Steelers/NFL
Team inching closer to signing Colon?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have informed Max Starks and his representatives Eugene Parker and Roosevelt Barnes that the 29 year old tackle will be released as the team opens up camp on Thursday.
Starks, 29, was due $5.14 million and carried a cap hit of around $7.9 million.
The Steelers had discussions with agent Eugene Parker about a possible restructure but it’s not clear whether that was the main reason for the Steelers informing Starks reps late today that he will be released.
Starks who suffered a season ending neck injury in 2010, took a physical with the team yesterday and “passed”. According to Starks reps, he is 100% healthy but there are some rumblings about Starks weight. Ed Bouchette of the Post-Gazette mentions on his twitter page @edbouchette that Starks is in the “high” 300’s.
Meanwhile, the Steelers continue to intensify their efforts to resign Willie Colon who for the first time have made a top priority.
Even prior to the leaks of Starks release, there was some positive vibes coming out of Colon’s camp. However, there are other teams involved but Willie’s heart is in Pittsburgh.
Sources say the two sides have inched closer to a deal but “there’s still some work to be done,” believed to be in the guaranteed money department.
Both sides are optimistic and a deal could be wrapped up by late morning, early afternoon. It should be noted that Colon is still talking to two other teams, notably the Chicago Bears.
The Atlanta Falcons have also shown strong interest. The Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills held talks with Colon on Wednesday but are believed to be out.
The Steelers hope is to resign Colon and Jonathan Scott and get by at the left tackle position for a year while the team develops 2011 2nd round pick Marcus Gilbert for a season.
The team also has 2nd year player Chris Scott in the system who the coaching staff is very intrigued about.
The Steelers earlier today reached an agreement with kicker Shaun Suisham on a four year deal, solidifying their kicking game.
