Wednesday, May 8, 2002

Encased in steel

Pittsburgh’s stellar LB corps won’t be going anywhere for years

By Andy Hanacek, Associate editor

Signing Porter and Gildon was a coup of sorts for the Steelers. It began last year when the team re-signed CBs Chad Scott and Dewayne Washington. This year, they were able to lock up Gildon and Porter — DE Aaron Smith, who is a restricted free agent, should be next.

The reason I say this is a coup of sorts is that the Steelers had been known in seasons past to let their star players go once unrestricted free agency rolled around. They made a name for themselves by keeping the team in contention despite losing star after star.

Just weeks ago, it looked as though Pittsburgh would have to say goodbye to Porter, as reports said the two sides were far apart on a deal. It looked as though Porter, a restricted free agent, would sign a one-year deal and enter the unrestricted free-agent market next season. Pittsburgh, it’s been nice knowing you.

But facing the prospect of losing one of its two pass-rushing phenoms at outside linebacker, the Steelers made the deal happen. Porter and his agent, to their credit, realized how close the Steelers were to the Super Bowl last season, and helped get the deal done.

Farrior and Gildon are getting up there in age, but both are locked up for a few years. Porter is in the prime of his career and at a perfect age. Fellow ILB Kendrell Bell, the 2001 Rookie of the Year, is a superstar in the making.

The Steelers recognized the importance their dominating LB corps played in last season’s playoff run, and they deserve all the credit in the world for keeping the unit together. They also kept the depth intact by re-signing backup ILB John Fiala this offseason.

Because of moves such as these, the Steelers’ defense should be a dynasty-like defense for the next few years. And if the offense produces more consistently, the Steelers will be Super Bowl contenders for a long, long time.

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2001 - 2002 Season