One year away from free agency, strong safety Troy Polamalu is seeking to become the leagues highest paid safety and the Steelers seem willing to match his demands, as the two sides are close to agreeing to a long term extension that would make Polamalu the games highest paid safety, according to sources close to the situation. Currently Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed is the games highest paid safety. Reed signed a 6 year extension worth 40 million including a 15 million signing bonus in the spring of 06. I’ve been told Polamalu is seeking atleast a 17 million dollar signing bonus.
Faneca effect: The negotiations with Troy Polamalu have no effect on Alan Faneca. It is believed the Steelers offered Faneca a four year extension before draft weekend and will not increase that offer. The latest speculation is the Steelers offered Faneca 9 million upfront which led to Fanecas tirade during May’s mini camp. This off-season mediocre guards were getting upto 17 million upfront.
Timmons likely to be in camp: Agent Drew Rosenhaus made a promise at the draft that Lawrence Timmons would be in camp on time and it looks like Rosenhaus is a man of his word. The two sides appear close, and a deal is expected to get done before Training Camp begins on Tuesday. This is great news for the Steelers and Timmons. Timmons missed a great deal of time during mini camp because of a pulled groin. Timmons is not expected to be a starter opening week but Tomlin has big plans for Timmons in 3rd down situations. The Steelers plan to move Timmons around a lot at the line of scrimmage, sort of how the Ravens used Adalius Thomas in passing situations.
Lamar Woodley close to signing: Second round pick Lamar Woodely is also close to signing and will be in camp on time. Just like Timmons the Steelers expect big things out of Woodley, who had a solid mini camp and off-season workouts.
Scouts inc LB Rankings: 11. Pittsburgh SteelersThe Steelers have a very rich history at linebacker, but the overall production of the group wasn’t great last year — especially from an edge pass-rushing standpoint in their 3-4 scheme. To remedy the situation, Pittsburgh drafted two outside linebackers, Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley, in the first two rounds. These two should ignite the entire unit and both players will be used in a variety of ways. Clark Haggans is very solid on the outside, but isn’t a game-changer. On the inside, James Farrior is the consummate professional and is still playing very well, while Larry Foote is productive, but isn’t real dynamic. (*courtesy of Scouts inc*)
Steelers ranked 12th: Petr King has come out with his early power rankings and ranks the Steelers 12th. ClickHere
