Not much earth shattering news coming out of the Steelers South Side facility today other than the players reporting to do physicals and the announcement of the undrafted rookie signings. Ed Bouchette did write that the Steelers indeed have no interest in adding running back Tiki Barber, something I have been against for some time now as well. In addition to that report on Barber, Bouchette also reports that unrestricted free agent cornerback Ike Taylor remains the Steelers top priority and that they have also not given up on re-signing tackle Willie Colon, tackle Jonathan Scott and kicker Shaun Suisham. All three are unrestricted free agents as well.
Tackle Flozell Adams is not expected to return with his $5 million price tag according to Bouchette and will need to take a $2-$3 million pay cut if he stays. His future still obviously looks tied to the status of Colon and Scott in addition. Scott, if re-signed would be deemed a swing tackle. Mark Kaboly reported earlier today that unrestricted free agent nose tackle Chris Hoke is wanted back by the Steelers as well, but he is way down the priority list at this time. Hoke is not likely to have many, if any, suitors in free agency, so it might be later in the week before we hear anything more on his status.
Still up in the air is the status of tight end Matt Spaeth, cornerback William Gay and punter Daniel Sepulveda. All three are also unrestricted free agents, but the Steelers did attempt to tender all three prior to the lockout, just in case they ended up being restricted free agents. That was not the case with the new labor agreement reached, so the tenders are now worthless. Spaeth looks to be the less likeliest of the three to get any attention when free agency begins. We will have to wait and see how the status of those three play out this week.
