Free agency Volume I

Well with Free Agency begun, the Steelers have picked up (drum roll, please)........no one. And to no surprise. The Steelers are not fishers of agents. They like to grow their own talent. And there is something to be said about that. There has been some room made on the roster. Kendall Simmons has been released. Surprised? Not really. Starks getting the franchise tag, and Simmons spending most of the season on the bench made that the easy call. Nate Washington will be wearing a Titans jersey next year. There is a lot of maneuvering about the offense. Pittsburgh can fill that gap, if you can say one exists, in the draft or pre-season trades. Depending on Ward's health, not a big loss to see Washington go. Now don't get me wrong. He's a good player. And made contributions to a championship season. But it is the cost of Free Agency. The Steelers weren't going to give him what Tennessee was willing to. Chris Kemoeatu was resigned. I'm OK with that. Sean McHugh signed. Who? My 2009 what-the-heck-where -they-thinking-free agency-surprise: Byron Leftwich not signed by another NFL team. In my best Madden voice: 'Now here's a guy that has shown he's got some talent. He can still go in and win a game. Can he play like that all season? I think so. Now with a lot of teams in the NFL getting lackluster performances from their 2008 QB's, I don't understand why someone didn't pick him up.' Oh well. OK kids, it's good to be back at the writing desk. That 6th ring should be coming out pretty soon. Tune in soon as the Free Agency World turns.