Steelers move to secure Starks, solidify offensive line

[Koopa]

The Steelers took a big step today toward trying to solidify their offensive line by placing the "transition" tag on unrestricted tackle Max Starks -- a move that means the team will have to pay Starks the average of the top 10 tackles in the National Football League.

With the Steelers already expected to lose Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca in free agency, the move to keep Starks also means the team won't have to be as active in free agency in an attempt to rebuild their offensive line.

Starks, a four-year veteran and two-year starter, lost his starting right tackle spot last season to Willie Colon, a move that all but signaled the end of his Steelers career. But when left tackle Marvel Smith was injured late in the season, Starks played so well at left tackle that he drastically increased his free-agent value and forced the Steelers to reconsider his value to the team.

By placing the transition tag on Starks, the Steelers also have first right of refusal should another team try to sign the 6-foot-8, 345-pound tackle.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08051/859113-66.stm

[BlitzburghRockCity]

I don't think there's any way Starks get that much money unless Arizona really wants him. Ive heard rumors that Tampa might be interested too but unless something totally unforeseen happens he'll be back next year. I would bet they'll work on getting him inked to a long term deal before the offseason is over.

Let's just hope to God they don't shy away from taking a T in the draft because God knows we need it and Marvel is entering the last year of his deal.

[Ambridge]

a move that means the team will have to pay Starks the average of the top 10 tackles in the National Football League.

No way Starks is worth that.
Heard speculation the Steelers migh draft OT Jeff Otah from Univ. of Pittsburgh.

The Steelers need to purge the roster of these half assed "maybe" players like Starks and start drafting some young solid talent.

[Stlrs4Life]

What's the difference between the Transition Tag, and Franchise Tag then?

[DIESELMAN]

What's the difference between the Transition Tag, and Franchise Tag then?

A franchise players salary is an average of the top 5 at his position whereas a transition is an average of the top 10. Plus a transition player designation gives the club a first-refusal right to match within seven days an offer sheet given to the player by another club after his contract expires. If the club matches, it retains the player. If it does not match, it receives no compensation.

[DIESELMAN]

The Steelers gave Starks a one-year tender offer of $6.895 million. Come March, if another team wants to sign Starks, the Steelers would have seven days to match an offer.

Unlike the franchise tag, the transition tag does not carry any draft choice compensation if the team that transitions a player decides to let him go.

Two years ago, the Seahawks placed the transition tag on guard Steve Hutchinson. The Vikings inserted two "poison pill" clauses in the contract, and the Seahawks did not match. They came back and signed wide receiver Nate Burleson from the Vikings, who was a restricted free agent that year.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3255502

[BlackGold4vr]

Because of the overhaul our O-line needs and with Faneca leaving this wasn't a bad move. Keep Starks for another year and even if we overpay for him it gives us more depth and options. They still need to draft at least 2 O-lineman this year. Just thinking out loud.

Starters:
Marvel Smith LT
Chris Kemoeatu LG
Kory Lichtensteiger C
Willie Colon RG
Max Starks RT

Reserves:
Chris Williams/Ryan Clady/Gosder Cherilus T
Sean Mahan G/C
Kendal Simmons C/G
Trai Essex T
Branden Albert G/T

I want Kory Lichtensteiger! I absolutely love what the scouts say about Lichtensteiger.

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 305 40: 5.30 Yr: 3So

Pos: Explosive run blocker best in confined quarters. Plays with forward lean, stays square and controls opponents at the point. Works to get underneath opponents, nasty and finishes blocks. Anchors in pass protection.

Neg: Not light on his feet nor comfortable in space and lacks footwork.

Analysis: A solid small area blocker, Lichtensteiger is best suited for a power running game.

[Black@Gold Forever32]

Because of the overhaul our O-line needs and with Faneca leaving this wasn't a bad move. Keep Starks for another year and even if we overpay for him it gives us more depth and options. They still need to draft at least 2 O-lineman this year. Just thinking out loud.

Starters:
Marvel Smith LT
Chris Kemoeatu LG
Kory Lichtensteiger C
Willie Colon RG
Max Starks RT

Reserves:
Chris Williams/Ryan Clady/Gosder Cherilus T
Sean Mahan G/C
Kendal Simmons C/G
Trai Essex T
Branden Albert G/T

I want Kory Lichtensteiger! I absolutely love what the scouts say about Lichtensteiger.

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 305 40: 5.30 Yr: 3So

Pos: Explosive run blocker best in confined quarters. Plays with forward lean, stays square and controls opponents at the point. Works to get underneath opponents, nasty and finishes blocks. Anchors in pass protection.

Neg: Not light on his feet nor comfortable in space and lacks footwork.

Analysis: A solid small area blocker, Lichtensteiger is best suited for a power running game.

Doug Legursky is a badass center to....He is strong and nasty....Has the stones to handle the huge NTs across the NFL....I think Doug will be around in rounds 4-5 also....

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As for Max Starks....This team better draft an OT even if Starks is back with the team....

[Koopa]

Because of the overhaul our O-line needs and with Faneca leaving this wasn't a bad move. Keep Starks for another year and even if we overpay for him it gives us more depth and options. They still need to draft at least 2 O-lineman this year. Just thinking out loud.

Starters:
Marvel Smith LT
Chris Kemoeatu LG
Kory Lichtensteiger C
Willie Colon RG
Max Starks RT

Reserves:
Chris Williams/Ryan Clady/Gosder Cherilus T
Sean Mahan G/C
Kendal Simmons C/G
Trai Essex T
Branden Albert G/T

I want Kory Lichtensteiger! I absolutely love what the scouts say about Lichtensteiger.

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 305 40: 5.30 Yr: 3So

Pos: Explosive run blocker best in confined quarters. Plays with forward lean, stays square and controls opponents at the point. Works to get underneath opponents, nasty and finishes blocks. Anchors in pass protection.

Neg: Not light on his feet nor comfortable in space and lacks footwork.

Analysis: A solid small area blocker, Lichtensteiger is best suited for a power running game.

to bad we are nowhere near a power running team

[DIESELMAN]

As for Max Starks....This team better draft an OT even if Starks is back with the team....

Yeah cuz as it stands right now, Starks and Smith are the only OT's we have, I'm not talkin Essex and Colon converting from OG, but true OT's. We need starters and depth, otherwise Ben better take out a 1 Billion dollar life insurance policy cuz come this season, those 47 sacks from last year are gonna look pretty ****ing good.