View topic - Steelers love for Maxipad Starks continues.

[thesteelhammer Profile]

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/AFC/AFC+North/Pittsburgh/WWHI/2009/wwhi021309.htm

The Steelers’ decision to give OT Max Starks the transition tag last offseason paid off handsomely. Starting OLT Marvel Smith suffered a season-ending back injury in October, and Starks, who had begun the ’08 campaign as a backup, held up well protecting QB Ben Roethlisberger’s blind side. Starks, 27, is again an unrestricted free agent, and we’re hearing it’s likely the Steelers will try to re-sign him. The 6-8, 337-pound Starks began his career at right tackle, but his future in Pittsburgh would likely be on the left side. Starks allowed only four sacks in 2008, a respectable figure for a left tackle. What’s more, Smith is also an unrestricted free agent, and he has missed time because of his back in each of the past two seasons. A source close to the Steelers suggests the team would re-sign Smith, 30, if the price were right, but his return is not assured.

4 sacks as a part time starter.

[toomuchmerrilhoge Profile]

yeah. we're in kind of a pickle on O-line. Starks isn't great, but he is experienced and left tackles are hard to come by, unless we want to pony up some big $$ in free agency. Of course we did happily shovel out $7 million to Starks last year. However, I think keeping Starks is a good idea, for now. I'd like to see Willie Colon get moved back to right guard, get rid of Marvel Smith (how many back surgeries can one guy take?) and try to pick up a right tackle (or use Tony Hills if he shows any potential).

[Steel Holiday Profile]

Is there any restrictions on using the transition tag two years in a row? The only reason to overpay Starks for the next 5 seasons would be for the veteran leadership on a line that will be reconstructed in the coming seasons. But, then again, wtf is Kendall Simmons for?

[Snockered Pedestrian Profile]

Here's a novel idea........jettison Starks, MSmith and Kemo, and actually draft a decent LT
in April. Three of the club's picks (provided they don't do something really earthshaking) should be devoted to rebuilding the OL.

[IronCity__Man Profile]

Whether we like or not, Starks has started at tackle for two Super Bowl runs. Our pass protection improved when he moved to starting left tackle. He is an above mediocre steelers o-lineman on a below mediocre NFL line. I think the Steelers should keep him. Certainly jettisoning 3 starting players for one drafted, unproven rookie, is not the way to go. I think we need every other position more than we need a LT right now.

I hope the steelers can hang onto Trai Essex - again, not a great player but a good emergency filler as history has shown.

Please, someone teach Kemo how to use all that nastiness we heard about before the season.

[Iron Gut Profile]

Here's a novel idea........jettison Starks, MSmith and Kemo, and actually draft a decent LT
in April. Three of the club's picks (provided they don't do something really earthshaking) should be devoted to rebuilding the OL.

This would be all well and good if the Steelers had a pick in the top 7. However, they get 1.32. Unless you trade away the farm for a top pick. No tackle drafted at 1.32 is going to start this year unless the shit really hits the fan. Then I fear for Ben's life.

[Snockered Pedestrian Profile]

I fear for BR7's life if any of those three are still starting. 153 sacks in 50 games is beyond
unacceptable.