Nation was sent. This was about the speedy and promising wide receiver whom we can't go a day without hearing about. Young Money. One of the Bugatti Boys. "Da kidd" you'll find "in someone's end zone." Of course it was big news!

Don't get me wrong, though. Mike did sign on the line that is dotted. Mike Tomlin, that is. The Omar Epps look-a-like signed a three-year extension keeping him in Black and Gold through 2016. 

Other notable organizational moves, as reported by Ed Bouchette include the Steelers promoting Omar Khan to Director of Football & Business Administration ("Football" added to title), and the promotion of scout Dan Rooney Jr. to Player Personnel Coordinator. Listed No. 2 behind Colbert in that department.

Back to the main issue, though. Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported, "Looks like mike Wallace isn't going to show. According to Emmanuel Sanders he is expecting him to show in '3 or 4' days."

Hard upon that information, though, came information from both Kaboly and Emmanuel Sanders that there are rumblings in Camp that there might be a contract in place soon. 

Sanders: "I hear things...a couple rumors, that things are starting to get closer to signing." Definitely good news and completely feasible. A deal is not only possible, but easily worked out for a math genius like the aforementioned Omar Khan. 

The Steelers are currently about $6 million under the salary cap with the release of Jonathan Scott. With the probability of a Wallace contract containing a $15 million signing bonus for a 5 year contract, that would break down to approximately a $3 million a year cap hit, plus first year salary, proration of signing bonus for 5 years. Again, easily fits under the cap. 

Now, you might wonder about what would happen if the Steelers are $13-15 million over the cap next year considering Rashard Mendenhall, Antonio Brown and Sanders are due to be up? Trust me, a fair deal could still get done for several reasons. 

First, Lawrence Timmons and Lamarr Woodley can have a good portion of their 2013 base turned into a signing bonus. If they release James Harrison, which I recently blogged as being a real possibility, there is an approximate $7 million saved. Plus, depending on this year's performance, if Mendy should get a new contract it shouldn't have more than a moderate 2013 cap hit.
 
That's most of it right there. Let's say more is needed, though. In the second year of Wallace's contract they could restructure to save cap room by turning a portion of his salary into a signing bonus and then prorate it out over the remaining years. Bottom line: an approximate 5-6 year contract of about $47-$53 million, with that previously mentioned $15 signing bonus, is doable. 

As I've said before, I'm no salary cap guru but I know that this is fairly accurate information because I make sure to pay attention to people like Ian Whetstone of Steel City Insider. 

More information, speculation and drama is sure to surface in the next few days to come. So, just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Steelers GM Colbert Speaks at Combine and a Real Steelers Fan Speaks With Me

 Ken Laird and Scott Brown of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review posted portions of Kevin Colbert's speaking with the media this morning. 

Colbert spoke on a plethora of players and subjects and spoke optimistically of the Steelers being able to keep Wallace since both sides want it to happen.

Colbert says he believes Mike Wallace has the same goal as the team to get a deal done with the Steelers, and gave strong indication that the Steelers will put the first-round tender Wallace. He also said the Steelers haven't ruled out using the franchise tag on Wallace: "We want Mike to finish his career with the Steelers. We think he's only scratched the surface of what he can do."

He did ultimately say, though, that it will be the Steelers decision to keep Mike Wallace, even if he gets offers. Colbert pointed out that the Steelers hold the cards.

Colbert went on to say the Steelers are guessing right now as to what the exact cap will be in 2012, though, probably around $125 million, and that more "terminations" and contract restructuring is coming.

Colbert said repeatedly he's waiting for the league's salary cap values to come out before decisions are made. He says that the Steelers "have to look at multiple scenarios."

Per salary cap guru Ian Whetstone, the Steelers have to account for approx $2 million for exclusive rights free agents and around $10 million for restricted free agents, including Wallace.

All of the salary cap issues can be tedious and confusing, but at the same time interesting to hear explained. Whetstone, of http://www.ianwhetstone.com, said that our Omar Khan is better than most in that, while he negotiates similar yearly salaries for players, it's the lower guaranteed monies he's able to negotiate. He'll also explain the difference between "signing bonus" and "guaranteed money" if you ask him, which you can at http://steelcityinsider.net

Getting back to Colbert, he also commented on Ben. He, in so many words, said that Ben is always going to be Ben. He even seemed to insinuate that Ben needs to trust the system and not try to do too much by saying: "Every meal is not a banquet." (I really need to write that down...)

He said further regarding Ben that both he and Haley are simply competitors and there will certainly be disagreements. This is definitely a possibility since one of the two men has proven to be a Divo (the male version of a "Diva") and the other to be arrogant. I'm simply of the mind that each one needs to remember that their goal is the same: a championship.

When then asked about the running back situation, Colbert said they aren't really in the "running back business" just because of Mendenhall's injury. He commented on Dwyer, as well. He said that he liked him, but that sometimes he is a "little too big."

Ken Laird, @Ken_Laird on Twitter, said that he asked Colbert if he missed the Dan Kreider days of a fullback. He said that Colbert responded: "Whether or not we'll have a fullback in the mix I can't say." And that, "Nobody knows until our offensive staff, particularly Todd [Haley], gains an understanding of the players we do have"

On a more personal level...

I had the pleasure of chatting today with Kim, staff writer with http://nicepickcowher.com regarding the Steelers and her article http://t.co/g6CrwyRB

Kim, whom you can and should follow on Twitter via her handle, @Kimmy_KimKimM, and I talked about Mike Wallace and other Steelers players.

She pointed out that Wallace only made $480,000 last year and "is definitely ready to get paid!" And that she "Just hope(s) it's as a #Steeler”

I agreed that "he's due." I said that, "I understand it's a business at the same time, though." To that she pointed out that the Steelers seem to usually find a way. Yeah, they do. Case in point, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger restructured his contract today, bringing the Steelers virtually to an even cap number.

We then broke into a bit of a Shakespeare-esque "To tag or not to tag. That is the question." She said, "I don't see that as a good option either way. Too much of a cap hit, then next year you would have him and AB to sign."

I stated that the Steelers could still tag or sign, and that, regardless, we have to protect our side, our interests. I reminded her too that the Steelers always tag in order to make more time to sign long term. Even referencing that LaMarr Woodley did just that last year, basically turning the tag number mostly into a signing bonus. So, then only a small portion counts against cap.

In other words, two avid Steelers just having fun being totally engrossed in shop talk. So, I won't bore you with the rest. Just go to the aforementioned website or follow her on Twitter so you can also probe the wonderful mind of this great Steelers fan.