Here we go, Steelers! Here we go…

Not even two weeks into free agency and no collective bargaining agreement reached for the 2010 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers stir-up a lot of speculation and contract activity.  This is a sign to me that the usually conservative franchise has steep aspirations for the 2010 season.  Reaching so many contract agreements, so quickly and in a short amount of time, is a new direction for Pittsburgh.  It is a response that confirms the franchise’s discontent with the 9-7-0 2009 season.

The top news coming out of the Steelers’ camp is the re-signing of veteran free safety, Ryan Clark.  Adding Clark to the roster for four more years is not a bad move.  I was hoping to see a complete makeover of the Steel Curtains’ secondary.  However, Clark didn’t seem to be a problem and provided the little protection, if any, that the team did have in 2009.

Furthermore, they strengthened the depth of the available safeties by signing Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ safety Will Allen.  It is speculated that Allen will replace back-up strong safety Tyrone Carter.  So much attention being given to the safety position is of concern.  First, Tyrone Carter filled in for injured Pro-Bowler Troy Polamalu and exceeded expectations.  I don’t see the problem there.  Second, the Steelers’ secondary was weakened by the lack of cover-power and zone speed of the cornerbacks.  It sets off an alarm that among all of the early activity experienced in the Black and Gold back offices, no attention has been given to the cornerback position.  The only hope is that early round draft picks will be used to purchase quality, young, coachable corners.  My eyes will be glued to the flat-screen that late April weekend.

No sooner than I could wish it, the biggest surprise for me and most citizens of Steeler-nation was learning that a three year deal has been reached with a wide-receiver that sported a black and gold #82 four years ago, Antwaan Randle El.  There was never any clear reason for letting him go in the first place.  He practically rushed, received and passed our way to a Superbowl XL victory in February 2006.  What possesses an organization to end a relationship with such a contributor three weeks later?  We can not complain about his replacement, however.  Santonio Holmes hit the ground, running…

Finally, I’ve read speculation that ILB Larry Foote may be making a return to his NFL roots, adding depth to Dick Lebeau’s legendary 3-4 zone blitzing defense.  This will be a great move.  Foote was a great “buck” MLB, in addition to having ample enough speed for protecting the mid-field and the flat in zone coverage.  He’ll be returning in a back-up capacity.  However, if he does enough in training camp and the preseason, he has the possibility to be interchangeable with (if not replace) Timmons at the top of the depth chart.

On one sunny Monday, the Steelers have made the 2010 season (and beyond), a very much anticipated one.  Now we’re looking onward to the draft…