Category: BUFFONE – Sports Zone

BUFFONE: Mendenhall Injury Could be Blessing in Disguise

by John Buffone

With all the craziness surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers organization involving new coordinators, contract issues and the salary cap, Steelers fans are looking for a positive spin on anything right about now. More bad news reached the Steel City this month after it was reported that starting running back Rashard Mendenhall may miss the entire 2012 season because of an ACL tear he suffered in week 17 of this past season. However, Mendenhall’s situation could be a blessing in disguise for the Steelers front office and fan base. Mendenhall is entering the last year of his contract and for a 25-year-old running back, that normally means it’s time to cash in. Mendenhall is currently finishing out his 5 yr/ $12.5 million contract he signed after being drafted by the Steelers in the first round in 2008.  But if Mendenhall is sidelined for the entire season, his value and salary demand will be significantly hindered as he is trying to get a new deal. With the Steelers already having trouble making it under the salary cap, it would be a huge bonus to be able to re-sign their franchise running back in 2013 at a discounted price (given that Mendenhall is completely recovered). In a time where running backs are a dime a dozen, the situation also gives Pittsburgh a chance to see what they really have in backup Isaac Redman who will most likely carry the load for the Steelers running game this year. If Redman shines and Mendenhall sits out the entire season, it would make for an indescribably fun storyline heading into 2013.

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categories BUFFONE - Sports Zone | February 22, 2012 | comments Comments (0)

BUFFONE: Wallace is no Guarantee for 2012

by John Buffone

As the NFL offseason ramps up, the Pittsburgh Steelers are at a pivotal crossroad where they’ll have to decide the futures of numerous veteran players. One of those players awaiting his fate is wide receiver Mike Wallace. The 25-year-old receiver is currently a restricted free agent and could be wearing a uniform other than the black and gold next season. Pittsburgh is currently over the salary cap by over $11 million. Despite the teams efforts with Lawrence Timmons and Lamarr Woodley to restructure contracts and the possibilities of the Steelers cutting ties with players such as Hines Ward, James Farrior and Casey Hampton, Wallace could still be on his way out. If the Steelers don’t get a long-term deal done with Wallace, they still have some options. Pittsburgh can sign Wallace to a first-round tender (around $2.7 million) which would force an opposing team to give up a first-round pick to the Steelers if they were to offer more to Wallace. Another option is placing the franchise tag on Wallace which would force opposing teams to give up two first-round picks but it would cost the cash-strapped Steelers around $9.5 million for one season. While the Steelers will likely do everything possible to sign Wallace long-term, it isn’t out of the question that teams with late first-round picks like San Francisco or New England would be willing to part with their draft selection to pursue a proven deep threat if Pittsburgh opts for a one-year proposal. While it’s still early in the offseason, the heat is already being turned up on the Steelers front office.

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categories BUFFONE - Sports Zone | February 21, 2012 | comments Comments (0)