Steelers Offensive Line. Signings and Concerns

In case you didn't know the Pittsburgh Steelers signed both Willie Colon and Jonathan Scott to new contracts.Colon took LESS money to stay here, signing a five-year deal, $29 million contract, which came to my and many others surprise.

Colon, who the Steelers have said is one of the best right tackles in the league on more than one occasion. I would never go that far, but he's not horrible. He can be a vicious run blocker and is a decent athlete. I just think his arms are too short to be an effective pass-blocker at the tackle position. One of the main reasons he's had so many costly holding calls called against him over his career.

Scott started nine games left tackle for the Steelers last year, including the Super Bowl last year for an injured Max Starks. Scott is a decent player but the Steelers need better talent then him at that position. When you have a $100 million dollar, two-time superstar quarterback, you have to protect him. Is Scott going to be able to do that? We'll see. Maybe, Tomlin and OL coach Sean Kugler see something that I don't.

I love the idea of cutting Starks. Starks is decent but he's injury prone and was due to make way too much money. He's not a top ten left tackle, but he was going to get paid like one. The money they save on him can help the Steelers possibly sign Plaxico Burress, or maybe another starting caliber offensive lineman or cornerback.

Starks is reportedly talking to the Arizona Cardinals, who love signing the Steelers sloppy seconds. Hey we all have friends like that. If they offer him decent cash he'll sign. If not, I wouldn't be surprised to see him try and re-sign with the Steelers for less money.

I really wanted the Steelers to re-sign Flozell Adams. $5 million is way too much for Flozell, but I was hoping he would take a pay-cut to stay in Pittsbugh. Adams was the only Steelers lineman to start all 16 games and the Super Bowl last year. Even at 36, Flozell "The Hotel" is still a devistating run-blocker and decent in pass-protection. He wants to win and get paid. Like Starks, if he can't find another home on a contender, I would like to see the Steelers sign him back.

If the Steelers can sign Starks or Adams back for less money, they should move Willie Colon at guard. Colon would be much more effective at guard.

Here's a few questions:

• What happens if Maurkice Pouncey gets hurt again? Pouncey is the one player that makes the Steelers offensive line look better than it really is. The Steelers can't afford him to get hurt. 
• What are the Steelers plans for Doug Legursky? Legursky was the ultimate backup last year, playing center and both guard positions. If he's better, I would cut Chris Kemoeatu, who's vastly overpaid, a tad overrated, and is already starting the season on the P.U.P. list. 
• Is 2nd round pick Marcus Gilbert going to get a shot to start? Scott is no Jonathan Odgen and Gilbert actually has more of a pedigree. If Gilbert impresses in camp and pre-season, I wouldn't mind the Steelers giving him a shot.