A season in which a team goes 12-4 during the regular season is rarely considered a disappointment. Don't tell that to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite a strong regular season, the Steelers were bounced out of the playoffs by the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card round and now face an uncertain offseason in which several of their key players will become some sort of free agent.
Steelers Free Agents 2012: Mike Wallace Likely Due Big Raise
The biggest area of concern has to be the offensive line, where three of the five starters could leave. As unlikely as the scenario is, losing all three of Ramon Foster (restricted), Doug Legursky (restricted) and Max Starks (unrestricted) would be a massive problem for the Steelers. The other notable starter slated for free agency is wide receiver Mike Wallace (restricted). All he did was lead the Steelers in receiving yardage (1,193) and receiving touchdowns (eight) while enjoying his second straight standout season that puts him in line for a significant raise.
Here’s a complete look at the Steelers’ free agent picture (via Mac’s Football Blog):
Exclusive Rights Free Agents (3)
RB Isaac Redman
DT Steve McLendon
P Jeremy Kapinos
Restricted Free Agents (7)
WR Mike Wallace*
TE David Johnson
OT Jamon Meredith
OL Ramon Foster*
OL Doug Legursky*
CB Keenan Lewis
S Ryan Mundy
Unrestricted Free Agents (11)
QB Charlie Batch
QB Dennis Dixon
QB Byron Leftwich
RB Mewelde Moore
WR Jerricho Cotchery
OT Max Starks*
OL Trai Essex
NT Chris Hoke
CB William Gay
CB Anthony Madison
P Daniel Sepulveda
For more on the Steelers offseason, be sure to check out Behind the Steel Curtain.
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