Pure Steel
Free Agent Watch
By Tony DeFazio

As Alan Faneca's illustrious Steelers' career comes to a close, offensive line is one of the main areas of need for a Steelers team that won the AFC North but was bounced from the playoffs in one game last season. The team is so desperate for offensive linemen, they recently placed a "transition tag" on tackle Max Starks - who lost his starting job this past season. Starks is not guaranteed to return, but the transition tag allows the team to match any offer Starks gets from another team.

With an All-Pro quarterback and tailback, a record-breaking wide receiver, and up-and-coming talents like Santonio Holmes and Heath Miller, it would seem that the only thing holding the Steelers' offense back in the offensive line.

Lucky for the Steelers, the free agent pool is deep this season with O-line talent. While Pittsburgh has not been a team that traditionally throws a lot of money at free agents, one notable exception is the offensive line. High-profile free agent Will Woolford was plucked from the Bills in the nineties and was a big reason for the team's success on the ground at the time. More recently, center Jeff Hartings was inked from the Detroit Lions' roster and went on to center the Super Bowl XL champions.

PSR takes a look at some other free agents who might look good in the black and gold.

Jacob Bell, OG, Tennessee Titans - Is he an upgrade over Alan Faneca? No, but at 27 he's four years younger and several million dollars cheaper. He's a powerful run blocker with 31 starts the past two seasons. Plus, there's Steelers' connection as Bell protected Ben Roethlisberger at Miami (OH). He may be expensive, as the Titans may be willing to overpay to keep him.

Maurice Williams, T/G, Jacksonville Jaguars - Another versatile lineman, but at 29 he may be on the downswing. The Michigan grad started inside after guard Chris Naeole tore his quad in 2007, but his best position is tackle. Williams had started 64 consecutive games at right tackle before moving to guard last season because of injury. His versatility, and his team-first attitude, figure to be intriguing to the Steelers.

Jake Scott, OG, Indianapolis Colts - The Colts decided to sign fellow unrestricted free agent Ryan Lilja to a new deal, meaning Scott is likely headed out of Indy. Scott is a good young (26) player for the Colts but his size-290 pounds-may not make him a fit in Pittsburgh. In addition, Colts offensive linemen have been known to struggle when taken out of their scheme. That could lower his price, however, and if the Steelers deem him a "football player," they could have an interest.

Woulda Been Nice

The Bengals' Stacey Andrews would have been a perfect fit in Pittsburgh, but Cincy slapped the franchise tag on the versatile behemoth. A shame, because Andrews could've helped the Steelers at either guard or tackle.

Seattle Seahawks lineman Sean Locklear signed a five-year extension last month, keeping him off the free agent market. Locklear is another versatile linemen who can play either guard or tackle.