Pittsburgh Looks To Fill Holes In Free Agency
By Jerry DiPaola

The salary cap has been managed superbly, a testament to president Dan Rooney's fiscal patience, director of football operations Kevin Colbert's eye for affordable talent and coach Bill Cowher's ability to make it work on the field.

The Steelers entered the free agency signing period this year with about $14 million remaining under the $72 million cap.

The Steelers will look to fill holes on their bench and even in their starting lineup with players who were employed by other NFL clubs in 2001.

The Steelers could try the same tactics this season as last. Even with the signing of John Fiala the team still has two linebackers lacking contracts, including Earl Holmes. The Steelers may have to look to free agency for veteran help.

In that case, how would two-time Pro Bowl inside linebacker Jeremiah Trotter look lined up next to Bell in 2002?

Buffalo's Sam Cowart, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the 2001 season opener after missing the last four games of 2000 with a high ankle sprain, is a candidate. Cowart was a Pro Bowler in 2000 and will be attractive to many teams.

The Steelers also would be smart to try to find some reasonably priced cornerbacks, especially if Deshea Townsend, their reliable dime back, leaves in free agency. That will be difficult with big names such as R.W. McQuarters of the Chicago Bears and Duane Starks of the Baltimore Ravens on the market and seeking large paydays. But would Brian Kelly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers be affordable and willing to accept a backup role?

No unit on the Steelers needs more work than special teams, and there is help available for teams willing to pay the price. The San Diego Chargers' Tim Dwight, who returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown last season and took a kickoff back all the way for the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII, could be a replacement for Steelers returners Troy Edwards and Hank Poteat.

If the Steelers are willing to replace or challenge kicker Kris Brown, veteran John Carney of New Orleans is a possibility. Denver's Jason Elam and Super Bowl hero Adam Vinatieri of the New England Patriots were named franchise players.