Big Lead Sports Bar

2/26/2009

KENDALL SIMMONS NOW A FORMER STEELER



In the "minor surprise" category, the Steelers cut loose offensive lineman Kendall Simmons on Thursday after six seasons with the team. The 2002 first-rounder ruptured an achilles in the fourth game of the 2008 season and was placed on IR. They also cut linebacker Mike Humpal, a sixth-rounder in 2008 who found himself on IR during training camp last season.

On the plus side, the team has retained three restricted free agents: tackle Willie Colon, CB Anthony Madison, and TE Sean McHugh, as well as exclusive-rights free agents Carey Davis and offensive tackle Jeremy Parquet. The signing of Madison is probably another clue that the days of Bryant McFadden in a Steeler uniform are over.

Facing the start of free agency tomorrow, it looks like several Steelers could have new homes- and fast. OT Marvel Smith says he will be close to 100% after missing ample time due to a back injury. And Nate Washington could be taking his big-play ability and inconsistent hands to either Tampa, Nashville, or St. Louis. Who's Tampa's QB going to be next year, you ask? Oh, that's right, they don't even know. I know I'd rather catch passes from an unknown than Ben Roethlisberger.

As for incoming free agents, I wonder how Jeff Saturday's "I want to be a Steeler" proclamation will be received in Indianapolis, where he just re-signed for three more years. That was a fun rumor while it lasted for about 10 seconds. At least it was sincere.

A few other Steeler links:

--Friday will be declared "Myron Cope Day" in the City of Pittsburgh, and Luke Ravenstahl will appear with Stan, Guy, and Chris Mack on ESPN 1250 at 11:15 to talk about it. [ESPN 1250]

--Santonio Holmes waived his right to a preliminary hearing on a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession on Thursday. [PG]

--Diving deeper into the events of Jeff Reed's infamous Sheetz evening... [Deadspin]

--Ed Bouchette gazes into his crystal ball for a Steeler free agent forecast. [PG]

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3 comments:

bohica said...

I am sorry kendall simmons sucks anyway. We would be no better had he re-signed, just overpaying for someone who is a liability and a penalty machine.

BurressWithButterflywings said...

Luke isnt going to change his name to Mayor Copenstahl?

Anonymous said...

Reed is a clown.